POSITION OBJECTIVE

The person in this position oversees, manages and provides administrative support for the Case Disparities SPORE in the Cancer Center. The SPORE (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence) is a grant mechanism that is unique to the National Cancer Institute, and is a multi-project, multi-department and multi-institution award that is focused on collaborative, interdisciplinary translational cancer research. SPORE grants include projects and investigators across the spectrum of basic to clinical research with the ultimate goal of developing new and diverse approaches to the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of human cancers and elimination of cancer disparities. As this grant mechanism is the “cornerstone of NCI’s efforts to promote collaborative interdisciplinary translational cancer research” (http://trp.cacner.gov), it is one that requires frequent and substantive two-way communication with the NCI. The multiple principal investigators of this award and the administrative lead are expected to work closely with NCI program and administrative personnel to negotiate and manage complex issues and relationships as they arise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Oversee and manage grant related expenses. Responsible for all post award administration of these awards, including creating fiscal forecasts and monthly monitoring/understanding of expenses. (15%)
2. Oversee and direct administrative operations for the SPORE, including grant administration, monitoring of all compliance requirements and research progress, both internally to CWRU and across institutions. (15%)
3. Oversee and manage all financial components of the SPORE (15%)
4. Develop and implement strategies for communication, quality control and required reporting activities for individual projects and cores and for the overall grant. Guides individual project and core directors on requirements to be met and works closely with members of internal, external and community advisory boards to assure reports address necessary elements. (15%)  
5. Oversee and manage the production of multi-investigator and multi-institutional grant applications, reports, and advisory board materials. (15%)
6. Develop and implement mechanisms to identify promising and eligible investigators to participate in SPORE related research and develops and manages pilot project and career enhancement award solicitations, reviews, and awards for the SPORE leadership and advisory boards. (10%)
7. Works with the program directors and advisory committees to plan and implement changes in SPORE projects and activities. (5%)
8. As required by NCI program staff, direct the creation of a website and other electronic mechanisms to publicize SPORE achievements and to advertise the program widely. (5%)
9. Coordinate activities with subaward participants  (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with faculty and staff of Berger unit, members of the SPORE, Cancer Center administration and Cancer Center leadership.

University: Daily contact with Grants and Contracts and Finance Offices.

External: Frequent (weekly or more) contact with NCI and other NIH Program Offices and Specialists; collaborators and their administrative operation staff at other institutions.

Students: None

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Directs work of other staff on specific projects related to the Cancer Disparities SPORE.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years administrative/management work experience required; experience in a university or non-profit setting preferred.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree and science background preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex programs requiring inter-departmental and inter-institutional interactions.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to write and speak in public settings as well as ability to communicate with a variety of audiences.
3. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply NIH/NCI guidelines and to guide others in learning and managing complex projects.
4. Ability to understand the goals of the projects and funding and to develop the necessary operational systems to implement them.
5. Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and follow-through.
6. Demonstrated ability and experience in taking initiative and working with others in a collaborative environment.
7. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills, sound judgement and good decision-making.
8. Excellent computer skills experience, excellent mathematical skills; ability to use financial spreadsheets, accounting software, NIH application software, database packages, PeopleSoft and Oracle financial system applications.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Abilty to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Typical office environment. The employee will use computer mouse and keyboard to type.