Associate Director, Scientific Programs

The Associate Director, Scientific Programs will support the Director of Scientific Programs by providing scientific expertise and input into the development of AACR scientific and strategic programs and initiatives.  In addition, the Associate Director will also be responsible for managing the workflow of the department’s projects by developing and implementing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for the AACR Annual Meeting and other meetings and special programs that are under the purview of the Director.  Reporting to the Director, the Associate Director will be responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the department. Under the leadership of the Director, the Associate Director will manage key aspects related to the planning and execution of the AACR Annual Meeting, which is the largest and most prestigious multidisciplinary cancer research meeting in the world.

This position requires sustained interactions with the CEO, other AACR officers, and leading cancer researchers who are serving on program committees to develop the programmatic goals and objectives, outcomes, and deliverables for scientific programs. The position also requires ongoing collaborations with internal staff across multiple departments (marketing, fundraising, publishing, finance, meeting logistics, CME, etc.) to successfully execute the scientific programs according to AACR’s high standards. 

• Maintain a working knowledge of cancer research and related sciences and keep abreast of the latest developments in the cancer field
• Recommend to the Director and CEO and implement new scientific initiatives in support of AACR’s mission and strategic plan
• Support the Director in overall strategic planning and functional administration of those aspects of the department that are under the purview of the Director
• Manage the development and implementation of a variety of scientific programs, meetings, and other scientific initiatives working in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, especially the AACR Annual Meeting
• Manage the event data workflow for the AACR Annual Meeting, including the electronic submission, review, scheduling, and publication of meeting abstracts and invited speaker presentations
• Work with internal team members to develop and communicate program-specific information to a variety of different scientific audiences
• Work collaboratively with internal team members to develop, maintain, and execute project plans
• Work collaboratively with internal team members to develop and maintain standard operating procedures for departmental functions

• Advanced scientific degree with expertise in basic, translational, and/or clinical cancer research (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) with a strong background in translational science
• Peer-reviewed publications in the cancer field a plus
• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant research experience at the postdoctoral level or beyond
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant administrative or project management experience, preferably in the non-profit sector
• Knowledge of project management a plus
• Excellent leadership skills
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to simultaneously manage multiple diverse workflows
• Experience in managing direct reports
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; proficiency in Access or equivalent database management systems a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in scientific writing or grant writing preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with large teams of internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to travel 15% per year

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and salary expectations.

Equal Opportunity Employer