Program Assistant

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with more than 58,000 members residing in 141 countries, is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advances in all areas of high-quality, innovative cancer research.  Its mission is to prevent and cure all cancers.  The programs and activities of the AACR foster the exchange of new knowledge among scientists and physicians in cancer research as well as in related sciences.  The AACR publishes ten peer-reviewed scientific journals and an award-winning magazine for cancer patients and their loved ones; convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 22,500 participants; offers educational workshops that train young investigators in a variety of scientific and clinical areas; funds research fellowships, career development awards, and research grants for both senior and junior investigators; raises public awareness of the progress in the biology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer; engages actively in advocacy for increased federal research funding and other national policies that accelerate progress against cancer; and interacts with regulatory agencies to support regulatory science and policy.

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Program Assistant to join our Research and Grants Administration team. The ideal candidate will assist applicants with inquiries regarding their applications, generate necessary data reports, and collaborate with scientific review committees to facilitate the review process, including scheduling calls and providing support. Additionally, this role involves liaising with grantees to ensure timely progress reports and addressing other grant-related matters.  In addition to core administrative duties, the Program Assistant will assist the department with special projects and events, including but not limited to, the AACR Annual Meeting and the Annual Grantee Summit, as needed. 

• Provides comprehensive administrative and project management support to the Research and Grants Administration (RGA) director, scientific administrators, and program administrators.
• Prepares templates for grant application materials and grant agreements.
• Manages grant applications and post-award reports through online grants management system
• Collects and records relevant grant application data.
• Assists in coordinating internal and external meetings, conferences, specific projects, etc.
• Assists with meeting preparations and mailings to grant recipients, donor organizations, chairpersons of committees, and other VIPs.
• Assists in maintaining RGA databases and filing/tracking systems.
• All other duties as assigned.

• BA/BS degree with 1+ years of administrative experience or 4+ years of previous administrative experience in lieu of BA/BS degree
• Experience in a grant’s administrative role at a non-profit organization preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both within a team and independently
• Basic knowledge of computer applications including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Adobe, and Zoom
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and follow through on multiple projects
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, and appearance.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgement in interactions with applicants, committee members, grantees, and VIPs.
• Ability to adapt and respond in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to complete local and/or national travel preferred.