Advertising Summary: The successful candidate will have
prior experience in an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, academic
medical center, or major research institution in addition to
knowledge of NCI Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) and
NCI-designation requirements. They must demonstrate an ability to
work collaboratively across departments and engage a variety of
internal and external stakeholders - within both VCU and the VCU
Health System - to align strategic initiatives with Massey’s
long-term objectives.
Benefits : All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
Benefits : All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
- Continuing education for undergraduate and graduate tuition for a maximum of 6 credits per semester;
Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Mission: To reduce the state cancer burden for all Virginians by addressing the confluence between biological, social, and policy drivers through high-impact, cutting-edge research; person-centered care across the continuum, from prevention through survivorship; community integration; and training the next generation of community-centric researchers and healthcare professionals
Vision: To be a premier community-focused cancer center leading the nation in cancer health equity research and ensuring optimal health outcomes for all
About Virginia Commonwealth University
We are the university for Virginia. We know that the unique backgrounds and life experiences of the VCU community are what drive the university forward. Together, we’re forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to reimagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow.
VCU dates to 1838 with the formation of the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, whose mission was to educate physicians in central Virginia and which was later renamed Medical College of Virginia. In 1968, Richmond Professional Institute merged with the Medical College of Virginia to become what is now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.
Located in downtown Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, VCU enrolls more than 28,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate programs across its urban campuses: the downtown Monroe Park and MCV campuses in Richmond; the Rice Rivers Center in Charles City, Virginia; satellite locations in Fairfax, Virginia, and Abingdon, Virginia; and a campus in Doha, Qatar, for the School of the Arts.
Ignited by the energy of the city, we’re ready to lead industries — or disrupt them. We seek out the unexpected, the experimental, the never-been-tried. VCU is designated as a research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, garnering more than $500 million in sponsored research from federal and other agencies in FY2024. The National Science Foundation ranked VCU among the top 50 public research universities in the country, and we are one of only 69 public universities nationwide to be designated by the Carnegie Foundation as “Community Engaged” with “Very High Research Activity.”
This research enterprise, and the influence of having one of the nation’s top-ranked public graduate arts schools, ensures students receive unique educational experiences that equip them with a creative mindset that sets them apart.
VCU’s contributions in talent, innovation and entrepreneurialism, regional stewardship and local culture shape the economic impact and overall quality of life in the region. VCU as a whole generates more than $9 billion in economic activity. It is the largest employer in Richmond with more than 26,000 employees at VCU and VCU Health, and it supports approximately 58,000 jobs in Virginia . In addition, Virginia classifies VCU with a Tier III status — the highest possible status for universities and colleges — allowing VCU more flexibility in managing its operations to implement best practices and streamline processes. To learn about VCU’s finances, visit about.finance.vcu.edu.
VCU’s mission drives us to remain dedicated to the success and well-being of our students, patients, faculty, staff and community.
Welcome to VCU. A world unlike any other.
Unit: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Ctr MBU
Department: Massey Central Admin
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Senior Director of Executive Operations will function as the Chief of Staff and will directly support the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leaders. This role serves as a key strategic and operational leader who oversees a team of staff leaders to advance the organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The Senior Director will provide strategic guidance and lead the development of processes to drive operational excellence, enhancing the center’s capacity to fulfill its mission of advancing cancer research, treatment, and community outreach.
The successful candidate will have prior experience in an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, academic medical center, or major research institution in addition to knowledge of NCI Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) and NCI-designation requirements. They must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage a variety of internal and external stakeholders - within both VCU and the VCU Health System - to align strategic initiatives with Massey’s long-term objectives. Preferred candidates will possess extensive experience in executive administration, leadership, and process improvement, with a keen understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare and/or cancer center management.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership and Oversight
- Act as the Chief of Staff - Will serve as the Senior Director of Executive Operations for the Cancer Center, providing day-to-day support and strategic counsel to the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leadership.
- Lead the coordination and execution of executive priorities and institutional initiatives.
- Develop and maintain systems to monitor organizational goals, strategic plans, and key performance indicators.
- Prepare executive briefings, presentations, dashboards, reports, and decision-support materials.
- Ensure timely follow-through and accountability on executive action items and strategic commitments.
- Plan, develop and execute leadership retreats, strategic planning sessions, and executive meetings.
- Oversee and manage the operations of the Executive Operations team, ensuring efficient execution of objectives and alignment with the center’s goals.
- Provide Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) regular updates on the development and progress of the Executive Operations team.
- Supervise the Executive Administrator, Executive Program Manager, and other leadership staff ensuring the effective management of administrative functions, financial oversight, and policy development for operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with directors on operational planning, budget management, process improvement, and resource optimization to meet strategic objectives.
- Oversee high-level project management initiatives, acting as a central liaison for internal departments and external partners to coordinate and streamline operations.
- Oversee the scheduling staff to handle travel arrangements, committee activities, and critical event logistics, ensuring optimal resource allocation and the development of scheduling strategies that balance immediate demands with long-term commitments, optimizing the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leaders’ availability for impactful engagements.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director, Marketing, Communications & PR to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that elevate Massey’s visibility and align with institutional priorities.
- Support the Cancer Center Director’s public image through media engagement, reputation management, and crisis communication protocols.
- Collaborate on content strategy, digital media management, and public relations to promote the center’s achievements and enhance community outreach and engagement.
- Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, community organizations, and advisory board members, fostering partnerships that support Massey’s mission.
- Represent the Cancer Center Director’s office as a primary liaison with various committees, councils, and partner organizations, enhancing collaboration and alignment of strategic initiatives.
- Facilitate community outreach efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director, Marketing, Communications & PR and Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement to enhance Massey’s presence in local and national communities.
- Oversee the Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives to develop, implement and monitor strategic activities and events aligned with the priorities and vision of the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leaders.
- Oversee special projects as assigned by the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leaders, ensuring timely execution and alignment with organizational goals.
- Monitor the progress of key initiatives and ensure follow-through on priorities identified.
- Provide project updates and briefings to the Cancer Center Director and other senior leadership as needed.
- Oversee the Director of the Office of Cancer Health Policy and Education to advance the education of internal and external stakeholders on cancer health policy.
- Develop and maintain executive dashboards and organizational performance metrics.
- Collaborate with the Associated Director of Administration/Chief Administrative Offices to analyze operational, research, financial, and workforce data to support executive decision-making.
- Produce recurring reports and performance summaries for leadership and governing bodies.
- Identify trends, opportunities, and areas for operational improvement.
- Support annual planning and budgeting processes.
- Assist in evaluating organizational investments, resource allocation strategies, and business opportunities.
- Collaborate with finance leadership to monitor operational and strategic initiative budgets.
- Develop business cases and operational analyses related to growth initiatives.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing executive team and other senior staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Provide guidance and professional development opportunities to executives and other senior staff
- Regularly assess and improve team workflows and performance to meet evolving organizational needs.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required and or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in healthcare, academic medicine, research administration, higher education, or related complex organizations.
- Demonstrated experience supporting executive leaders and managing organizational initiatives, including the handling of sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Experience with strategic planning, project management, and organizational performance improvement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with experience in executive communications.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on proactive solutions.
- Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and familiarity with scheduling and communication software.
- Possessing a high emotional intelligence level and adapting communication styles to connect effectively and efficiently with a wide range of personalities
- This position requires occasional travel (up to 25%) and the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Health Administration (MHA), or related field preferred.
- 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in healthcare, academic medicine, research administration, higher education, or related complex organizations.
- Previous experience in an NCI-designated cancer center or similar healthcare organization.
- Knowledge of National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) and NCI-designation requirements
- Demonstrated success in developing community and stakeholder partnerships.
- Experience developing executive dashboards, performance metrics, and strategic reports
Please let us know if you were referred by a current Massey employee to ensure we honor our commitment to the Employee Referral Program.
VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran’s period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!
Salary Range: Starting at $150,000 - Commensurate with Experience
Benefits : All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Hours per Week: 40
Restricted Position: No
ORP Eligible: Yes
Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid
University Job Title: 19414Y - Sr Director Administration 1
Contact Information
Contact Name: Massey HR
Contact Email: MasseyHR@vcu.edu
