Executive Director, Cell Therapy Institute

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public. The Executive Director serves as the lead administrator for all initiatives associated with the Cell Therapy Institute (CTI). Oversees business-related activities including financial, personnel, research operations and laboratory management, leveraging existing institutional resources such as Research Strategy and Operations team. Implements operational changes for significant transformation in research at the direction of the CTI VP. KEY FUNCTIONS: Organizational Effectiveness • Develop an appropriate infrastructure to support the effective operations of the CTI, in coordination with Research Strategy & Operations and all other Chief Scientific Officer teams. Capitalize on efficiencies gained by using established structures and resources. • Develop, coordinate, prepare and implement project plans to support CTI initiatives designed to improve operations and administrative functions. Monitor progress and take corrective actions as appropriate. • In coordination with the CTI and CSO leadership teams, and with the input of other stakeholders such as institutional scientific advisory boards, develop and implement strategies, policies and procedures designed to promote and carry out the goals, objectives, mission and vision of the Institute. • Establish, monitor and adhere to project timelines. Establish new resources required for successful implementation of initiatives and monitor results to ensure goals are met. • Ensure advisory boards are established, and that regular advisory board meetings are periodically held, and manage interactions in accordance with established processes. • Coordinates recruitment activities for the Cell Therapy Institute, and periodically conduct calls for proposal for research projects and/or solicit applications for funding. Resource Management • Together with Institute Leadership, the CSO office teams and advisory boards, develop multi-year growth plans for the Institute. • Assist with the day-to-day operations of the CTI including topics related to finance, budgeting, contract negotiation, legal, audit and compliance, liaising with other MD Anderson resources as necessary. • Manage the physical resources available to the Institute including space management and inventory control. • Assist CTI leadership with the assignment or reallocation of laboratory space and manage lab renovation projects as needed. Oversee facilities requests and submit FARs as required. • Serve as property officer for the Institute ensuring compliance with all rules and regulations. • Develop and implement mechanisms to ensure adequate controls are in place to safeguard institutional resources. • Maintain corporate records and all information including contracts, management agreements, vendor agreements, etc. Human Resources Management • Using established recruitment processes, oversee activities of recruitment of all Institute members (faculty, staff, trainees, etc.) and collaborators. • Develop staffing models and productivity measures to ensure the effective use of human resources. • Together with HR business partner and other support structures, manage the human resources activities of the Institute including, but not limited to, compensation administration, position description development, new staff orientation and training, employee relations management and performance management. • Oversee visa processing for Institute members, as needed. • Serve as a liaison to Institute member's home departments to ensure effective communication and collaboration. • Leads the development of structured on-boarding and off-boarding procedures with related standard operating procedures documentation. • Ensure the existence of on-going training and development programs for all Institute members. • Develop and implement human resource recognition and retention strategies. • Supervise administrative, financial, and other support staff within the Institute. • Ensure compliance with all institutional training and other requirements (e.g., EEE, ELPT, performance evaluation compliance, faculty appraisals, etc.). Financial Management • Serve as primary signatory for assigned Institute funding. • Direct annual budgeting and planning process in collaboration with the Institute directors and CSO Office including Strategic Research Finance. • Prepare, justify, administer, and monitor budgets for Institute in accordance with institutional guidelines and strategic plans. • Provides a high-level financial judgment and technical expertise, creativity as well as organizational abilities to support CTI leadership with critical analysis for business planning endeavors, decision making processes and general business financial information needs. • Ensures internal controls are in place to satisfy institutional and funding agencies regulations. • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations. • Ensure timely and accurate forecasting and expense and income tracking for all funding sources. • Implements and maintains financial reporting procedures that provide monthly status and variance reports by member and for CTI overall. • Oversees solving of high-complexity problems requiring collaborative efforts from multiple institutional administrative units to define and develop new processes and enhanced efficiencies for all aspects of CTI finances. • Consult with leaders and coordinate fundraising activities with Development. • Serve as CTI expert on institutional and state guidelines including those which address purchasing, check requests, petty cash, travel, etc. • Serve as CTI expert on all institutional and departmental financial systems to monitor financial activity. • Provide required budgetary and financial reports and analyses as requested. Resolve issues as they arise. • Consistently monitor monthly balances and reconcile accounts. Provide reports to CSO leadership team as needed. • Set timetables to ensure that all accounting functions are completed according to established deadlines. • Implement strong internal controls to safeguard institutional resources. • Develop and ensure accuracy of grant proposals and contractual agreements. • Manage the Institute capital equipment plan and budget. • Attend Audit and Finance meetings to present financial reports. EDUCATION: Required: Master's in Biomedical Research or Business/Healthcare Administration Preferred: PhD in Biomedical Research and Master's in Business/Healthcare Administration or related EXPERIENCE: Required: Five to ten years of biomedical research, research administration, or related experience in cell therapy and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory setting and a minimum of five years in administrative leadership capacity Preferred: Experience in research administration Salary range is $212,500 - $250,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html Additional Information Requisition ID: 171187 Employment Status: Full-Time Employee Status: Regular Work Week: Days Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 0 Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 0 Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 0 FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay Fund Type: Hard Work Location: Onsite Pivotal Position: No Referral Bonus Available?: No Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes Science Jobs: No LI-Onsite