Program Director – Vanderbilt Center for Transplant Science

Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Nashville, TN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Program Director for the Vanderbilt Center for Transplant Science (VCTS), you will provide visionary administrative leadership to drive the programmatic and financial success of the Center. This pivotal role encompasses overseeing general operations, human resources, financial management, and strategic initiatives to ensure the Center’s continued excellence in research, education, and innovation. You will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve the Center’s mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in program management, administration, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leadership in operational and financial management.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible managerial and leadership experience, preferably in an academic medicine environment, is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the VCTS, ensuring alignment with programmatic and institutional goals.
• Provide strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to support the Center’s growth and sustainability.
• Supervise human resource functions, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans, identifying opportunities for program growth and improvement.
• Serve as the primary liaison between VCTS, the Section of Surgical Sciences, and other institutional departments.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate risks to ensure operational stability and effectiveness.
• Financial management of Center activity (sponsored programs, operating budget, gifts, endowments)
• Hiring, training, and development of center staff
• Research administration (regulatory compliance, reporting to sponsor, milestone completion)
• Communications and Engagement
• Space planning operations
• Event planning and programmatic activities (Center educational series, visiting faculty, works in progress, symposia, center-supported conferences)
• Supporting the data management and data science group
• Supporting the recruitment of new faculty
• Provide administrative oversight and strategic direction for the VCTS’s signature initiatives
• Oversee pilot grants funded through these two initiatives and monitor study budgets.
• Develop and release requests for proposals and guide the proposal review process for both programs.
• Responsible for building productive collaborative relationships within the VUMC community.
• Work with the VUMC’s marketing to elevate the national profile of the VCTS.
• Provide direction and guidance for the VCTS communications and engagement strategies including, but not limited to, the annual report, the VCTS website, social and traditional media, local community advocacy, and partnership with national advocacy organizations.
• Support efforts to engage with potential donors in partnership with VUMC Development.
• Provide support for VCTS Advisory Board Meetings and other Center-wide events as needed.
• Oversee research operations, financial and grants management; ensure effective utilization of materials, staff and financial resources
• Partner with VCTS Director and Departmental Leadership to establish strategic priorities and implementation plans; provide leadership and execute operational tactics to ensure center initiatives are appropriate and accomplished in a timely manner
• Hire, supervise, and regularly meet with research staff to manage performance and workload and troubleshoot issues related to the conduct of research
• Develop strategic direction and guide all activities of VCTS
• Work closely with the director to lead the development and execution Center-supported events such as symposia and conferences
• Build and strengthen relationships internally and externally to ensure appropriate collaboration and consensus on research initiatives
• Oversee communications and engagement initiatives including the VCTS website, traditional and social media, and community advocacy with the goal of raising that national profile of the Center
• Center website and sharepoint updates
• Convene Internal and External Advisory Boards to discuss progress and strategic goals, set priorities, and report key programmatic and financial metrics
• Prepare materials for and meet with potential donors in collaboration with development and the Faculty Director

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees