Research Operations Manager - Cancer Institute

Penn State University • Tallahassee, FL

1d

About The Position

The PSCI Research Operations Manager provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for a high-impact, multidisciplinary research institute; is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, financial health, compliance, infrastructure, and long-term planning of the institute; ensures that research activities align with the university's mission; supports faculty and research staff; and drives innovation and collaboration across academic and external partners.

Requirements

• Knowledge of cancer prevention, chronic diseases, public health, and understating of issues related to access to care (from the community and among health systems) for rural and underserved populations
• Ability to work in a collaborative, cooperative culture, in the field and within program teams
• Ability to facilitate small and large group meetings in-person and virtually
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work simultaneously on multiple initiatives, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and innovation competencies
• Demonstrate flexibility with timelines and work schedule
• Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and an understanding of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to establish effective, trusting working relationships with all stakeholders
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly proactive and flexible
• Knowledge and proficiency in all major software applications
• Bachelor's Degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• 5 to 7 years of public health program implementation preferred
• Experience working with interdisciplinary research teams and agency and community stakeholders preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage the staff of the institute's operations, including strategic planning, resource management, and organizational development
• Drive the alignment of the day-to-day admin operation to meet the Cancer Institute’s goals
• Design and implement new administrative initiatives to enhance the research portfolio of the Cancer Institute
• Implement continuous process improvements in administrative systems, workflows, and service delivery
• Supervise administrative and operational staff
• Provide leadership, mentorship and training to ensure high team performance and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement
• Manage large-scale cross-functional projects across departments and ensure timely execution, stakeholder coordination, and outcome evaluation
• Monitor the progress of strategic initiatives and research programs for the Cancer Institute by utilizing data analytics and performance metrics to inform decision-making and drive evidence-based improvements
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that support research excellence, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance
• Collaborate with Human Resources to oversee staffing strategies, workforce planning, performance management, and professional development
• Coordinate with the Procurement Operations Lead to develop and evaluate request for proposals, support vendor selection, facilitate contract negotiations, and oversee purchasing approval processes
• Cultivate partnerships to expand the institute’s research portfolio, identify new funding opportunities, and enhance the visibility of the institute’s work
• Support communications and outreach efforts, including conferences, symposia, marketing and communications
• Work with senior leadership to benchmark operational performance for Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSG) application and develop metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate programmatic success

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

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