Executive Director, The McKay Institute

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology’s mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description:

The Executive Director provides strategic guidance and senior advisory support for The McKay Institute of Tennessee Oncology, an innovation hub dedicated to advancing cancer care and patient-centered solutions. This role drives the Institute’s mission to accelerate innovation across the practice through partnerships, programs, and transformative initiatives that improve patient outcomes and expand the impact of Tennessee Oncology in the marketplace.

The Executive Director serves as the primary leader, ecosystem builder, and external ambassador for the Institute—cultivating collaborations among clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and community stakeholders.

This role supports the Institute’s mission by shaping innovation strategy, advising on partnerships and programs, and helping identify transformative initiatives that improve patient outcomes and expand the impact of Tennessee Oncology in the marketplace.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and initiate a multi-year strategic roadmap aligned with Tennessee Oncology’s mission and the long-term goals of The McKay Institute.
• Identify emerging trends in oncology, healthcare technology, and innovation to guide program direction and investment.
• Establish performance metrics and reporting frameworks to measure the Institute’s impact on patient care, research advancement, and operational excellence.
• Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement.

Program Development & Innovation Initiatives

• Design and oversee programs such as innovation labs, pilot projects, clinical workflow accelerators, conferences, and partnerships that enhance cancer care.
• Support the development and evaluation of new technologies, care models, and initiatives that improve the patient and provider experience.
• Collaborate closely with clinicians and operational leaders to identify gaps and opportunities for innovation within Tennessee Oncology.

Partnerships & Ecosystem Building

• Build and strengthen relationships with academic institutions, life sciences companies, health-tech startups, investors, nonprofit partners, and government agencies.
• Represent The McKay Institute in national innovation forums, conferences, and coalitions.
• Serve as a connector between Tennessee Oncology and the broader innovation ecosystem to foster collaboration and shared learning.

Operations & Financial Management

• Develop diversified funding strategies, including grants, philanthropic support, partnerships, and earned-revenue programs.
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, organizational policies, and industry standards.
• Implement effective governance structures, advisory committees, and stakeholder engagement processes.

Communications

• Collaborate with Tennessee Oncology Marketing to amplify success stories, thought leadership, and key initiatives.
• Partner to build The McKay Institute’s identity as a leader in cancer innovation both regionally and nationally.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strategic thinking and long-range planning
• Healthcare innovation and systems thinking
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
• Operational excellence
• Change leadership
• Equity, patient-centeredness, and compassion-driven leadership

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, business, innovation, public health, science, or a related field.
• Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, MS, or equivalent).
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare innovation, oncology, research, ent