Associate Director, Salk Cancer Center

The Associate Director for Salk’s Cancer Center reports and provides direct support to the Salk Cancer Center (CC) Director as a high-level advisor. This position will be a key member of the Salk CC’s executive leadership team and is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives and objectives of the Salk CC. Working closely with the CC Director, the Associate Director for Administration (AD Admin) will serve as the lead administrative officer responsible for coordinating and managing CC-related activities, including the NCI P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). Grant-writing and managerial skills are two critical aspects of this position. Daily interactions with other staff in the CC and across the organization are significant components of the position. This position ensures alignment between the CC and Salk Institute operations and formally represents the CC to the NCI.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• In alliance with the Salk CC Director, develop, promote, and execute an integrated strategic plan and scientific vision to enhance program productivity and scientific collaborations.
• Direct and manage all aspects of the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG).
• Manage CC activities: oversee/manage monthly CC leadership and quarterly research program meetings (agendas and slides), weekly/monthly seminar series, special cancer-related symposia.
• Coordinate with institutional leaders and CC leadership to co-manage shared resources, education outreach, diversity efforts, and grant management.
• Responsible for the administrative infrastructure, preparation, submission, and management of the NCI CCSG and assist the Salk CC Director with scientific and technical writing for the CCSG Research Plan and related submissions, including non-competing continuation and renewal submissions. Lead and direct activities and team members to deliver on requirements and key deliverables of the CCSG submissions.
• Plan and direct the NCI CCSG site visit. As part of the CCSG evaluation, facilitates the preparation of the briefing material for the site visitors.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison to the NCI Office of Cancer Centers for all Salk CC CCSG functions.
• Coordinate CCSG Programs, aiding Program Leaders in program development, structure, and membership. Lead regular meetings among Salk CC leadership/members to communicate administrative and scientific developments. Partner with Institute leaders in support of cancer center goals and initiatives.
• Serve as the CCSG liaison with CC Program Leaders, faculty, institutional officials in Research Administration, Grants, Events, and Research Accounting to provide comprehensive management and budgetary monitoring for all aspects of the CCSG.
• Provide financial oversight, analysis, and planning for the CCSG-supported shared resources as a member of the Shared Resource Management team. Direct the preparation of the annual CCSG budgets in consultation with the CCSG PI and Shared Resource Management team.
• Initiate and nurture critical partnerships throughout the Salk CC research enterprise and with external stakeholders. Enhance inter-institutional interactions and corporate engagement.
• Collaborate with the Salk Institute Grants office to provide expertise and assistance in developing successful multi-investigator, large-scale grant submissions that are critical to the mission of the CC (e.g., P01s, T32s, U54s, P30 supplements, etc.). Identify