Associate Vice President, Pedi Oncology

Overview

The Associate Vice President, Pediatric Oncology provides senior strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the Department of Pediatric Oncology in support of clinical care, research, education, and departmental operations across Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and key partner relationships, including Boston Children’s Hospital. Reporting to the Department Chair, Pediatric Oncology and the DFCI Senior Vice President for Research Administration, this role leads complex cross-functional and inter-institutional initiatives in a highly matrixed academic medical environment. The position partners with senior leadership, faculty, physicians, nurses, scientists, and administrative leaders to align priorities, strengthen operational effectiveness, and support achievement of shared programmatic goals. The role is responsible for stewardship of financial, human, and space resources and for advancing departmental priorities in accordance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and the mission of Dana-Farber.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic and administrative leadership for the Department of Pediatric Oncology, translating departmental and institutional priorities into operational plans, measurable goals, and implementation strategies that support clinical care, research, and education.
• Partners with the Department Chair and departmental leadership to develop and advance strategic initiatives, evaluate emerging opportunities, and address complex operational, organizational, and business issues affecting the department and its partner relationships.
• Serves as a senior liaison between Dana-Farber and Boston Children’s Hospital, fostering effective collaboration, alignment, and shared accountability across institutions, disciplines, and stakeholder groups.
• Oversees departmental financial and administrative operations, including operating budgets, philanthropic funds, sponsored research administration, financial forecasting, reporting, and proactive identification and resolution of budgetary or operational risks.
• Leads development, negotiation, implementation, and renewal of financial and operational agreements and supports governance processes, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, business objectives, and applicable compliance requirements.
• Directs departmental administration related to personnel, faculty affairs, space planning, and operational infrastructure, including support for faculty recruitment, appointments, promotions, fellowship program administration, and accreditation-related activities.
• Establishes and advances process improvement, policy development, and performance management efforts to improve quality, efficiency, service, and regulatory alignment across departmental operations.
• Manages a large team directly and through managers. Hires, develops, and manages staff to achieve organizational goals. Sets clear expectations, delivers feedback, and monitors performance for quality, efficiency, and compliance with policies and procedures. Mentors staff, fosters career growth, and cultivates a positive and productive work environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of healthcare administration, academic medical center operations, and research administration in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Strong understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and stewardship of operating, philanthropic, and sponsored research funds.
• Knowledge of grants administration, research funding structures, and contracts or agreements relevant to academic and clinical partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale strategic initiatives and operational improvements across multiple departments, disciplines, and institutions.
• Strong understanding of faculty affairs processes, including recruitment, appointments, promotions, and academic administrative support.
• Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational workflows that support quality, efficiency, and compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, facilitation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive multi-party environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess risk, interpret data, identify trends, and recommend practical solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level communications, presentations, and business materials for a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, influence senior leaders, and achieve results in a collaborative environment without sole direct authority.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to changing circumstances, and lead through ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated strength in developing and mentoring individuals and teams.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Healthcare or Business Administration. Master's degree preferred.
• Ten (10) years of experience in clinical administration, research administration, project management, business planning and/or implementation in a healthcare and/or research environment required.
• Ten (10) years of management/leadership experience required.
• Experience in a hospital or academic medical setting preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Manages a team of 40+ professional and support staff.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).