Program Manager, Cancer Innovation

At the American Cancer Society, we're leading the fight for a world without cancer. Our employees and 1.5 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds including communities of color, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and people with disabilities. The greater the diversity of our people, the better we can serve our communities.

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

The Program Manager, Cancer Innovation will manage the implementation of key programs, projects, and activities within our newly launched Cancer Innovation & Transformation Business Unit. Reporting to the Director, Cancer Innovation & Transformation, and collaborating with internal and external partners, the Program Manager will support all phases of planning, execution, and evaluation for innovation initiatives. The role involves providing thought leadership, facilitating the ongoing management and growth of cancer innovation programs, and fostering collaborations across the organization. Programs may include health technology / digital health development, healthcare provider education, clinical trials access for patients, palliative care partnerships, and joint efforts with external organizations.

* This is a remote position, with primary working hours within the Central or Eastern time zones*

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Director, Cancer Innovation & Transformation, in coordinating, facilitating, and offering thought leadership on various programs from inception to long-term growth.

• Provide creative and strategic input into team programs and potential opportunities for innovation.

• Assist with planning, tracking, communicating, and reporting on project activities, ensuring cross-functional collaboration.

• Utilize digital project management tools efficiently to facilitate projects and programs.

• Manage project development, including creating detailed project plans, defining scope, assessing risks, and ensuring effective communication and task completion.

• Identify and address barriers to project success, with particular emphasis on aligning internal team member collaborators.

• Manage inquiries and contacts from various stakeholders, work groups, and vendors.

• Facilitate decision-making as appropriate, acting as a liaison between parties and resolving misalignment and differing perspectives to maintain program focus and cohesion.

• Oversee reporting and data analysis processes to align insights with program goals and support informed decision-making.

• Provide timely updates on project status, budget coordination, schedules, and contract deadlines.

• Develop, implement, and manage budget plans.

• Coordinate and support meetings and calls, including scheduling, note-taking, and distributing information to support the Director and SVP.

• Work with staff and project teams to ensure clear communication and coordination on all activities.

• Perform other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE 

Educational Background

• Master’s degree in public health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), or related healthcare field (MS, MA) preferred; or

• Bachelor’s degree (BS, BA) with demonstrated experience in project or program management in healthcare or innovation.

Program & Project Management Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in program management, project leadership, or related roles.

Cancer Care Delivery Experience

• Preferred experience working with the cancer care delivery community or within cancer care delivery settings.

Health Technology & Patient Experience

• Preferred experience in the development, evaluation, or implementation of health technology / digital health tools that enhance the patient experience.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING OR KNOWLEDGE

• Motivated, self-starter with leadership skills who works well independently.

• Comfortable working with accomplished professionals and high-level national volunteers.

• Strong writer; solid presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to work in coalitions and in high-level collaborations.

• Demonstrated success in meeting and conference call facilitation.

• Demonstrated ability to align stakeholders.

• Demonstrated success in utilizing digital solutions for project management.

• Ability to successfully track and manage details, while adhering to agreed upon timelines.

• Demonstrated resourcefulness and creative mindset.

• Creative, outside of the box thinking welcomed.

• Experience with coordinating and facilitating both in-person and interactive online meetings using a variety of digital solutions.

• Desire to be an active virtual team member.

• Commitment to and ability to advocate for the Mission and Goals of the American Cancer Society.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

• Action oriented - Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

• Balances stakeholders - Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders.

• Builds networks - Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

• Collaborates - Builds partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

• Drives results - Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.

• Drives vision and purpose - Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.

• Ensures accountability - Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

• Plans and aligns - Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

• Situational adaptability - Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

Demonstrates ACS Leadership Competencies:

• People-First Mindset - Demonstrates genuine care of ACS’s people by providing meaningful work, offering opportunities for professional development, and valuing work-life balance of team members.

•  Organizational Savvy - Demonstrates clear understanding of organizational culture and effectively navigates through complex company dynamics, championing organization initiatives.

• Decision Making - Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

• Business Knowledge - Applying business knowledge and industry best practices to advance the organization’s goals and inform data-driven decision making.

•  Leadership Courage - Stepping up to address tough organizational issues and demonstrating conviction and courage to do what’s right.

• Strategic Mindset - Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into break through strategies.  

  

SPECIAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to travel occasionally by car and airplane.

• Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Must be able to manage priorities and complete tasks by agreed-upon deadlines.

• Must be able to effectively work with multiple stakeholders simultaneously.

• Must be able to pay attention to details while simultaneously maintaining focus on long-term goals.

The starting rate is $69,000 to $85,000. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

The American Cancer Society has adopted a vaccination policy that requires all staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except where prohibited by state law).

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.