Director of Research Administration
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, Chicago, IL, United States
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation (Foundation) is a non‑profit foundation created to enhance and expand the ability of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (Alliance) to conduct cancer clinical research and address important treatment questions through large‑scale clinical trials. Through efforts of the Foundation in support of the Alliance, clinical trials and laboratory research are conducted to discover new or improved ways to prevent, treat, and cure many types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma, and cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and help educate the medical community on methods of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (Alliance) is a clinical trials network sponsored by the National Cancer Institute that consists of approximately 10,000 cancer specialists at over 1,000‑member hospitals, medical centers, and community sites across the United States and Canada. The Alliance develops and conducts clinical trials with promising new cancer therapy and utilizes the best science to develop optimal treatment and prevention strategies for cancer, as well as research methods to alleviate the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments.
Benefits of working at the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation
8 weeks of paid time off (including PTO, sick, and holidays) during year one
Medical, Dental & Vision plans with a 100% employer‑paid option for employees
Tuition reimbursement stipends
Continuing Education
3% employer match for retirement investments
Annual Employee Performance Bonus Program
Annual Cost of Living Adjustment
50% commuter reimbursement
Healthy Work/Life balance and flexibility
Role/Responsibilities
Develop overall grant strategy, set goals, and provide leadership for staff; manage budgets, policies, and procedures
Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to execute grants that achieve the strategic and mission‑driven goals of The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation
Oversee the daily workflow for pre‑award proposal development and post‑award management, ensuring the team meets all internal and external deadlines for submissions, progress reports, and close‑outs
Develop, recommend, and implement policies and procedures related to grants management, and provide leadership for interdepartmental activities regarding the execution and administration of grants
Serve as the subject matter expert on Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants policy, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ensuring compliance with federal regulations
Manage and mentor direct reports, including Pre‑Award and Post‑Award Specialists; conduct performance evaluations, coordinate training, and delegate complex tasks
Demonstrate intellectual curiosity to learn about current grant‑making practices, industry best practices, and strategic needs to evolve the team and organizational operations
Lead decision‑making among colleagues to design and execute efficient and effective funding programs
Research, write, organize, and submit proposals to secure funding from various sources (government, foundations, corporations)
Ensure adherence to grant agreements, federal/state regulations, and internal policies; manage timely and accurate reporting to funders
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders, auditors, and internal stakeholders by answering and managing all inquiries about grant programs and specific funding opportunities
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and processes with Alliance Comptroller and finance team
Review study‑specific budgets and financial narratives for accuracy before institutional approvals; collaborate with Finance to monitor account infrastructure, reconcile expenses, and manage carry‑forward requests or no‑cost extensions
Communicate with grantees regarding grant agreements, payments, and reports
Drive a culture of data‑driven decision making when evaluating grant making and operational efficiency through the creation of reports, dashboards, and trend analysis
Lead standardization, maintenance, and improvement of grants policies and procedures, and documentation while implementing and enhancing systems for efficient grant workflows, data collection, and reporting
Perform all other related job functions as assigned
Qualification and Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree (Business, Public Administration, Education, Finance, Organizational Leadership); Master’s preferred
10+ years of experience directing/managing grant programs for nonprofit organizations; or 20+ years of equivalent experience in research administrative field in the absence of degree requirements
7+ years of prior experience developing and operationalizing grant administration policies and procedures
7+ years of prior supervisory, managerial, or project management experience and proven ability to lead, plan, and manage teams and complex projects
Thorough knowledge of grant management program services and budgets as well as all applicable federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and guidelines related to grants administration
Considerable knowledge of grant writing and application processes
Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and grant accounting principles
Ability to analyze financial and other statistical data, identify issues, develop effective solutions, and drive strategic decision‑making
Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills to convey complex information clearly
Strong listening skills, with the ability to synthesize feedback and information from various stakeholders
Proactive approach to improving processes and achieving organizational goals
Skilled in managing other professionals and providing leadership and coaching
Ability to evaluate and prioritize multiple assignments efficiently and timely
Meticulous in tracking, documenting, and ensuring compliance
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The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (Alliance) is a clinical trials network sponsored by the National Cancer Institute that consists of approximately 10,000 cancer specialists at over 1,000‑member hospitals, medical centers, and community sites across the United States and Canada. The Alliance develops and conducts clinical trials with promising new cancer therapy and utilizes the best science to develop optimal treatment and prevention strategies for cancer, as well as research methods to alleviate the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments.
Benefits of working at the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation
8 weeks of paid time off (including PTO, sick, and holidays) during year one
Medical, Dental & Vision plans with a 100% employer‑paid option for employees
Tuition reimbursement stipends
Continuing Education
3% employer match for retirement investments
Annual Employee Performance Bonus Program
Annual Cost of Living Adjustment
50% commuter reimbursement
Healthy Work/Life balance and flexibility
Role/Responsibilities
Develop overall grant strategy, set goals, and provide leadership for staff; manage budgets, policies, and procedures
Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to execute grants that achieve the strategic and mission‑driven goals of The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation
Oversee the daily workflow for pre‑award proposal development and post‑award management, ensuring the team meets all internal and external deadlines for submissions, progress reports, and close‑outs
Develop, recommend, and implement policies and procedures related to grants management, and provide leadership for interdepartmental activities regarding the execution and administration of grants
Serve as the subject matter expert on Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants policy, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ensuring compliance with federal regulations
Manage and mentor direct reports, including Pre‑Award and Post‑Award Specialists; conduct performance evaluations, coordinate training, and delegate complex tasks
Demonstrate intellectual curiosity to learn about current grant‑making practices, industry best practices, and strategic needs to evolve the team and organizational operations
Lead decision‑making among colleagues to design and execute efficient and effective funding programs
Research, write, organize, and submit proposals to secure funding from various sources (government, foundations, corporations)
Ensure adherence to grant agreements, federal/state regulations, and internal policies; manage timely and accurate reporting to funders
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders, auditors, and internal stakeholders by answering and managing all inquiries about grant programs and specific funding opportunities
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and processes with Alliance Comptroller and finance team
Review study‑specific budgets and financial narratives for accuracy before institutional approvals; collaborate with Finance to monitor account infrastructure, reconcile expenses, and manage carry‑forward requests or no‑cost extensions
Communicate with grantees regarding grant agreements, payments, and reports
Drive a culture of data‑driven decision making when evaluating grant making and operational efficiency through the creation of reports, dashboards, and trend analysis
Lead standardization, maintenance, and improvement of grants policies and procedures, and documentation while implementing and enhancing systems for efficient grant workflows, data collection, and reporting
Perform all other related job functions as assigned
Qualification and Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree (Business, Public Administration, Education, Finance, Organizational Leadership); Master’s preferred
10+ years of experience directing/managing grant programs for nonprofit organizations; or 20+ years of equivalent experience in research administrative field in the absence of degree requirements
7+ years of prior experience developing and operationalizing grant administration policies and procedures
7+ years of prior supervisory, managerial, or project management experience and proven ability to lead, plan, and manage teams and complex projects
Thorough knowledge of grant management program services and budgets as well as all applicable federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and guidelines related to grants administration
Considerable knowledge of grant writing and application processes
Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and grant accounting principles
Ability to analyze financial and other statistical data, identify issues, develop effective solutions, and drive strategic decision‑making
Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills to convey complex information clearly
Strong listening skills, with the ability to synthesize feedback and information from various stakeholders
Proactive approach to improving processes and achieving organizational goals
Skilled in managing other professionals and providing leadership and coaching
Ability to evaluate and prioritize multiple assignments efficiently and timely
Meticulous in tracking, documenting, and ensuring compliance
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