The Program Manager, Scientific Awards plays a key role in advancing faculty recognition and enhancing the national and international visibility of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Reporting to the Director, Scientific Awards & Applications, this position leads the strategic and operational management of scientific award nominations, from opportunity identification and candidate selection to nomination development and submission.
The ideal candidate is an engaged, highly organized professional who excels at managing complex projects, developing compelling nomination materials, building relationships with faculty and external organizations, and driving award recognition strategies that enhance the visibility and reputation of MD Anderson's scientific and clinical leaders. They should be comfortable balancing data, research, writing, and stakeholder management while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and meeting critical deadlines.
Key Responsibilities:
Scientific Awards Strategy & Program Management:
* Identify, assess, and prioritize prestigious scientific, medical, and oncology award opportunities aligned with institutional goals.
* Partner with faculty, leadership, and administrative stakeholders to develop nomination strategies that maximize competitiveness and success.
* Manage all aspects of the scientific awards program, including timelines, workflows, processes, and stakeholder communications.
* Coordinate activities supporting faculty recognition initiatives and institutional awards committees.
* Build relationships with internal and external nominators, professional societies, and scientific leaders to strengthen nomination efforts.
Nomination Development & Faculty Support:
* Lead the preparation and coordination of high-quality award nominations and supporting materials.
* Draft, edit, and refine nomination letters, citation statements, biosketches, and other submission documents.
* Collaborate closely with faculty members, institutional leaders, and nominators to gather information and craft compelling nomination packages.
* Ensure submissions meet all eligibility requirements, guidelines, and deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Research, Analytics & Reporting:
* Conduct research on scientific awards, selection criteria, recipient trends, and recognition opportunities.
* Analyze faculty achievements, including publications, research funding, leadership roles, honors, service contributions, and scholarly impact metrics.
* Develop reports and insights that support candidate identification, nomination tracking, program evaluation, and strategic decision-making.
* Monitor and communicate program outcomes, trends, and opportunities to institutional leadership.
Database & Systems Management:
* Maintain the scientific awards management database and associated reporting tools.
* Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and accessibility through routine updates and quality assurance activities.
* Develop dashboards, reports, and analytics that support candidate selection, nomination management, and program performance assessment.
Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's Degree
Preferred: Master's Degree
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Five years related experience to include three years program management. With Master's, three years experience. May substitute required education degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one to one basis.
Preferred: Experience managing scientific awards, faculty recognition programs, or other complex academic/research initiatives. Experience evaluating candidate qualifications and developing competitive nomination packages, including drafting, editing, and coordinating support letters and related materials. Experience supporting clinical and/or research faculty, with the ability to understand scientific accomplishments and effectively partner with faculty and institutional leadership. Strong research, analytical, and data management skills, including data entry, data manipulation, candidate assessment, and tracking program outcomes. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and high-volume deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Experience building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, professional organizations, and other high-profile individuals. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific or academic writing experience.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
