Senior Director of Executive Operations

Job no:
Work type: Executive and Senior Leadership, Staff
Location: MCV Main Campus
Categories: General Administration

Advertising Summary: The successful candidate will have prior experience in an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, academic medical center, or major research institution in addition to knowledge of NCI Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) and NCI-designation requirements. They must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage a variety of internal and external stakeholders - within both VCU and the VCU Health System - to align strategic initiatives with Massey's long-term objectives.

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

• Continuing education for undergraduate and graduate tuition for a maximum of 6 credits per semester;
• Professional development opportunities encouraged and offered for employees as part of annual career development, e.g. certifications, seminars, courses, annual conferences, mentorship;
• 28 Vacation Days, 12+ State Holidays, and 4 Days to volunteer;
• Medical, Dental and Vision Health Benefits to meet the needs of employees and their eligible family members from the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as optional FSA;
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and other retirement saving options;
• Parental and Caregiver Leave, Short Term Disability (STD), Disability Insurance, Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program.

Unit: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Ctr MBU

Department: Massey Central Admin

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Senior Director of Executive Operations will function as the Chief of Staff and will directly support the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leaders. This role serves as a key strategic and operational leader who oversees a team of staff leaders to advance the organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The Senior Director will provide strategic guidance and lead the development of processes to drive operational excellence, enhancing the center's capacity to fulfill its mission of advancing cancer research, treatment, and community outreach.

The successful candidate will have prior experience in an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, academic medical center, or major research institution in addition to knowledge of NCI Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) and NCI-designation requirements. They must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage a variety of internal and external stakeholders - within both VCU and the VCU Health System - to align strategic initiatives with Massey's long-term objectives. Preferred candidates will possess extensive experience in executive administration, leadership, and process improvement, with a keen understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare and/or cancer center management.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

• Act as the Chief of Staff - Will serve as the Senior Director of Executive Operations for the Cancer Center, providing day-to-day support and strategic counsel to the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leadership.
• Lead the coordination and execution of executive priorities and institutional initiatives.
• Develop and maintain systems to monitor organizational goals, strategic plans, and key performance indicators.
• Prepare executive briefings, presentations, dashboards, reports, and decision-support materials.
• Ensure timely follow-through and accountability on executive action items and strategic commitments.
• Plan, develop and execute leadership retreats, strategic planning sessions, and executive meetings.
• Oversee and manage the operations of the Executive Operations team, ensuring efficient execution of objectives and alignment with the center's goals.
• Provide Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) regular updates on the development and progress of the Executive Operations team.

Executive Operations Management

• Supervise the Executive Administrator, Executive Program Manager, and other leadership staff ensuring the effective management of administrative functions, financial oversight, and policy development for operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with directors on operational planning, budget management, process improvement, and resource optimization to meet strategic objectives.
• Oversee high-level project management initiatives, acting as a central liaison for internal departments and external partners to coordinate and streamline operations.
• Oversee the scheduling staff to handle travel arrangements, committee activities, and critical event logistics, ensuring optimal resource allocation and the development of scheduling strategies that balance immediate demands with long-term commitments, optimizing the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leaders' availability for impactful engagements.

Communications Strategy and Brand Management

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Marketing, Communications & PR to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that elevate Massey's visibility and align with institutional priorities.
• Support the Cancer Center Director's public image through media engagement, reputation management, and crisis communication protocols.
• Collaborate on content strategy, digital media management, and public relations to promote the center's achievements and enhance community outreach and engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, community organizations, and advisory board members, fostering partnerships that support Massey's mission.
• Represent the Cancer Center Director's office as a primary liaison with various committees, councils, and partner organizations, enhancing collaboration and alignment of strategic initiatives.
• Facilitate community outreach efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director, Marketing, Communications & PR and Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement to enhance Massey's presence in local and national communities.

Strategic Initiatives Project Management and Strategic Planning

• Oversee the Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives to develop, implement and monitor strategic activities and events aligned with the priorities and vision of the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leaders.
• Oversee special projects as assigned by the Cancer Center Director and Sr. Leaders, ensuring timely execution and alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor the progress of key initiatives and ensure follow-through on priorities identified.
• Provide project updates and briefings to the Cancer Center Director and other senior leadership as needed.
• Oversee the Director of the Office of Cancer Health Policy and Education to advance the education of internal and external stakeholders on cancer health policy.

Performance Management and Analytics

• Develop and maintain executive dashboards and organizational performance metrics.
• Collaborate with the Associated Director of Administration/Chief Administrative Offices to analyze operational, research, financial, and workforce data to support executive decision-making.
• Produce recurring reports and performance summaries for leadership and governing bodies.
• Identify trends, opportunities, and areas for operational improvement.

Administrative and Financial Leadership

• Support annual planning and budgeting processes.
• Assist in evaluating organizational investments, resource allocation strategies, and business opportunities.
• Collaborate with finance leadership to monitor operational and strategic initiative budgets.
• Develop business cases and operational analyses related to growth initiatives.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing executive team and other senior staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Provide guidance and professional development opportunities to executives and other senior staff
• Regularly assess and improve team workflows and performance to meet evolving organizational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required and or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in healthcare, academic medicine, research administration, higher education, or related complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting executive leaders and managing organizational initiatives, including the handling of sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with strategic planning, project management, and organizational performance improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with experience in executive communications.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on proactive solutions.
• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and familiarity with scheduling and communication software.
• Possessing a high emotional intelligence level and adapting communication styles to connect effectively and efficiently with a wide range of personalities
• This position requires occasional travel (up to 25%) and the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Health Administration (MHA), or related field preferred.
• 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in healthcare, aca