Program Director – Vanderbilt Center for Transplant Science

Vanderbilt Center for Transplant Science (VCTS)

About Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, VUMC is a community dedicated to advancing health and wellness through patient care, education, and research. We foster an environment where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged, ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive.

Organization

Section of Surgical Sciences

Job Summary

Position Overview

The Program Director for the Vanderbilt Center for Transplant Science (VCTS) provides visionary administrative leadership to ensure the programmatic and financial success of the Center. This role involves overseeing general operations, human resources, financial management, and strategic initiatives to maintain the Center's excellence in research, education, and innovation. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is key to achieving the Center's mission.

Key Duties and Tasks

• Oversee and manage daily VCTS operations, aligning with programmatic and institutional goals.
• Provide strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for Center growth and sustainability.
• Supervise human resource functions, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management, promoting a collaborative and excellent work culture.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans to identify opportunities for program growth and improvement.
• Serve as the primary liaison between VCTS, the Section of Surgical Sciences, and other institutional departments.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate risks to ensure operational stability and effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in program management, administration, or a related field.
• Proven leadership in operational and financial management.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, standard daytime business hours.
• Hybrid work arrangement: part-time remote and part-time on-site at 2525 West End Ave., Nashville, TN.

Department Summary

For nearly 100 years, Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Section of Surgical Sciences has been dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, advancing surgical practice through research, and educating future healthcare providers. The Section comprises eight Departments and nine Divisions, with over 240 clinical and research faculty, 118 residents, and 19 fellows. Learn more at https://www.vumc.org/surgical-sciences/vanderbilt-tradition-excellence.

General Operations

• Financial management of Center activities (sponsored programs, operating budget, gifts, endowments).
• Staff hiring, training, and development.
• Research administration (regulatory compliance, sponsor reporting, milestone completion).
• Communications and Engagement.
• Space planning.
• Event planning and programmatic activities (educational series, visiting faculty, works in progress, symposia, conferences).
• Support for the data management and data science group.
• Support for new faculty recruitment.

The Program Director will provide administrative oversight and strategic direction for the VCTS's signature initiatives, including pilot grants and study budgets. In collaboration with the VCTS Director, they will develop and release requests for proposals and guide the proposal review process.

This role involves building productive collaborative relationships within the VUMC community and working with VUMC's marketing to elevate the national profile of the VCTS. Responsibilities include directing communications and engagement strategies (annual report, website, social media, community advocacy, partnerships) and supporting donor engagement efforts.

As a member of the VCTS leadership team, the Program Director will support VCTS Advisory Board Meetings and other Center-wide events. This position reports to Dr. Peter Reese, the VCTS's Director. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible managerial and leadership experience, preferably in an academic medicine environment, is required.

Responsibilities/Duties Include:

• Oversee research operations, financial and grants management; ensure effective utilization of materials, staff, and financial resources.
• Partner with the VCTS Director and Departmental Leadership to establish strategic priorities and implementation plans; provide leadership and execute operational tactics to ensure center initiatives are accomplished in a timely manner.
• Hire, supervise, and regularly meet with research staff to manage performance, workload, and troubleshoot research-related issues.
• Develop strategic direction and guide all VCTS activities.
• Lead the development and execution of Center-supported events such as symposia and conferences in close collaboration with the Director.
• Build and strengthen internal and external relationships to ensure collaboration and consensus on research initiatives.
• Oversee communications and engagement initiatives, including the VCTS website, traditional and social media, and community advocacy, to raise the national profile of the Center.
• Manage Center website and SharePoint updates.
• Convene Internal and External Advisory Boards to discuss progress, strategic goals, set priorities, and report key programmatic and financial metrics.
• Prepare materials for and meet with potential donors in collaboration with development and the Faculty Director.

Our professional administrative functions encompass critical supporting roles in information technology and informatics, finance, administration, legal and community affairs, human resources, communications and marketing, development, and facilities.

At our growing health system, we support each other and encourage excellence. High-achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth, comprehensive benefits, and a strong sense of community and purpose.

Core Accountabilities

• Organizational Impact: Delivers projects/assignments with a direct impact on unit/department goals.
• Problem Solving/Complexity: Conducts extensive analysis to resolve complex issues, potentially involving others.
• Breadth of Knowledge: Possesses in-depth knowledge in a professional area and working knowledge of other areas.
• Team Interaction: May lead mid-sized projects; coaches and guides team members.

Core Capabilities

• Supporting Colleagues: Develops self and others; builds and maintains relationships; communicates effectively.
• Delivering Excellent Service: Serves others with compassion; solves complex problems; offers meaningful advice and support.
• Ensuring High Quality: Performs excellent work; ensures continuous improvement; fulfills safety and regulatory requirements.
• Managing Resources Effectively: Demonstrates accountability; stewards organizational resources; makes data-driven decisions.
• Fostering Innovation: Generates new ideas; applies technology; adapts to change.

Position Qualifications

• Experience Level: 7 years
• Education: Bachelor's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.