The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), a leader in cancer care, transdisciplinary research, and education, seeks a bold, visionary, and collaborative Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) for a well-established program poised for significant growth. Applicants should have a strong reputation in cancer health disparities and community engaged research, as evidenced by a track record of external funding and peer- reviewed publications. Academic rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Associate Director is expected to work collaboratively with community partners and facilitate catchment-relevant research across the scientific programs. The Associate Director will report directly to the Cancer Center Director and will work closely with Cancer Center leadership to address the needs of our catchment area.
The AD of COE will lead collaborative efforts with community and academic partners to facilitate research across the scientific programs to address the cancer burden within the CCC catchment area (CA), with a particular focus on cancers that disproportionately impact the diverse and traditionally underserved and under-resourced populations. The AD for COE provides strategic oversight to the Office of Cancer Health Equity (OCHE) at Wake Forest (Winston-Salem) and the Disparities and Outreach Program at Levine Cancer Institute (Charlotte) which facilitate COE activities and serve as resources for CCC members. COE related activities led by the AD include to: (1) continuously monitor, describe, and disseminate information on the cancer burden and disparities in the catchment area; (2) disseminate evidence-based cancer control interventions to impact the burden of cancer in the CA; (3) facilitate and support community-engaged research and diverse and inclusive clinical trial participation; and (4) promote policy and advocacy directed at advancing cancer health equity. The Associate Director is expected to work collaboratively with community partners and integrate community-engaged research across the scientific programs and campuses.
The Associate Director will report directly to Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP Cancer Center Executive Director, and serve as a key member of the center’s Senior Leadership. Qualified candidates will hold an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D., and must possess academic credentials that qualify them for academic appointment as an Associate or Full Professor.
While no single candidate will likely have all the ideal qualifications, candidates should possess many of the following qualifications and characteristics:
- Demonstrated academic record consistent with the level of Associate Professor or Professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
- Record of cancer focused research and funding consistent with eligibility for CCC membership.
- Experience successfully leading diverse teams at large, complex organizations.
- Proven ability to provide visionary strategic leadership; ability to attract a strong team, guide the implementation of a strategic plan, establish metrics, measure progress, and adapt as necessary as the organization and culture evolve.
- Ability to cultivate and shape a shared vision; gain credibility with students, faculty, staff, and administrators; and a commitment to working collaboratively with other senior executives.
- Outstanding command of the elements and dynamics of changing organizational culture, and the commitment to see the change through to completion; the passion, patience, and ability necessary to build a successful plan for the design, implementation, assessment, and evolution of key milestones over time.
- Ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including university leaders, leaders of the health system, public officials, and community groups, and form impactful coalitions, collaborations, and partnerships.
- Ability to be a community collaborator and a convener working with judiciousness and diplomacy; the capacity to build bridges and foster consensus.
- Disciplined, data-oriented, analytical skills that can translate data into strategy, action plans, and evaluation.
- Record of leading large, complex, results-oriented projects, working in a matrixed environment, and handling multiple, and changing priorities simultaneously.
- Extensive knowledge in the field of health equity and community engagement, including an understanding of the complex histories, expressions, and needs of different identities and communities, social justice, cultural humility, intersectionality, and how social determinants of health influence the health outcomes of communities.
- Ability and willingness to approach tasks with a spirit of collaboration in order to problem-solve with colleagues and partners with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting with faculty, administrators, staff, and other team members.
- Embodiment of the CCC mission, vision, and values.
Applicants should send a current CV and letter of introduction to Abby Walsh at abby@grantcooper.com.
