Department Director - Data Science

The Director, Administration and Operations, is a mission-driven leader and trusted advisor to the Chair of the Department of Data Science at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In this pivotal role, the Director provides comprehensive oversight of all administrative, financial, operational, and compliance functions, ensuring the department’s infrastructure empowers faculty, staff, and trainees to advance scientific discovery and innovation in cancer research.

Serving as a visible partner to departmental, institutional, and external stakeholders, the Director plays a vital role in shaping and implementing strategic initiatives, driving operational excellence, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture. The Director leads and mentors a diverse administrative team, facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, and proactively addresses challenges to ensure the Department of Data Science remains at the forefront of research and discovery.

The Director is responsible for managing complex financial operations, supporting grant and research administration, and championing process improvement and best practices that promote efficiency and sustainability. This role oversees space planning, event coordination, and asset management, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations and a welcoming environment for all department members.

Reporting directly to the Department Chair with a dotted line into Research Leadership, the Director serves as a primary liaison to Dana-Farber’s leadership and external partners, helping to achieve the strategic objectives of both the department and the Institute. The Director’s work directly supports the department’s mission to accelerate data-driven solutions in cancer research and improve patient outcomes, offering a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact within one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.

We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow’s physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Coordinate with the Department Chair on departmental and research/hospital leadership on institutional matters impacting research staff or faculty.

Responsible for the following primary functions:

Finance:

• Authorization and Oversight:
  Exercise signing authority within the management hierarchy and ensure fiscal management aligns with donor intent and institutional policies.
• Fund Management:
  Oversee various funding sources, including research grants and clinical trials, ensuring effective management and compliance with guidelines.
• Deficit Oversight:
  Monitor fund/program deficits and prepare reports for departmental leadership.
• Business Planning:
  Develop business plans for specific funding lines and initiatives.
• Donor Relations:
  Collaborate with Philanthropy and Special Funds staff to manage donor relationships and ensure proper fund stewardship.
• Financial Reporting:
  Work with Finance to prepare departmental profit and loss reports for leadership review.
• Budget Management:
  Prepare and monitor departmental budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Staff Training:
  Train administrative staff to provide financial consultation and produce financial…