Program Manager, Regional Innovations

The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance (VCCC Alliance) is changing the way we tackle cancer in Victoria. Supported by funding from the Victorian Government, the alliance continues its ground-breaking work developing and implementing innovative, system-changing programs aimed at improving outcomes for patients with cancer.

We are now offering an exciting new opportunity to join our close-knit and cross-functional team as Program Manager, Regional Innovations. Aligned with current program funding, this is a full-time opportunity through to mid-2024, with a possible extension dependent on future funding. 

About the Program

Improving cancer outcomes in the regions is listed as a key component of the 2020 Victorian Cancer Plan and is also a Strategic Goal of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC Alliance). As a part of VCCC Alliance’s Strategic Program Plan (SPP2021-2024), an investment of $3.15M over 3.5 years will be made to support a program of work known as Program 7: Fast track innovations in regions with the poorest cancer outcomes. Program 7 aims to improve cancer care in the regions, with a particular focus on improving access to clinical trials and further developing regional partnerships to determine and support projects, ensuring equitable access to innovative cancer care.

About the Position

The Program Manager, Regional Innovations will be accountable for the delivery of the Regional Innovations program and the three strategic projects that underpin the program. Collectively, the aim is to develop regional partnerships and support the provision of relevant systems, education and information based on prioritised requirements, contributing to the achievement of the VCCC Alliance’s Strategic Goal: Pursue equity in access of cancer care and outcomes for all Victorians affected by cancer.

The Program Manager, Regional Innovations, in collaboration with the Head of Research, Head of Education, Manager - SKILLED Internship and Regional Advisor, Regional Projects Manager, Regional Oncology Leads and other key stakeholders, will provide strong leadership and a strategic lens to deliver and explore opportunities for national scalability of the Regional Innovations Program. 

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver the Regional Innovations Program as part of the VCCC Alliance SPP
• Manage direct and indirect reports and work with a range of key stakeholders to achieve agree program-level and project-level milestones and deliverables
• Manage and mitigate program and project risks and oversee program budgets and finances
• With the Regional Projects Manager, work closely with the Program Steering Group and members of the project Working Groups to deliver program/project milestones on time and within budget.
• Manage, guide and support program staff in the implementation of and reporting on relevant projects within the VCCC Alliance and provide program management oversight of projects based in and operationally managed by external health services and organisations.
• Support the VCCC Alliance Regional Oncology Leads (medical oncologists) to achieve the agreed goals and objectives of the program and to deliver on their strategic roadmaps.
• Work closely with Regional Cancer Centres to understand their local and broader regional requirements and expectations and establish strong regional partnerships supported by regionally based Partnership Liaison positions.
• Ensure the identified key needs in regional oncology are disseminated to other leaders across the alliance, including the VCCC Alliance Distributed Leadership, and facilitate their support/inclusion as relevant to achieve project aims.
• Contribute to and collaborate with team members of the broader Research Portfolio Team and Education Team.
• Ensure inclusion of consumers early in program development and throughout the project cycle to leverage valuable perspective and input.
• Report on and represent the Regional Innovations program in collaboration with the Regional Oncology Leads, Regional Projects Manager, the Program Steering Groups and the Heads of Research and Education.

About You

You will be a proactive and highly motivated individual, with extensive experience in project/program and stakeholder management (preferably related to cancer, regional programs and/or clinical trials) with a proven track record in establishing strong and influential working relationships with multi-disciplinary teams of researchers and clinicians. You will be comfortable in taking the initiative and exercising judgement in resolving matters as they arise and you will thrive on working in a collaborative environment, with the ability to facilitate consensus of shared purpose with steering groups and stakeholders.  As a naturally organised individual, you will have:

• Tertiary qualification (post-graduate highly desirable) in a relevant discipline such as project management, health service management, clinical care, science, research or education.
• Proven high level success and experience in program and project management, including working with and applying project management frameworks and methodologies.
• Experience in program planning and scheduling, risk management, communications, budgeting and business case development.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system and health service operations and environment.
• Understanding of the cancer care/treatment pathways and clinical trial system in Australia, with experience in and/or knowledge of clinical trial operations, governance and regulatory requirements.
• Significant experience managing collaborative relationships and groups with senior academics, clinicians and researchers and other senior stakeholders.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively liaise and engage with staff, key stakeholders and collaborative groups.
• Well-developed skills in evidence synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of evidence and data to drive program outcomes.

About the VCCC Alliance

The vision for the VCCC Alliance is to save lives through the integration of consumer-engaged cancer research, education and patient care.

Founded in the holistic principles of the internationally-recognised Comprehensive Cancer Centre model, the VCCC Alliance brings together 10 of Victoria’s leading research, academic, and clinical institutions to achieve what can only be done through state-wide collaboration. Together we will improve outcomes in cancer in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria, and forge new approaches to cancer research, education, and patient care for all.

The VCCC’s multi-site, multi-disciplinary model brings together the complementary strengths of Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne Health (including The Royal Melbourne Hospital), the University of Melbourne, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The Royal Women’s Hospital, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Western Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (including St Vincent's Institute), Austin Health (including the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and Austin Lifesciences) and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

VCCC is made up of a tight-knit team of staff who form the backbone working to facilitate the power of collective impact across the VCCC alliance and beyond.

Team Values

Better Together we connect and support to empower sustainable change

Integrity we are respectful of the cancer community and accountable for our contribution

Bold we cultivate ideas and dare to innovate

Patient-Centred we place patients with cancer at the centre of all we do

For All we champion equity of cancer care for every Victorian

Equity & Inclusion

The VCCC Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and victimisation.

The VCCC Alliance makes decisions on employment, engagement, promotion and reward on the basis of merit. We are committed to all aspects of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and to providing all staff, contractors, appointees, secondees, consumers, volunteers and partners with a safe, respectful and rewarding environment.

Contact for Enquiries

For a confidential conversation regarding the role, please contact Dr Mark Buzza, Head of Research: 0407 553 501.

Secondment: With the ongoing objective of enhancing relationships with our alliance partners, this position may be able to be arranged as a secondment within a VCCC alliance organisation. Employees within the alliance are encouraged to contact Nell Keenan, People and Development Advisor, to discuss the possibility of a suitable arrangement.

TO APPLY

For a copy of the position description and more information about VCCC Alliance, please go to our website: vcccalliance.org.au/opportunities/

Applications should consist of your CV and a covering letter outlining the key reasons for your interest in the role specifically addressing the key selection criteria in the position description on our website.

Please lodge your application via SEEK, no later than COB Monday 10 October.