Program Administrator at Break Through Cancer

About Break Through Cancer

Break Through Cancer (BTC), established in 2021, is a pioneering foundation founded through a collaboration between several leading institutions including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, MIT’s Koch Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The organization empowers researchers and physicians to accelerate progress against some of the deadliest cancers, such as glioblastoma, acute myelogenous leukemia, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer, by fostering radical collaboration and integrating preclinical and clinical research efforts.

Role Overview

The Program Administrator will provide vital administrative and logistical support to the Science team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This role is based in Cambridge, MA, and requires onsite presence 3-4 days per week. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset to streamline operations within a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused on cutting-edge cancer research.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage administrative tasks for the Science team, including calendar coordination for senior executives, meeting preparation, drafting and editing correspondence, and ensuring follow-up on action items.
• Organize and facilitate scientific governance meetings and committees, handling scheduling, agenda creation, attendee communication, material preparation, note-taking, and tracking follow-up actions.
• Maintain and update Salesforce records for grant management, ensuring accuracy, generating reports, and collaborating with internal teams to monitor grant progress.
• Assist with logistics and scheduling for scientific workshops, investigator meetings, and pre-award planning activities related to TeamLab initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams such as Development, Finance, Events, and Communications to support the planning and execution of both virtual and in-person meetings and events.
• Provide assistance in organizing the annual Break Through Cancer Summit, coordinating with researchers, partners, and guests to encourage collaboration within the BTC community.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support Science team operations.

Candidate Qualifications

• A minimum of four years of relevant administrative experience or equivalent in program administration.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs, prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and approach challenges proactively.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with careful attention to detail and accuracy.
• Capable of working autonomously and collaboratively, managing confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Proficiency in Mac OS, Microsoft Office Suite (including MS Teams), Slack, and Adobe Suite; willingness to learn new applications as required.
• Prior experience with Salesforce is highly desirable.
• Adaptable to ambiguity with a strong interest in advancing cancer research.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Break Through Cancer is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment on any legally protected grounds. The organization fosters a respectful and fair workplace, emphasizing professional development and inclusion.