Director of the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center

About the role

The Director of the CU Cancer Center provides overarching strategic, scientific, and operational leadership for Colorado's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The position carries responsibility for advancing the Center's multifaceted mission to discover, develop, and deliver tomorrow's innovative cancer treatments while expanding prevention, early detection, and survivorship efforts across Colorado and the region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic vision for the University of Colorado Cancer Center to reduce the burden of cancer for all Coloradans and beyond.
• Promote innovation and collaboration across interdisciplinary research programs that span discovery, translation and population research and its faculty members.
• Serve as a visible, influential leader regionally and nationally, representing the CU Cancer Center within NCI, AACI, NCCN, ASCO, AACR, and other key organizations.
• Provide strategic oversight for all Cancer Center research programs and shared resource cores.
• Foster cross-disciplinary, team-based science that bridges laboratory, clinical, and population-based research.
• Mentor program leaders and faculty to sustain strong extramural funding portfolios and impactful scholarship.
• Lead continuous preparation for NCI CCSG renewal and external reviews.
• Foster productive collaborative partnerships with UCHealth, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health, and the Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center.
• Ensure the seamless integration of research discoveries into patient care through investigator-initiated trials and precision oncology programs.
• Expand equitable access to cancer prevention and treatment across Colorado and the region.
• Oversee all administrative, financial, and operational components of the Cancer Center.
• Manage senior leadership and governance structures, including internal committees and the External Advisory Board.
• Ensure compliance with NCI Cancer Centers Program requirements and University, state and federal policies.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding cancer researchers, clinicians, educators, and staff.
• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive environment that supports career advancement for all individuals.
• Lead initiatives to reduce cancer burden across the CU Cancer Center’s catchment area through prevention, early detection, and outreach.
• Partner with communities, advocacy organizations, and public health agencies to address disparities in cancer outcomes.
• Advance cancer education and mentorship for medical students, residents, fellows, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Support training grants and programs that prepare future oncology leaders.
• Collaborate with the CU Anschutz Office of Advancement to expand philanthropic investment in research and clinical programs.
• Engage with donors, foundations, and industry partners to build support for strategic initiatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence across all areas of the Cancer Center.

Qualifications

• M.D., Ph.D., D.O., or M.D./Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a cancer-related field.
• National reputation for excellence in cancer research as a physician-scientist and/or cancer researcher.
• Demonstrated success in attracting, recruiting, and developing world-class scientific and clinical leaders and successful experience in team building, strategy setting, and advancing scientific goals.
• Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Professor (tenure-eligible) in the School of Medicine.
• Proven record of securing extramural research funding and managing complex, multidisciplinary programs.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following document(s): A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position, Curriculum vitae / Resume, and Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers. Questions should be directed to: Mark Couch at Mark.Couch@cuanschutz.edu.