Leadership Advancement Program

AACI invites cancer center directors to nominate 2026 and past AACI Leadership Development Workshop (LDW) participants for a new educational program building on the knowledge and skills introduced during the workshop. This year-long program expands on the LDW curriculum, providing a deeper understanding of the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) and how cancer center leaders interact with the grant.

Note: Program content will reflect the guidance and requirements outlined in National Cancer Institute (NCI) CCSG Notices of Funding Opportunity issued in 2027 and thereafter, ensuring training aligned with the most current CCSG expectations.

Price:

The cost for the yearlong program is $2500/person. This includes four virtual sessions, and registration to the 19th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, 2027 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting and the 2027 AACI Leadership Development Workshop. Travel expenses are not included in the tuition price.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the purpose, structure, and key components of the NCI CCSG
  • Explain how cancer center leaders support the successful administration of a CCSG-funded cancer center
  • Apply best practices in leadership, strategic planning, clinical research infrastructure, and shared resource management to strengthen cancer center operations
  • Build a network of peers and leaders to foster collaboration and professional development across AACI cancer centers

Eligibility:

  • Attend the 2026 or attended a past AACI LDW
  • Must be emerging leaders at an AACI cancer center who have a demonstrated interest in leadership development and currently serve in, or are preparing for, leadership roles such as cancer center director (within two years of appointment), deputy director, assistant or associate director, program leader, or assistant, associate, or full professor.
  • Demonstrates a track record of leadership and a desire for career evolution within the cancer center leadership structure
  • Commit to attending required virtual sessions and in-person meetings as described in Participant Expectations

Application Timeline:

Application Opens: Monday August 10
Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 30
Review Period: Thursday, October 1 -  Friday, October 16
Notification of Acceptance: Friday, October 23
Workshop Begins: Friday, January 15

Application Requirements:

  • Completed online application form
  • Submission of NIH Biosketch that includes a personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in the program, professional development goals, and area(s) of leadership interest (e.g., executive leadership, clinical research, etc.)
  • Letter of recommendation from the cancer center director or their designee confirming institutional support for the applicant's full participation in the program and highlighting the applicant's professional accomplishments, leadership potential, career trajectory, and career goals

Participant Expectations:

  • Attend and actively engage in at least three of the four virtual sessions (details below)
  • Complete required pre-session preparation and post-session assignments to reinforce learning and apply key concepts
  • Participate in both 2027 AACI conferences: the 19th Annual AACI CRI Meeting (June 28-30; can participate in-person or virtually) and the 2027 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting (Fall 2027)
  • Complete a capstone project for presentation at the 2027 Leadership Development Workshop

Benefits of the Program:

  • Cancer center leadership training
  • Networking with peers and cancer center leaders
  • Complimentary registration for the 19th Annual AACI CRI Meeting and the 2027 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting
  • Certificate of completion and recognition as an AACI Leadership Advancement Program Graduate, with inclusion in an alumni network that receives invitations to future networking events, leadership discussions, and mentorship opportunities

Workshop Schedule and Topic Overview (subject to change):

Friday, January 15, 2027 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm eastern time

Proposed Topic(s): History and Fundamentals of the Cancer Center Support Grant and Introduction to Essential Characteristics with focus on Organization, Leadership & Planning

Friday, March 19, 2027 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm eastern time

Proposed Topic(s): Transdisciplinary Collaboration and Coordination and Institutional Capacity

Friday, May 14, 2027 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm eastern time

Proposed Topic(s): Center Director and Center’s Administration

June 28-30, 2027 | 19th Annual AACI CRI Meeting | In person or Virtual

Proposed In Person Topics: Research Programs; Clinical Trials and Best Practices for Cancer Human Studies

Friday, August 20, 2027 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm eastern time

Proposed Topics: Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC); Community Outreach and Engagement (COE); Shared Resource Management/Shared Resources

Fall 2027 | AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting/LDW | In Person

Proposed Topic: Site-specific Strategic Plan Development