The UVM Cancer Center‘s education and outreach coordinator will lead Vermont’s state-wide cancer coalition. The ideal candidate builds relationships, works independently, is a strong facilitator of mission-driven committees, and values coalition building. Through member management and recruitment, meeting planning, and reporting on the coalition’s progress to measurable goals in the Vermont Cancer Plan, this person will be the go-to resource for organizations and individuals passionate about reducing the cancer burden and bridging health disparities in Vermont.
Additionally, our new colleague will be an active member of the UVM Cancer Center’s education and training program. Working closely and collaboratively with the Associate Director for Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC), the coordinator will implement and support learning opportunities within the Cancer Center membership and across the University.
Addressing health disparities is an area of focus for the UVM Cancer Center. Through our research, clinical care, education and community outreach initiatives we are using data to define inequities, outreach to build relationships that inform collaborative community-based interventions, and view education as a way to increase the cultural competence of current and future providers.
The University of Vermont Cancer Center also aspires to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. The NCI recently provided clear expectations about the role of DEI in research and clinical cancer centers, which serves as a roadmap for best practice. At the UVM Cancer Center, we are focusing on recruiting and retaining BIPOC staff, faculty, and working to create a culture of belonging for our members. We have also formed a community advisory board with membership from identity-based advocacy groups and rural communities to guide the work of the UVM Cancer Center going forward.