Executive Director, VA Research Foundation

Company: Iowa City VA Health Care System
Location: Iowa City
Posted on: September 5, 2020

Job Description:

The Iowa City VA Research Foundation (ICVARF) Board of Directors is seeking qualified candidates for the following role:

• Executive Director ICVARF is seeking an Executive Director with a proven track record of success in leading an organization to achieve short and long-term fiscal, programmatic, and operational goals and objectives established by the Board of Directors. Roles and Responsibilities: Executive Director The Executive Director is responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with VA administrators, other governmental and university officials, research scientists (M.D. and Ph.D.), donors and the public. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills. An advanced degree or 5+ years of executive level management experience is preferred. Prior experience in a not-for-profit organization working closely with government and academic medical institutions and an understanding of OMB A-122 accounting principles is highly desirable. Willing to learn how to prepare and manage grant applications to federal and private institutions. Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience. All replies will be treated confidentially. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The ED is responsible for overall management and day to day operation of ICVARF. Further, the ED:
  • Develops proposals to the Board of Directors (BOD) for short- and long-term ICVARF goals and objectives.
  • Engages BOD member(s) as needed to ensure internal controls in the performance of accounting functions including those necessary for bookkeeping, auditing, budgeting, financial analysis, capital asset and property management and payroll in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; BOD and VA policies, and other applicable rules and regulations.
  • In regard to matters affecting ICVARF, interacts with personnel of other organizations including the Iowa City VAMC, the University of Iowa, the National Association of Veterans Research and Education Foundations; other VA-affiliated nonprofits; and research sponsors.
  • Through BOD-approved ICVARF activities, supports the research and education missions of the Iowa City VAMC.
  • Is responsible for research and education grants and contracts negotiation and management; coordinates with legal advisors to finalize terms; monitors progress of agreement through legal and compliance (IRB, IACUC, R&D Committee, etc.,) reviews and approvals; and maintains agreement documentation to ensure fulfillment of agreement terms including receipt and expenditure of funds.
  • Executes authorized bonds, contracts or other instruments in the corporate name.
  • Develops policies for ICVARF management for BOD review and approval; develops procedures for day-to-day operations.
  • Assists ICVARF investigators in identifying funding opportunities and communicates with ICVARF PI members regarding these resources; meets with newly recruited VAMC personnel with research and education interests to apprise them of ICVARF resources and services; subject to BOD approval and in coordination with BOD members, coordinates fundraising efforts.
  • Works closely with investigators and their staff members to ensure they are provided with appropriate support and responsive, quality service in the areas of grant preparation, grant submissions, project accounting, human resources, purchasing and related administrative functions.
  • Analyzes and evaluates vendor services, particularly for insurance, employee benefits and management of ICVARF funds, to determine programs and providers that best meet the needs of ICVARF and makes recommendations to the BOD, as appropriate; negotiates services, terms and premiums and executes contracts with benefit plan providers, supply and service vendors, auditors and consultants; manages payroll and benefits programs. This position is a part-time position. Hours range in average between 16-20 hours per week with increased workload during preparation and participation in external and oversight audits. Increased workload will also arise at various times in conjunction with grant negation and administration needs and activity. Pay is commensurate with experience. Requirements:
    • Strong financial background: 75% of the position is financial/accounting related (financial structure, budget negotiations, monitoring cashflow)
      • QuickBooks Pro Accounting Software - prefer proficiency
      • Ability to conceptually understand challenging accounting concepts, for example, deferred grant receivable and grant revenue accrual concepts and the financial impact
      • Strong Communication skills: Comfortable addressing potentially problematic situations with vendors, clients, sponsors, directors, peers, researchers
      • Proactive: pursuing information versus waiting until the information become available. This requires reaching out to ask questions and finding answers.
      • Willing to learn tasks at all levels (administrative to board reporting)
      • Familiar or willing to learn contractual compliance and concepts
      • Familiar or willing to learn VA/Government policies
      • Ability to quickly understand various and several different means of electronic communications (Wide Area Network, Grants.gov, Ebrap, SAMS.gov)
      • Ability to understand risks and outcomes when decision making Education and/or Experience An undergraduate degree is required and the attainment of an advanced degree or research administrator certification is preferred. The ED must possess the above skills, knowledge and qualities which may result from formal education or at least five years experience in business, non-profit operational and financial management, or related areas. The ED must possess knowledge or be willing to learn the principles and techniques of research grant administration, contract administration and negotiation, and nonprofit fiscal and organizational management. About The Iowa City VA Research Foundation ICVARF is a private non-profit research and education corporation. The ICVARF focuses on funding projects dedicated to improving, preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases and disabilities. The Foundation exists to ensure the medical conditions that disproportionately affect the veteran population are addressed.
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Keywords: Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City , Executive Director, VA Research Foundation, Accounting, Auditing , Iowa City, Iowa