EVP, Finance & Administration

About IALRThe Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. The mission will be accomplished through applied research, advanced learning, economic development, advanced manufacturing, and conference services. Driving Economic Transformation is at the heart of everything we do at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. We discover breakthroughs, create opportunity, grow innovation, power progress, and host greatness. Each of our divisions plays a critical role in daily preserving and delivering this mission.

About the RoleThe Executive Vice President (EVP) for Finance and Administration is a pivotal member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping the organization’s financial strategy, administrative infrastructure, and operational excellence. This role provides visionary leadership to ensure fiscal integrity, optimize enterprise processes, and drive strategic initiatives that advance organizational growth and sustainability. The EVP oversees critical functions—including Finance, Grants & Contracts, Institutional Advancement, and Process Improvement—and serves as a trusted advisor to the President and Board on matters of financial health, risk management, and resource allocation.
 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Define and execute a comprehensive financial and administrative strategy aligned with organizational goals.
  • Advise the President and executive team on financial performance, risk mitigation, and strategic investments.
    Champion enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance efficiency, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
• Enterprise Oversight
  • Direct financial planning, compliance, and investment strategies to ensure fiscal strength.
  • Provide executive oversight for grants and contracts, institutional advancement, and process improvement functions.
    Implement systems and structures that support operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Governance & Compliance
  • Maintain rigorous internal controls and ensure adherence to regulatory and fiduciary standards.
  • Deliver clear, actionable reporting and insights to the Board of Directors and senior stakeholders.
• Leadership & Culture
  • Inspire and develop high-performing teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
  • Promote a culture of transparency, partnership, and shared success across all departments.

Work LocationWe are looking for staff to work onsite in Danville, VA.   

The Ideal Candidate

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field; CPA or equivalent credential preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of senior leadership experience in finance, administration, or enterprise operations
• Preferred qualifications include demonstrated oversight of manufacturing ERP platforms and experience navigating financial governance, compliance, or audit expectations within quasi‑governmental or public‑sector–adjacent organizations.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Expertise in managing multi-million-dollar budgets, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
• Demonstrated success in leading diverse teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems; experience with system implementation or optimization preferred.
•  Background in complex, mission-driven, government, nonprofit, or higher education environments strongly preferred.

Salary & BenefitsIALR will offer a salary of commensurate with experience plus applicable shift differential. IALR offers unique career opportunities in an innovative environment, all to support the economic transformation of Southern Virginia. Eligible employees are afforded excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage with lower-than-expected costs and participate in the Virginia Retirement System to save for their future.

How to ApplyApply online at www.ialr.org/employment. Interviews will begin as qualified applicants are identified.

IALR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact hr@ialr.org. Requests will be kept confidential and handled in accordance with applicable laws.