Executive Director

IOWA CITY VA MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Iowa City VA Medical Center Telephone (319)-339-7151

601 Hwy 6 West (151) FAX (319)-339-7162

Iowa City, IA 52246

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Executive Director

Reports To: Iowa City VA Research Foundation (ICVARF) Board of Directors

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary

The Iowa City VA Research Foundation (ICVARF) is a private non-profit research and education corporation exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. In accordance with 38 USC 7361-7366, ICVARF provides a flexible funding mechanism for the conduct of research and education performed at the Iowa City Department of Veterans Affair (VA) Medical Center (VAMC).

Under the direction of the Board of Directors (BOD), the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for overall management and day to day operation of ICVARF. The ED is the individual with primary responsibility for protection of the organization’s financial assets while ensuring compliance with BOD decisions and applicable grantor, federal, and state requirements.

The ED works independently of, but in cooperation with, personnel of the Iowa City VAMC to support the research and education missions of VA. Such personnel include the Medical Center Director, Chief of Staff of the Medical Center, Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Administrative Officer for Research in both their BOD and VA capacities.

The ICVARF BOD is responsible for overall supervision of the ED to ensure that the ED is fulfilling the expectations of the BOD. The BOD delegates to the Chair direct, ongoing supervision of the ED.

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 BOD for short- and long-term ICVARF goals and objectives. After approval by the BOD, ED takes the lead on developing plans to achieve such goals and proposals for acquisition of resources necessary to attain them.

§ 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.

§ Handles human resource management for ICVARF employees including but not limited to hiring and termination, developing position descriptions, ensuring competitive compensation, working with employees’ VA supervisors and applying BOD-approved employee policies and benefits in accordance with federal and state requirements; supervises ICVARF administrative staff when applicable.

§ 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. Works in cooperation with the staff of theVA Research Administrative Office towards achieving the VA research and education goals of ICVARF and the 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.

§ Accepts other duties as may be assigned by the BOD.

Core Competencies

To perform effectively in this position, the individual should demonstrate the following competencies. These core competencies represent effective management of ICVARF and its programs in support of fulfilling ICVARF’s mission.

: Effectively manages ICVARF including maintaining effective systems of internal controls to account for receipts and expenditures of funds. Manages corporate funds to maximize the earnings within VA policy and under the federal regulations. Develops options available to the BOD for using corporate resources to support research and education at the Iowa City VAMC.

: Understands the technical aspects of managing a nonprofit organization; provides support to its investigators and their staff members; solicits guidance from experts as needed. Understands the duties and responsibilities of the position and keeps job knowledge up-to-date. Clearly understands the research and education mission of the organization and continuously works to achieve ICVARF goals.

: Proactively exerts initiative in implementing BOD-approved plans to reach organizational goals as determined by the BOD.

: Recognizes and brings to the attention of the Chairand BOD issues that affect or could potentially affect the organization; Displays initiative in developing action plans and resolving problems as they occur in consultation with the Chair other members of the BOD as needed.

Has the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; and exhibits independent judgment in the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, procedures and policies.

Communicates effectively with multiple audiences using a variety of formats. Has the ability to read and understand applicable periodicals, professional journals, financial reports, legal documents, government regulations, written reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; efficiently responds to questions from the BOD and investigators and VAMC personnel; communicates effectively in both written and oral form; and, effectively presents information to PIs and the BOD.

Seeks increased responsibility while remaining conscientious, thorough, accurate, and reliable with respect to achieving the organization’s goals, and serving the needs of the investigators. This includes being available and responsive to issues and concerns as they arise and the ability to efficiently and effectively work with the BOD in pursuing the goals of the ICVARF.

The ED will maintain documentation of personal compliance and accountability. This includes documentation of work hours, approval of time sheets, sick and annual leaves, vacation days, off Campus days, and travel authorization.

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 of the principles and techniques of research grant administration, contract administration and negotiation, and nonprofit fiscal and organizational management.

Physical Demand

While performing the duties of this job, the Executive Director is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. The position requires extensive computer use so the employee must have sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

The Executive Director must be able to travel to attend conferences, training and other events as required to acquire and maintain proficiency in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.

Work Environment

The work environment is a small, busy office located in the Iowa City VA Medical Center. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Reasonable accommodations in the work environment may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $55.00 - $60.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55 - $60