Executive Director

Overview

The Biomedical Research Foundation’s mission is to enhance Veterans’ Healthcare through research and education.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
- Executive Director of the Biomedical Research Foundation (BRF), an affiliate of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, is looking for a full-time Executive Director to bring skilled leadership to the forefront of life-changing research within a vibrant research community. The successful candidate should have a passion for improving the lives of Veterans and Veterans’ health, experience working with a board of directors, focus on achieving goals based on strategic plans, building relationships with community stakeholders, leading customer service activities, and increasing revenue.

Academic or clinical research administrative experience is useful but not required. Additional important experience includes government contract administration, grants submission and management, and corporate finance. The candidate must be able to effectively present a vision and mission both verbally and in writing.

The Biomedical Research Foundation (BRF) was founded in 1989 in response to legislation to serve as an affiliate of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and is a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation formed in Arkansas. BRF works with VA researchers and educators to operate non-VA funded studies. These projects can be funded by other federal agencies such as the Department of Defense or the National Institutes of Health or by pharmaceutical or other private industry sponsors, donors, or foundations.

These activities allow VA patients to access a wide array of research and educational interventions. All research supported and administered by BRF is considered VA research and must adhere to all VA rules, regulations, and regulatory oversight.

BRF is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes VA statutory members, other VA employees (non-statutory) and non-VA members. The revenue for fiscal year 2024 was approximately $1,500,000. Those funds are used in support of research projects and education that come through the organization in a variety of ways.

The BRF Executive Director (ED) provides overall leadership, direction, and administration of the non-profit, including all programs and services. The ED protects and grows BRF financial assets and functions as the strategic and operational leader. The Executive Director is responsible for the implementation and compliance of policies set by the Board of Directors and applicable grantor, federal, and state requirements, and serves as an authorized representative of the Board of Directors in all matters.

In cooperation with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director maintains and supports all grants, ensures accurate and sufficient financial and non-financial management information, and facility planning. The Executive Director provides leadership and direction to staff in carrying out the key roles assigned to them. The Executive Director also provides oversight for all grants/contracts and ensures all necessary administrative information is provided timely to the Grantor.

• Operations: Organizes the administrative functions, delegates duties, and establishes formal means of accountability for staff members. Thinks strategically about growth and can lead the Board and Staff in the development and implementation of short-range and long-range plans and policies. Ensures that contractual obligations are fulfilled, and that appropriate contracts and agreements are in place. Develops and maintains strong working relationships with Principal Investigators and their staff to ensure that they are provided with appropriate support systems and responsive, quality service in the areas of grant preparation and management, project and fiscal accounting, human resources, and other administrative functions.
  
  Ensures that a solid system of policies and decision-making procedures exists to guide the day-to-day operations.
• Strategic Planning and Leadership: Provides leadership in the implementation of BRF goals; plans and continually refines and improves operations. Stays…