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 Organization

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.

Position Overview

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.

Key Roles

• 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 apprised of industry/market needs and shifts; recommends and implements modifications to meet changing needs and manages government relations. Fosters productive relationships with BRF staff and employees of the Central Arkansas VA Medical Center, VA General Counsel, and other regional and national VA offices, academic affiliates, industry sponsors, local research community and regulatory agencies, and other industry professionals as appropriate. Develops and grows BRF through new revenue streams.
• Financial Management: Monitors, directs, and evaluates the fiscal performance of BRF to assure quality service within projected expenditures. Ensures adherence to the annual budget and that the investment portfolio and cash is well-managed. Provides leadership and direction for the organization’s ongoing financial sustainability. Directs the development of the annual operating budgets and monitors the receipt and expenditure of funds to assure fiscal responsibility. Supervises the business affairs of BRF to assure that its funds are expended appropriately and effectively through a strong system of internal controls. Represents BRF in business negotiations; executes business agreements. Provides direction and oversight for federal indirect cost rate negotiations, all audits, and follows all regulatory audit requirements. Reviews financial transactions and approves daily transactions and monthly reconciliations. Reviews and approves payroll prior to processing. Manages retirement contributions and matching; manages the 5500 and quarterly retirement compliances.
• Board of Directors: Collaborates with auditing and tax team to ensure compliance in both processes and deadlines. Provides leadership, support, and information to facilitate Board members’ efforts to develop policy, ensure sound financial practices and maintain mission-driven governance and decision-making. Communicates regularly to the Board regarding the financial status of the organization, updates on current initiatives/activities and other issues relevant to the Board. Seeks and provides advice and direction in conjunction with Board requirements and needs. Implements Board approved policies, program goals, and objectives. Recruits and orients new Board members. Ensures adherence to all BRF by-laws, applicable federal, state, and funding agency regulations, as well as federal and state laws. Ensures arm’s length to maintain NPC’s independence.

Preferred Professional Qualifications

• An advanced business degree, other equivalent degree or relevant experience; Preferred disciplines include healthcare, healthcare management, nonprofit administration, business administration, public health administration.
• Proven experience in working with the community and industry to secure funding. Must have relevant and current experience in research administration and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Exceptional hands-on budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborators.
• Transparent and high-integrity leadership. Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
• Willingness to perform additional duties as required.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows: must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 20 lbs., stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and regularly use fingers and hands for computer work.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range will be commensurate with candidate experience. Benefits include the option to participate in a 401K retirement savings program with an employer match of up to 3%.

Application Process

Resumes and a concise statement of their interest and attributes they will bring to the role of Executive Director at the BRF should be sent to

Reference, criminal, and financial checks will be conducted before a final offer is made. BRF employees must obtain a Without Compensation Appointment (WOC) at the Central Arkansas VA Medical Center. This appointment requires a federal background check which is conducted upon hire. BRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans. Closing date for applications is 04/30/2026.

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