Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Medicines for All

Position Information

University Code 18415 University Title Senior Director, Finance University Job Family Financial Services ORP Eligible Yes For more information on ORP, visit: Retirement Plans
Recruitment Pool All Applicants Recruitment Type Job Series Scope of Search National Working Title Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Medicines for All Position Number 590170 Position Type Staff Job Status Full-Time FLSA Indicator Exempt Employee Group Executive & Senior Level Leadership Department Chemical & Life Science Engineering Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities

Virginia Commonwealth University ( VCU ) is a nationally ranked public research university. It is a vibrant place where discovery and creativity go hand in hand, and differences are celebrated and embraced. The university plays an integral role in the vitality of its home city of Richmond, Virginia, which is constantly receiving recognition for the richness of its cultural scene and entrepreneurial spirit.

Since its inception in 1996, VCU College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 1,700 undergraduate and 250 graduate students in several degree programs supported by approximately 600 full time, part time, and student employees.

The Medicines for All Institute (M4ALL), operating under the auspices of the VCU College of Engineering, is designed to improve access to affordable, high-quality medicines. M4All received significant support from multiple funding partners as part of its mission to improve global health access. The Institute invites applicants for the position of Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Medicines for All.

The Chief Financial and Administrative Officer will work closely with the CEO and Divisional COOs to create and execute on a vision and mission for the M4ALL Institute’s team and infrastructure, including establishing and leading an M4ALL Shared Services Group. This growing team includes the finance team, laboratory manager, office manager, project manager(s), and a team of analytical chemists. This position will be the primary interface between M4ALL and VCU, coordinating and collaborating with central offices to provide finance, administrative, human resources, contracts, sub-awards, data and IT security protections, grants management and other core financial and administrative functions for M4ALL.

This position requires balancing multiple roles and is responsible for providing critical oversight and management of internal and external functions as well as key stakeholder engagement (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, US Government, corporate research sponsors, potential supporters and VCU ) with both financial and administrative management, minimizing financial and compliance-related risks along with fostering a strong internal controls environment. Further, this position will define financial priorities, guide financial decisions while leading and supporting their implementation.

M4ALL’s CFAO also oversees the significant administrative needs of the organization, including management of its laboratory and office space, online and data security, and staff support. The CFAO is the primary administrative executive for the organization, coordinating the administrative needs of the organization with other members of the executive team.

As such, the CFAO will position M4ALL as a highly compliant, highly sustainable, mission-focused entity, ensuring long-term ability to execute its vision, strategy, and mission as a best-in-class operation.

Specific responsibilities include:
- Establishing and leading a synergistic, division-supportive shared services group for M4ALL
- Assuming responsibility (working with other VCU units as required) for grant and subgrant management and reporting at M4ALL
- Providing leadership, support and a high level of financial and administrative expertise to M4ALL and M4ALL leadership
- Implementing strategic decision making in order to maintain budgetary and financial oversight and management of M4ALL resources
- Maintaining the accuracy of financial records and ensuring financial compliance with all applicable laws, industry guidelines, university policies and funding restrictions
- Serving as the primary point of contact for management and staff at VCU and for M4All team members as they access resources at VCU
- Serving as the primary point of contact for management and finance teams associated with M4ALL’s funding sponsors, including foundations, NGOs, corporations, and government agencies.
- Working with CEO and Division COOs to develop and execute strategy and business plans for current operations, including buildup of personnel, facilities, and resources
- Preparing projections, budgets, and analysis of multiple financial areas within M4ALL; Working with leadership to develop annual operating budgets
- Liaising and collaborating with VCU and the College of Engineering centralized administrative units to establish practices and document processes and to initiate and lead policy improvements to ensure that M4ALL can achieve its mission and do so in a climate of accountability and transparency.
- Initiate, coordinate, and lead meetings with staff, consultants, students, and others as needed to build strong organizational culture, keep team members informed on new projects and communicate the evolution of M4ALL’s strategy.

Minimum Hiring Standards

- Multiples years relevant experience in finance, economics, accounting, or similar field
- Strategically minded with tactical awareness of shifting priorities. Must be adaptable to disruptions and innovatively respond to the uncertainties of a rapidly changing business environment that affects key business drivers.
- Proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of administration, staff, students, faculty, Boards, alumni, other key constituents and stakeholders.
- Proven record of building and leading high performing and cross-cutting teams, across functions and capabilities. Strong managerial skills
- Proven planning and organizational skills within a fast-paced environment, with keen attention to schedules and deadlines.
- Financial, strategic planning and market analysis skills required.
- The College of Engineering at VCU supports a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment. The candidate will demonstrate experience that shows their commitment to fostering such an environment.
- Strong written/oral skills required, and ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills required.
- Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and other programs
- Ability to travel as necessary including overnight and weekends
-Ability to work well in demanding environment with rapid change and growth: ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
-Highly evolved management skills, including building teams and cultures

Preferred Hiring Standards

- Advanced degree in a relevant field
- Experience navigating both academic and non-academic working environments
-Several years of experience working in higher education environments
-Several years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry, global health, or closely related industry.

Required Licenses/ Certifications Anticipated Hiring Range commensurate Application Process/Additional Information Campus MCV Campus Hours/Week 40 hrs per week Normal Work Days/Hours Monday-Friday/8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Job Open Date 12/03/2020 Posting will close on or before 01/04/2021 Open Until Filled No Job Category Accounting/ Management/ Professional Is this a restricted position? Yes Is this position eligible to participate in alternative work arrangements? Yes Sensitive Position No Resource Critical Yes Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/102084 Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Briefly describe your experience in working in finance, economics, accounting, or similar field:
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
2. * Briefly describe your experience with strategic planning:
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
3. * Please describe any experience you have with building and leading high performance and cross-cutting teams:
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Other Document