Executive Director, Houston VA Research

Houston VA Research and Education Foundation (HVAREF)

Executive Director Position Description

Title: Executive Director

Reports to: HVAREF Board of Directors

Classification: Regular Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Position Summary

Under the direction of the HVAREF Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides overall institutional leadership, strategic direction, and operational management for the Houston VA Research and Education Foundation, Inc. (HVAREF). The Executive Director is accountable for advancing the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability; protecting its financial and organizational assets; ensuring compliance with Board directives and applicable grantor, federal, state, and Department of Veterans Affairs requirements; and serving as the principal executive liaison among the Board, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) research leadership, investigators, sponsors, academic partners, and other stakeholders.

HVAREF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education corporation that provides a flexible funding and administrative mechanism for research and education activities conducted at MEDVAMC, including industry- and privately sponsored initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Organizational Leadership

• Partner with the Board of Directors and MEDVAMC research leadership to develop, refine, and execute HVAREF’s vision, strategic priorities, and multi-year organizational goals.
• Translate Board-approved strategy into measurable annual objectives, operating plans, performance indicators, resource priorities, and accountable implementation across the organization.
• Regularly assess progress toward strategic objectives and recommend adjustments based on performance, organizational capacity, financial position, regulatory changes, and emerging opportunities.
• Monitor trends and developments in nonprofit medical research, VA-affiliated nonprofit corporations, sponsored research, and the broader research environment; identify innovative practices and opportunities that strengthen HVAREF’s programs, services, and financial sustainability.

Board Governance and Executive Partnership

• Serve as the Board’s principal executive partner and provide timely, accurate, and decision-ready information to support effective governance, fiduciary oversight, policy development, and strategic decision-making.
• Communicate regularly with the Board regarding strategic plan progress, financial performance, organizational risk, major initiatives, compliance matters, operational performance, and issues requiring Board attention or action.
• Support the Board in developing and maintaining appropriate governance practices, policies, committee structures, and decision-making processes consistent with the organization’s nonprofit and VA-affiliated responsibilities.
• Implement Board-approved policies, goals, and directives and establish clear mechanisms for tracking follow-through and organizational accountability.
• Advise the Board on emerging organizational needs, risks, opportunities, and external developments; seek Board guidance and approval when required.

Financial Stewardship and Risk Management

• Provide executive oversight of all accounting and financial management functions, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, payroll, capital assets, property management, internal controls, and financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable Board, VA, grantor, federal, and state requirements.
• Direct development of the annual operating budget and monitor organizational fiscal performance, revenue, expenditures, cash position, reserves, and other indicators necessary to support sound financial stewardship and long‑term sustainability.
• Provide clear and timely financial reporting to the Board and other appropriate stakeholders, translating financial information into actionable business and strategic insights.
• Lead preparation for and response to external financial and compliance reviews, including audits and oversight visits, and ensure timely resolution of findings and recommendations.
• Evaluate insurance, employee benefits, banking/investment arrangements, and other vendor services; recommend options to the Board as appropriate and negotiate contracts, terms, services, and premiums in the organization’s best interest.

Research Administration, Contracts, and Operations

• Provide executive oversight of grants and contracts administration, including negotiation of research agreement terms that appropriately reflect the needs of HVAREF, investigators, sponsors, and MEDVAMC; coordinate with legal advisors as needed to fi