Executive Director UI Pharmaceuticals

University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals (UI Pharmaceuticals) is the largest and most experienced university-affiliated FDA-registered pharmaceutical manufacturing CDMO facility in the United States. The Executive Director of UI Pharmaceuticals is a senior leadership position that is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the organization. The Executive Director leads all aspects of the enterprise including business development, formulation development, sterile manufacturing, non-sterile manufacturing, analytical services and quality assurance while ensuring full compliance and generating sufficient revenue for UI Pharmaceuticals to be self-supported.  

The Executive Director will communicate a clear mission and vision, develop, and implement a strategic plan and guide initiatives that support growth and innovation. The Executive Director will maintain and strengthen collaborative relationships with college faculty and develop the organization’s budget and capital plan, staffing plan, monitor operational and capital expenses to ensure alignment with budget projections as well as ensure university policies and procedures are implemented throughout the enterprise. This leader is also responsible for ensuring that systems and facilities comply with FDA, EMA, PMDA, and DEA regulations.

This role reports to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and management of UIP operations, business development, programs, and services.
• Hire, develop, and manage the performance of senior staff.
• Implement initiatives to build capabilities and retain and reward staff. 
• Instill a safety-first mindset across the organization.
• Manage the successful completion of multiple projects.
• Resolve complex issues across multiple departments within or outside the University of Iowa.
• Assess the needs for physical facilities and strategic operations of UI Pharmaceuticals, develop goals and projections for necessary changes, replacements and/or additions.  
• Maintain and develop collaborative relationships with college faculty and participate in college programs.

Communication and Collaboration

• Communicate a clear and compelling mission and vision and provide strategic leadership that aligns the organization and the college toward shared goals.
• Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders on campus such as the Offices of the Vice President for Research and Provost, Facilities Management, CFO, and Department Chairs.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies, granting agencies, contractors, and others such as FDA, DEA, NIH.  

Compliance

• Implement new policies and revise existing programs to ensure compliance with regulatory, university, federal, and cGMP requirements. 
• Evaluate workflow and systems to determine whether they meet specifications, standards, and regulations. 
• Ensure an environment that meets all employee safety requirements and accommodations.
• Implement modifications to bring project, facility, and processes into compliance.

Financial

• In coordination with collegiate financial officer, develop a yearly budget; oversee new business development, staffing and capital plans to enable the organization to achieve its growth objectives, remain self-sufficient, and meet its financial obligations.
• Manage budget priorities through periodic financial reviews, allocate resources appropriately, address and resolve budget issues across the enterprise.
• Initiate and approve programs to enhance revenue growth and ensure financial stability in achieving the enterprise’s mission and vision.
• Provide strategic oversight and direction for cost modeling activities within manufacturing services, ensuring that financial insights, operational scalability, and infrastructure investments align with long term growth objectives.

Education/Teaching

• Coordinate APPE rotations for Doctor of Pharmacy students interested in industrial pharmacy.
• Lead UIP Assistantship program for the College of Pharmacy; oversee candidate selection, rotational appointments, and financial aid.    
• Participate in the undergraduate and graduate programs with the College of Pharmacy.

University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals (UIP) is the largest and most experienced university affiliated, FDA registered pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the United States. With over 50 years of expertise, UIP provides comprehensive support for clinical and commercial products through formulation development, sterile and non sterile manufacturing, and full analytical testing services. As part of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, UIP plays a key role in advancing high quality, compliant pharmaceutical therapies from early development through production. [pharmacy.uiowa.edu]

Why Join Us

As a University of Iowa employee, you'll enjoy a robust and competitive benefits package, including health coverage, retirement plans, paid leave programs, and additional resources designed to support your well being and professional growth.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.