The Stowers Institute for Medical Research—a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing fundamental scientific discoveries—seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) motivated by serving a greater cause and inspired by innovation. The CFO will serve as the financial architect for our mission-driven Institute, while working closely with two influential for-profit entities, American Century Investments and BioMed Valley Discoveries, that help sustain and translate our research breakthroughs.
About the Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Founded by Jim Stowers Jr. and his wife Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is dedicated to improving human health through cutting-edge foundational life sciences research. Renowned for its collaborative, curiosity-driven environment, the Institute is home to top-tier scientists pursuing groundbreaking research into the fundamental processes of living organisms.
Our Unique Partnership Model
- American Century Investments (ACI): One of the country’s leading asset managers is a key partner in supporting the unique funding model of the Stowers Institute. A significant portion of ACI’s profits goes to support the Institute’s research initiatives—an inspiring and groundbreaking philanthropic model created by Jim and Virginia Stowers that harnesses financial success to fuel biomedical research for the benefit of humankind.
- BioMed Valley Discoveries (BVD): A for-profit organization focused on translating promising basic science discoveries into real-world medical solutions, extending the Institute’s impact from the lab to the clinic.
The CFO will manage the Institute’s resources responsibly and effectively, ensuring this visionary partnership continues to yield transformative scientific discoveries.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Leadership
- Develop and execute long-range financial plans and annual budgets that reflect the Institute’s scientific priorities and leverage the support of ACI and BVD.
- Advise executive leadership on capital structure, resource allocation, and overall financial strategy to ensure sustainability and growth.
- Collaboration with ACI & BVD
- Serve as the primary liaison to both American Century Investments and BioMed Valley Discoveries, ensuring strong financial partnerships and alignment of mutual goals.
- Identify and implement opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing, maximizing the impact of discovery research funding and translational research ventures.
- Resource & Investment Oversight
- Manage the Institute’s financial resources in coordination with ACI’s resources and expertise, safeguarding principal while supporting research endeavors.
- Collaborate with BVD leadership to evaluate and direct funding for high-potential research projects and commercialization efforts.
- Stowers Institute Graduate School Budget Management
- Oversee the budgetary process for the independent Stowers Institute Graduate School, ensuring adequate resource allocation that aligns with the Institute’s educational goals and scientific mission.
- Work closely with Graduate School leadership to maintain compliance with relevant academic guidelines and to foster an environment that supports both research and education.
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Establish and maintain rigorous internal controls, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations for nonprofit organizations and affiliated for-profit operations.
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to protect the Institute’s reputation, intellectual property, and financial assets.
- Financial Stewardship & Transparency
- Oversee financial reporting, audits, and donor fund management, upholding the Institute’s commitment to integrity and accountability.
- Work with scientific directors and department heads to monitor operational expenditures, grant funding and ensuring compliance with auditors and government agencies.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team that embodies the Institute’s core values of curiosity, collaboration, and excellence.
- Champion a culture of service to the scientific mission, continuous improvement, innovation, ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA, CPA, or CMA strongly preferred.
- Experience: 7+ years of senior financial leadership, ideally spanning non-profit and corporate/biotech or healthcare sectors.
- Technical Expertise: Mastery of GAAP, nonprofit financial reporting, investment management, and compliance requirements.
- Strategic Vision: Demonstrated success in aligning financial practices with organizational mission and long-term goals.
- Communication & Influence: Proven ability to engage, inspire, and collaborate with C-suite leaders, board members, and external stakeholders.
- Leadership: Track record of building and guiding top-tier teams, fostering an environment of trust, transparency, and accountability.
Why the Stowers Institute?
- Meaningful Impact: Contribute to biomedical research that can profoundly influence human health.
- Innovative Ecosystem: Collaborate with American Century Investments and BioMed Valley Discoveries to secure sustainable funding and help translate foundational discoveries into tangible medical advancements.
- Cutting-Edge Environment: Join an organization known for scientific rigor, creativity, and a collaborative spirit.
- Competitive Rewards: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that reflects our commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional talent.
