Director of Finance and Administration

China Medical Board

Cambridge, Massachusetts

OVERVIEW

The China Medical Board is a private, independent foundation that seeks to advance health equity in China and neighboring countries in Asia. Under the leadership of its president, CMB is in the early stages of implementing an organization-wide strategy aimed at taking advantage of unprecedented philanthropic opportunities to advance health for all in Asia.

CMB is recruiting a Director of Finance and Administration who will play a key role in managing CMB’s expanding operations. The position offers an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished professional with significant finance and administrative experience in an institution that boasts a 94-year record of accomplishments and a promising, new vision for the future.

THE CHINA MEDICAL BOARD

Started in 1914 and financed entirely from the wealth of John D. Rockefeller, the China Medical Board’s original mission was to establish the Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, perhaps China’s premier medical school and university-based hospital. In 1928, CMB was incorporated as an independent body and gifted with its own endowment fund. When Peking Union Medical College was nationalized in 1951, CMB shifted its assistance to institutions educating health professionals elsewhere in East and Southeast Asia. In 1980, CMB resumed support of medical institutions in China.

Today, CMB invests in programs in 26 medical universities in China and neighboring countries of Southeast Asia, primarily supporting medical, nursing and public health education and research. CMB has an endowment of over $250 million that enables annual grant-making and allied program operations in the range of $12.5 million.

CMB makes grants to selected educational institutions for programs in medicine, nursing, and public health. Each recipient institution is identified as a leading resource in its country for health-professions education and health research. CMB provides grants to advance the recipient institution’s pursuit of excellence and for the enhancement of the academic and professional content of medical, nursing, and public health education. CMB refrains from support for capital facilities; of operational activities in health care; and to individuals, professional and scientific societies.

Leadership for CMB’s work is provided by its new president, Dr. Lincoln C. Chen, a distinguished professional in global health. Robust economic growth, increasing human capabilities, and stronger organizations in the region have generated unprecedented philanthropic opportunities to pioneer innovations. As such, Dr. Chen has been charged by the Trustees to launch a set of innovative future programs in the fast-changing contexts of China and Southeast Asia.  

CHALLENGES FACING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Reporting to the President, the Director of Finance and Administration will assume leadership for two phases of CMB’s development. In the immediate-term, the Director will be responsible for all headquarters operations in finance, administration, and grants management. Over a development phase of the next two years, the Director will also work with the President to help establish CMB’s operating presence in Beijing and to assure that presence is integrated with CMB’s US headquarters. The Director will also be responsible for putting in place adequate financial and administrative systems to accommodate the significant expansion now anticipated in CMB’s programs, mostly focused in China and Southeast Asia.

S/he will undertake directly many of these responsibilities, supervise a small supporting staff in Cambridge consisting initially of an accountant and a grants administrator, and work closely with the President and Executive Assistant to the President. More specifically, s/he will:

Financial Management: Supervise the Accountant. Jointly prepare the annual administrative budget and manage expenditures. Prepare reports regarding financial status, payout requirement, excise tax, insurance, and administrative and program budgets. Maintain the general ledger and prepare financial statements for review/audit by independent accountants. Prepare Form 990-PF in consultation with legal counsel.

Board Liaison: Attend Investment Committee meetings and prepare minutes. Execute orders of the Investment Committee regarding disposition of assets. Report to Audit Committee on the independent accountants’ reviews/audits.

Information Technology: Oversee IT services that are reliable and cost-effective. Keep abreast of new developments in the field. Continue to build a “virtual office system” at headquarters that accommodates the President’s extensive travel.

Grants Management: Supervise jointly with the President the Grants Administrator who is developing and maintaining a computerized grant management and monitoring system. Oversee grant payments and the review of grantee narrative and financial reports; the preparation of grant award letters, agreements, and related correspondence; the determination of payment schedules and monitoring of grant balances; and the tracking and obtaining grant reports as needed.

Other Organizational Support: Maintain personnel manual for CMB staff. Serve as employee benefits administrator. Employ temporary administrative staff as needed. Oversee records system, record retention and warehousing of the Board’s documents. Interface with building management regarding lease and related matters. Supervise preparation of the Board’s annual report. Pursue other assignments as directed by the President.

QUALIFICATIONS 

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned manager to create and expand financial and administrative systems and operations in a foundation that is investing in cutting edge ideas from able people aimed at promoting health in China and neighboring countries in Asia. This new hire must demonstrate maturity, leadership, and a commitment to the mission even if s/he has limited knowledge of health and the region. Entrepreneurship in providing first-rate financial and administrative leadership in a grant-making foundation will be critical.

While no one person will embody all of the qualities enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• At least ten years of progressively responsible financial and administrative management experience in a complex, dynamic, and (preferably) grant-making environment with large operating budgets, diverse investment portfolio, substantial programs, exceptional intellectual demands and increasing responsibilities.

• Expertise in a wide range of management processes, including strategic planning, organizational development, and financial management.

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Economics, or Finance.

• Understanding of investment fund management and risk management and an ability to provide dependable strategic leadership, a consistent financial perspective, and active contribution to critical management decisions.

• Strong technology skills including knowledge of automated financial and accounting systems, relevant databases, and spreadsheet software applications. Ability to analyze financial data and prepare complex financial reports, statements, and forecasts in a clear and easy to understand format. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, internal auditing and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Enthusiasm for both the creation and the hands-on management of an effective, responsive finance operation. Strong leadership experience in budgeting, financial planning and analysis, a foundation in nonprofit accounting, and proven management skills. A skill set that includes both competence in project and organizational budgeting as well as larger strategic and tactical thinking.

• A proven track record introducing and managing change in an organization of similar scope and size. Outstanding strategic thinking, intellectual, management, and interpersonal skills. Strong oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively and work cooperatively with constituents around the world.

• A deep ethical rudder and the ability to maintain confidential data. A team player able to manage time effectively, innovatively problem solve, creatively prioritize and independently complete tasks.

• Flexibility, patience, resiliency, and tenacity along with an abundance of common sense and good judgment. High personal and professional standards and a reputation for honesty and integrity. Equal parts humor, patience and a steadfast commitment to the idea that excellence in technology and education is a global ideal.

TO APPLY

Applications are due by July 31, 2008, but each will be reviewed when received.

Interviews may be offered before the application deadline. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications your resume (in Word format), and salary history, should be sent to:  cmb-dfa@nonprofitprofessionals.com. 

In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please write your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.

More information about China Medical Board may be found at:  http://www.ChinaMedicalBoard.org.

The China Medical Board is an equal opportunity employer.