Executive Director UI Pharmaceuticals

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.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

Qualifications

Education Requirement: Advanced degree in pharmaceutics, chemistry, engineering, or equivalent science-based discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a regulated pharmaceutical environment.

Experience Required: Minimum 15 years related experience in pharmaceutical research or GMP manufacturing environment. History of progressive leadership advancements in manufacturing and business responsibilities and leading organizations through significant change, growth, or transformation. Proven profit and loss experience leading mid-sized, multi-disciplinary organizations (50-100 employees) delivering operational excellence and profitability. Strong track record in business development, strategic partnerships, client relationship management and executing growth initiatives. Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills in building and working effectively with varied, multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and presentations with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations, FDA, cGMP, EU ISPE, etc. Expertise in qualification and operation of pharmaceutical equipment, processes, and facilities.

Desirable Qualifications: PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or related field. MBA or similar financial degree or certificate. Experience as a teacher or instructor in a technical or scientific area. Track record of optimizing capacity utilization while maintaining quality and client satisfaction. Ability to organize a group around a common mission to complete complex tasks.

Application and Position Details

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission: Resume Cover Letter Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Benefits Highlights

Regular salaried position. Located in Iowa City, Iowa. Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. For more information about Why Iowa? Click here. Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Primary Location: Iowa City Job: Administrative/Professional Organization: College of Pharmacy Schedule: Regular Full-time Job Posting: Feb 16, 2026, 3:03:09 PM