Distribution Coordinator - Iowa Lions Eye Bank

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences - Iowa Lions Eye Bank is seeking a 100% Distribution Coordinator (PVA1; 4A). The Distribution Coordinator is responsible for the distribution of ocular tissue locally, nationally, and internationally and assisting in business development. This position oversees the daily receipt and distribution of tissue and carrying out activities to accomplish Iowa Lions Eye Bank's annual business development goals.  This position maintains and facilitates professional relationships with a variety of internal and external constituents, including interfacing with physicians and their staff, researchers, the ILEB processing manager and donor eligibility manager, Lions transporters, and research programs.  This position facilitates relationships with researchers and maximizes tissue distribution for transplant and research. 

The Distribution Coordinator ensures that all quality standards for tissue are met, including those standards set by the Food and Drug Administration's Good Tissue Practices, the Eye Bank Association of America, and state- (such as California) and country (such as Canada)-specific standards. Key duties include:

1.    Coordinate the donor distribution process

a.    Complete information in the donor record.

b.    Determine suitability of tissue for a particular surgery.

c.    Supervise packaging and distribution of tissue.

d.    Liaison with surgeons regarding medical history, surgery requests, and graft properties; provide suitable tissue offers.

2.    Quality Assurance

a.    Collect and record data in the event report system and other quality assurance systems.

b.    Analyze data and recommend program modifications.

c.    Participate in preparation of scholarly presentations and publishing of data.

d.    Ensure customer service issues are addressed promptly to resolve issue as well as participate in process improvement.

3.    Customer Service

a.    Identify customer needs; analyze and negotiate partnership opportunities.

b.    Develop working relationships with key decision makers regarding tissue ordering, needs, and criteria.

c.    Provide education to customer staff.

d.    Serve as distribution on-call on a rotating basis (outside of daily scheduled hours).

4.    Business Development

a.    Perform market research as directed to identify opportunities to meet customer needs.

b.    Assist in brand placement, market expansion, new user acquisition and increasing awareness of programs and services.

c.    Assist in developing an evaluation process to gain feedback from constituents.

d.    Assist in developing programs for assigned customers.

e.    Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating opportunities.

f.     Establish, maintain, and grow business and relationships.

5.    Liaison with other eye banks, surgeons, and organizations

a.    Coordinate tissue receipt and distribution with other eye banks.

b.    Coordinate tissue requirements, final properties, and logistics with end-user surgeons.

c.    Participate in local, regional, or national projects as assigned.

d.    Work with partners on business development opportunities.

6.    Complete special projects to increase organizational awareness as necessary.

7.    Research responsibilities.

a.    May assist in retrieving surgical tissue samples at the Department of Ophthalmology as necessary.

b.    May collect laboratory supplies and dry ice from BioChem stores on campus as necessary.

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Percent of Time: 100%

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-5:00p; some night/weekend on call coverage required

Location: UIHC, BioVentures Building (2500 Crosspark Rd Coralville IA 52241)

Rotations: N/A

Hybrid: This position is currently under consideration for a combination of on-campus and remote work. Remote work must be performed at a location within the state of Iowa and comply with the remote work program and related policies.

Salary: $44,429 - $74,442/yr

Pay Level: 4A

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

      Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nursing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

      6 mo - 1 yr medical-related program experience.

      Excellent written and verbal communication skills required including ability to compose communications and grammatically correct documents in a concise, logical and organized manner.

      Careful attention to detail and accuracy, strong organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks quickly and effectively, and proactively establish priorities and meet deadlines.

      Ability to travel overnight and/or outside of regular work hours for conferences or meetings with in-state surgeons.

      Ability to anticipate needs, problems and potential issues and use judgment, foresight and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot, recommend and implement solutions.

      Proficient in computer software applications (Microsoft Office programs).

      Availability to serve as on-call outside of scheduled work hours on a rotating basis.

      Valid driver's license and ability to meet the University of Iowa Driving Policy requirements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated track record of exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to grow and develop business leads and customer relationships.
• Experience in an academic medical center.
• Ability to be a self-starter, show initiative, and perform work independently.
• Ability to effectively manage conflict, be unafraid of addressing conflict, and engage in direct/open/honest communication with internal and external customers.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

Works in close cooperation with surgery centers/schedulers and research staff, as well as the tissue preparation team. Works closely with physicians, volunteer transporters, other eye banks. Direction is received from the Director of Research and Business Development.

UNIVERSAL COMPETENCIES

Collaboration and Embracing Diversity: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals from varied cultures, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Positive Impact/Achieving Results: Ability to utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals/needs. Able to demonstrate ethical behavior in diverse situations while producing results. 

Service Excellence/Customer Focus: Ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.

POSITION & APPLICATION 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 and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original 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. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For additional questions, please contact Melissa Monhollon, HR Manager, at melissa-monhollon@uiowa.edu or 319-356-4674.