Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of the Foundation’s financial, investment, and administrative operations. This role ensures fiduciary integrity, operational excellence, and alignment with the Foundation’s vision and mission and long-term sustainability.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

(Other duties may be assigned)

Responsibility # 1: Strategic/Organizational

·       Actively engage in the Executive Team and the Foundation’s strategic direction.

·       Advance organizational priorities through effective collaboration with colleagues.

·       Lead long-term financial planning and scenario modeling to support strategic initiatives.

·       Champion data-informed decision-making across departments.

·       Serve as internal consultant to the CEO on financial, investment, and administrative matters.

·       Foster a culture of innovation and continuous financial and system improvements.

·       Stay current with market/investment, accounting/financial, tax and philanthropic trends.

·       Ensure internal fiscal processes and systems support informed decision making.

·       Manage, develop, and present the annual financial and capital budget.

Responsibility #2:  Financial and Investment

·       Directly support the Investment and Finance Committee, and Audit (Tax) Committee in the development and monitoring of the Foundation’s investment strategy and policies.

·       Ensure outside investment manager compliance with Foundation investment policies.

·       Direct all aspects of the accounting, finance, investment and administrative functions.

·       Drive the development of processes that increase efficiency and effectiveness.

·       Oversee the treasury function to ensure funds are available to meet obligations while maximizing invested capital.

·       Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders.

·       Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts and models.

·       Monitor and refine the system of internal controls to safeguard foundation assets.

·       Ensure Foundation financial matters comply with prevailing tax law, accounting pronouncements, and board policy.

·       Serve as liaison with professional advisors, including accountants, auditors, investment advisors, custodians, and legal counsel as required.

·       Continuously improve the reporting of financial and investment performance.

·       Coordinate and manage the annual audit and tax return filing including excise tax filings.

Responsibility #3:  Administration

·       Oversee Foundation human resources, payroll and employee benefit programs including regulatory compliance.

·       Oversee technology systems related to finance, HR, and operations, ensuring security and efficiency.

·       Lead efforts to digitize and streamline administrative workflows.

·       Serve as fiduciary for the Foundation Retirement Plan including Form 5500 filing, annual compliance testing and distribution of required information.

·       Ensure all legal and regulatory responsibilities are met, including all requirements related to private foundations. 

·       Oversee Foundation risk management including insurance policies for property and casualty, liability, cyber security, and directors and officers (D&O) insurance.

·       Oversee financial, investment and administrative contracts.

·       Assess Foundation compensation and benefits considering comparable foundations, best practices, and Foundation’s compensation philosophy.

·       Participate in sector benchmark opportunities including (but not limited to) compensation, investment performance and administrative expenses.

·       Conduct periodic “Requests for Proposal” from key Foundation service providers.

·       Manage the financial review of grant applicants, summarizing results for the Program Team.

·       Monitor and provide periodic updates to the required charitable distribution target.

·       Organize Investment & Finance Committee and Audit Committee meetings.

·       Mentor and manage the development of finance staff.

Education and Experience:

·       Bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA and/or MBA desirable.

·       Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a significant financial/accounting position.

·       Knowledge of philanthropy and non-profit accounting preferred.

·       Experience with compliance and regulatory oversight; nonprofit regulations preferred.

·       Strong analytical research and problem-solving skills.

·       Experience with investment management and engaging investment advisors a plus.

·       Experience leading or actively participating in strategic planning efforts.

·       Excellent computer skills and knowledge of current technology.

Contacts – Internal / External:

·       Organization-wide Staff

·       Board of Directors

·       Investment and Finance Committee; Audit Committee

·       Outsourced Chief Investment Officer team and Custodian(s)

·       Consultants, Professional Advisors, Lawyers, and Vendors

·       Government and Nonprofit Agencies

·       Local, regional, and national nonprofit professional associations