JOB TITLE: Director of Finance and Administration
SUPERVISOR: President and CEO
EMPLOYER: NatureServe
LOCATION: Washington, DC Metro Area (Arlington, Virginia)
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND:
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has a strong accounting, finance, and human resources background who would like to work in an organization that is making a positive impact on some of the world's most pressing environmental issues. This position is based in our Washington Metro headquarters office in Arlington, Virginia, within a convenient walk of the Rosslyn Metro Station.
NatureServe, a 501(c)3 conservation science and technology organization, provides the scientific basis for effective conservation action. Together with our international network of over 80 natural heritage programs across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, we are the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. We provide information and tools to conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public to help them make informed decisions about managing our natural resources. NatureServe holds a unique niche, by providing scientifically sound guidance for major conservation investments across the hemisphere. Since being established as an independent spin-off of The Nature Conservancy in 2000, NatureServe has had sustained revenue growth, making us one of the leading conservation organizations in the country.
NatureServe offers a high-intensity, results-oriented, and collaborative workplace where a common mission provides focus and excitement, and inspires staff to invest their best creative, intellectual, and personal efforts to ensure mission success. Staff have the ability to affect biodiversity conservation at the local, national and international scales through the network of member programs and other institutional alliances. Benefits include a 401K savings and retirement plan with matching contributions; health and dental insurance; short and long-term disability; annual and sick leave; and life insurance.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
NatureServe seeks candidates who enjoy the challenge of playing a significant role in a mid-size, fast-growing company. This position requires an energetic, pro-active, and creative leader with unquestionable integrity and high ethical standards who is committed to NatureServe's mission of guiding effective conservation action.
The Director of Finance and Administration provides active leadership in all major financial, strategic, operational, resource allocation, and personnel decisions facing the organization. This position will have 10+ direct reports and work closely with the CEO and other Senior Staff. The Director of Finance and Administration is the most senior finance, grant & contract, human resources, and membership coordinating position in NatureServe, and we need someone who has on-the-ground, detailed knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, government and philanthropic grants and contracts, and how to run a monthly close process, but who can also step back see the big picture and advise the organization on important strategic, financial, personnel, capacity-building, and business issues. Effective leadership to ensure that these functions provide efficient, high-quality, timely and responsive support to the rest of the organization will be the benchmark for this position's success.
The Director of Finance and Administration will:
Advise the President/CEO, Executive Management Team, and Board of Directors on financial, human resource and membership issues as they pertain to budgets, audits, resource allocation, operational strategy, capacity building, personnel, and legal issues.
Work as a key member of NatureServe's Executive Team to manage the organization's annual planning process and provide institutional leadership.
Foster improved communication, collaboration and capacity building within NatureServe's international network of member programs in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Establish administrative systems, policies, objectives and reports to assist management in increasing revenue and improving operational productivity. Continuously enhance administrative processes and systems to support the growth and goals of the organization.
Direct the organization's accounting (AR, Payroll, A/P), cash management, audit, grants and contracts review and tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting in support of the organization's business plans.
Provide leadership to programmatic staff to ensure a high degree of compliance and integrity in all of the organization's financial and human resource practices, ensuring that NatureServe complies with applicable governmental regulations, generally accepted accounting principles, and sound business practices.
Guarantee on-time monthly closings. Provide a monthly financial review to the CEO and Executive Management Team that includes reports and a summary of key drivers, metrics, monthly and annual changes to the financial position of the organization.
Lead the annual budget process, including the forecasting of revenue and expenses, review and establish key billing rates (e.g., labor categories, indirect costs, benefits), document and disseminate budget guidance, and supervise internal control of the budget process.
Manage the human resources department to provide strong leadership in the recruitment, training and development of staff and management.
Lead organizational efforts and provide new and creative perspectives on proposal development, cost recovery mechanisms and project management effectiveness.
Perform a variety of special assignments and analyses for the President/CEO and the Board.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
Current CPA certification and/or public accounting experience desired.
MBA or BA/BS in accounting, business administration or related field.
7+ years of experience in finance and/or administration, including business management, grants/contracts management, human resources, and supervisory responsibilities preferably in a non-profit organization.
Experience with financial planning, budgeting, accounting and financial reporting for complex organizations and projects including indirect cost expenses, cash flow budgeting and analysis.
Direct experience with GAAP, government cost/grant accounting, cooperative agreements and contracts, as well as related federal regulations. Knowledge of non-profit regulations including FAR and OMB circulars is essential.
Ability to supervise, mentor, and motivate others to meet deadlines in a positive, fun but always get-it-done on time manner, and foster a service-oriented culture.
Ability to guide the organization through financial transitions as the organizational business model evolves, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication skills. Able to work with individuals at all levels within NatureServe, including the Board of Directors.
Ability to speak and write Spanish a plus.
STRATEGIC ACTION:
Proven strategic thinker with analytical ability and good judgment who can identify and evaluate the financial and strategic implications of decisions.
Objectively analyzes and develops fact-based, effective solutions to resolve complex problems.
Deals with problems in a timely manner, simplifying systems and processes where possible.
Engages others in creative thinking and implementing new ideas.
ORGANIZATIONAL ACUMEN & BUSINESS PROCESSES:
Understands business processes and financial systems that make organizations run smoothly and utilizes resources cost-effectively.
Deadline oriented. Knows how to get things done most efficiently while adhering to the policies and values of the organization.
Attentive to detail. Known for high quality-of-work standards, and keeping track of all the moving pieces with accuracy.
Manages change initiatives that obtain measurable outcomes.
LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT
Accepts responsibility, is willing to be held accountable, and receives and acts on feedback.
Builds credibility, fosters teamwork, and instills confidence.
Works well with all levels of leadership, management, and staff.
Allocates his/her time to priorities and tasks that strengthen organizational performance and aligns people's time and effort with the organization's most important work.
Leads by example, shares knowledge, and contributes to learning and staff development.
COMMUNICATION
Communicates clearly, listens to and reflects on the ideas of others.
Is approachable and relates well to people of different backgrounds and perspectives.
Is sought out for their honest and informed consultation, handles and diffuses interpersonal conflict, and finds mutually acceptable resolutions to problems.
Responsive to the needs of others. Ability to not only give answers to questions, but also explain why controls are needed, and frame guidance within the bigger picture.
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