Director of Finance

Job Description

The Director of Finance serves as the strategic financial leader for the Foundation, responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, reporting, compliance, and scholarship fund management. This role ensures the financial integrity and long-term sustainability of the organization while aligning financial strategy with the Foundation's mission, policies, and fundraising priorities.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Finance leads the development and management of the Foundation's annual operating, scholarship, and fundraising budgets, providing forward-looking financial analysis, forecasting, and recommendations to support informed decision-making. This position plays a critical role in translating complex financial data into clear, understandable information that supports confident decision-making across staff, leadership, and the Board.

The Director of Finance is a collaborative leader who ensures that financial processes are not only accurate and compliant, but also accessible and understood by the broader team. In support of strong governance and appropriate checks and balances, the Director of Finance has a standing responsibility to report concerns regarding financial integrity and internal controls directly to the Finance Committee. By strengthening internal systems, maintaining strong controls, and proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, this role helps create a stable and informed environment where staff can operate effectively and financial systems support student success.

Examples of Duties

Financial Management, Reporting & Compliance (Approximately 50%)

• Lead all financial operations of the Foundation, ensuring compliance with 501(c)(3) regulations, GASB standards, and internal policies.
• Manage all accounting functions including accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations, and monthly and annual closings.
• Prepare and present monthly and annual financial reports for the Board and committees.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and transparency of financial data.
• Lead annual audit and IRS Form 990 preparation, serving as primary liaison to auditors.
• Monitor cash flow and investment activity to ensure alignment with Foundation obligations and long-term financial health, serving as liaison to the investment advisor firm.

Scholarship & Fund Management (Approximately 25%)

• Oversee all financial components of the Foundation's scholarship program, including budgeting, fund tracking, and reconciliation.
• Ensure accurate awarding, disbursement, and reporting of scholarship funds in coordination with college partners.
• Oversee all grant reporting and compliance with grantor requirements.
• Ensure students are awarded and notified efficiently and accurately, evaluating changes to scholarship processes that enhance the student experience and staff efficacy.

Financial Leadership & Foundation Operations (Approximately 15%)

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and all staff members on annual budgeting to develop a fiscally responsible budget for operations, scholarships, and fundraising that complies with board policy.
• Track and analyze financial performance related to fundraising goals, campaign progress, and donor commitments.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Finance Committee and actively participate in Board meetings and Foundation events, as required.
• Proactively refine financial policies, procedures, and operational improvements that enhance efficiency and accountability.

Organizational Support (Approximately 10%)

• Ensure alignment between financial systems and donor database records, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Serve as a key internal partner to advancement and operations staff to support fundraising, reporting, and donor stewardship.
• Maintain relationships with banking institutions, investment advisors, auditors, and College finance teams.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented culture where all staff understand their role in advancing the Foundation's mission.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Participate in Foundation committees, events, and strategic initiatives as appropriate.
• Support key fundraising events and collaborate with the College's faculty and staff to plan events for high school counselors and estate planning professionals.
• Perform duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May supervise administrative or finance-related staff, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and professional development.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered (Master's or CPA preferred).

Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting, preferably in nonprofit, higher education, or a related environment.

Experience with Blackbaud or similar CRM systems, along with banking and accounting software used to manage and track funds; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with external investment firms to interpret financial performance, provide insight, and inform future financial strategy.

Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.

Demonstrated ability to manage audits, financial reporting, and complex fund accounting.

High level of financial literacy with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Position is sensitive and will require a background check. Notice of E 'Verify participation.

Supplemental Information

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the environment is moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, and feel. The employee is regularly required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to forty (40) pounds and climb/balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus, as well as ability to determine the color of objects.