The New York Director of Finance & Operations will provide overall direction and leadership for all operations functions within the Conservancy’s New York Division, which has nearly 150 team members across more than half a dozen offices, nearly 100 volunteer leaders, approximately 100,000 members and supporters, and an operating budget of more than $32 million. The Director will be responsible for Finance, Facilities, Information Systems, Office Management and/or Safety. They will establish a vision for areas of responsibility, identify key challenges, and deliver targeted outcomes.
The New York Director of Finance and Operations will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the New York Division by conceiving, developing, and managing financial and operations plans and strategies. They will be responsible for directing complex and administrative tasks related to Information Systems, Finance, and Facilities, including preparing reports and forecasts, and monitoring and preparing budgets. They will focus on long-range strategic priorities and establish and monitor activity level benchmarks and measures of success. The Director will participate in the formulation and evaluation of broad policies and standards. They will serve as the primary owner for business processes and guidelines related to the work of the teams under their supervision. They will be responsible for board and Executive Director engagement in the financial management and financial sustainability of the Division, including the presentation of financial information at division executive, senior management and Board of Trustee meetings. They and their team will work with the Development team in preparing proposals. They will manage the development and implementation of a strategic, integrated, and collaborative approach to maximize success, including organizing communications. They will facilitate strategic dialogues with senior-level stakeholders, probing to identify key issues and requirements, negotiating and developing solutions, and synthesizing a plan of action tailored to audience. They will provide consultation, guidance, and oversee training programs in finance and operations for the New York Division. They will direct diverse activities, develop complex practices and processes, project outcomes, and initiate changes to improve effectiveness. They will serve as the sponsor for the enhancement of systems and tools used by the program. They will manage priority vendor relationships. The Director will work closely with and manage relations with key stakeholders including senior management, internal teams, and outside service providers to achieve program goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manage professional staff, including recruitment, retaining, professional development, establishing clear directions, and developing “stretch” objectives;
- Conceive, design and direct complex and diversified projects, directing work of staff, and ensuring program accountability;
- Conceive, design, and lead new programs/initiatives that will ensure program and organization-wide goals are achieved;
- Provide timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to board members and project managers;
- Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans;
- Oversee general accounting duties, to include: basic journal entries for transfers, loans, land transactions, accruals, deferred revenue and expense corrections;
- Review and monitor income statement and balance sheet (including pledges) items at month and year-end close;
- Provide financial expertise on land deals or other special projects;
- Ensure revenue, expenses and net assets are managed to reflect donor intent, including working with cross-functional teams to perform revenue allocation;
- Oversee private funded awards;
- Oversee day to day financial activities such as purchasing, processing invoices, negotiating, and contracting with vendors;
- Work seamlessly with WO HR, HR Business Partner, HR Generalist and local HR/Operations staff to ensure the integration of the finance, operations and talent management functions.
- Ensure contracted vendors carry required insurance coverage and that appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained;
- Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements;
- Ensure functional program meets commitments and is managed for ethical compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements;
- Exercise leadership in strategic and tactical manners, works with fellow leaders to establish and evaluate policies and/or long-term program;
- Lead strategic initiatives through collaboration with senior-level stakeholders in order to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives;
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally-charged information;
- Ensure strategic goals and objectives are met; decisions may affect public image, impact multiple programs, and bind the organization financially or legally;
- Travel frequently and on short notice, working long hours and weekends; and
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- 9 years related experience or equivalent combination, including 3 years managing operations functions and experience working at a senior level;
- Financial/accounting experience;
- Experience generating financial reports and analyzing and interpreting data;
- Experience developing and administering departmental budget or equivalent;
- Experience conceiving, developing, and managing multiple projects and strategic goals;
- Management experience of a large multidisciplinary team, including planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities;
- Experience working in a large, complex organization;
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of relevant field; and/or
- Demonstrated experience handling confidential and highly sensitive information.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Advanced understanding of best practices in non-profit management;
- Effectively communicates via presentations, conversations, and documents;
- Experience managing a geographically dispersed team;
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline;
- Proficiency in synthesizing materials from multiple sources into a coherent and accurate summary;
- Proficiency in working independently as well as jointly with colleagues on a team;
- Account degree and CPA certification; and/or
- Non-profit GAAP accounting experience.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.