Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. TNC is tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water responsibly, and helping make cities more sustainable. One of the organization’s core values is its commitment to diversity. Therefore, TNC strives for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 79 countries and territories, including all 50 states, TNC uses a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.
The mission of TNC is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. To do this, the organization relies on its network of scientists and volunteers, as well as individuals, governments, local nonprofits, and corporations.
The Director of Finance and Compliance will provide overall direction and leadership for the Finance and Compliance functions within the Marketing and Communications (MAC) division of 330+ employees and an operating budget of $50M+. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with an ability to present scopes of work and operations related strategies to a broad audience. As a proven influencer, the successful candidate will possess exceptional communication skills and an ability to story-tell the dynamics of the department both internally and externally. strong background in finance, risk management, and compliance.
Responsibilities Include:
- Establish a vision for areas of responsibility, identify key challenges, and deliver targeted recommendations and outcomes.
- Lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, project outcomes, and initiate solutions in order to improve effectiveness and ensure program accountability.
- Ensure functional program meets commitments and is managed for ethical compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements.
- Oversee and manage their business unit’s compliance regarding data, information and record management, and youth safety programs.
- Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans and funding models.
- Provide timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to the leadership team, budget managers, and project managers.
- Oversee general accounting duties, including basic journal entries for transfers, loans, accruals, deferred revenue and expense corrections, and other activities such as purchasing, processing invoices, negotiating, and contracting with vendors.
- Review and monitor income statement and balance sheet (including pledges) items at month and year-end close.
- Lead a high-performing team, including recruitment, provide professional development, establishing clear directions, developing “stretch” objectives, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work.
- 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.
- Exercise leadership in strategic and tactical manners, works with fellow leaders to establish and evaluate policies and/or long-term program.
- 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.
- Act independently and resolve complex issues within program area.
- Minimize legal risk to the Conservancy and ensure legal compliance with applicable state and local regulations.
- Manage or oversee activities related to in-country legal, labor and financial compliance.
- Supervise one or more administrative or professional staff.
- Other related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and 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; and
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of relevant field.
- Demonstrated experience handling confidential information.
Desired Qualifications:
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
- Advanced understanding of best practices in non-profit management.
- Experience managing a geographically dispersed team.
- Experience managing contracts.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline.
- Proficiency in working independently as well as jointly with colleagues on a team.
- Account degree and CPA certification.
- Non-profit GAAP accounting experience.
- Experience providing support in HR processes.
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of The Nature Conservancy.
