Director of Finance, Marketing and Communications

$86,000 - $139,000/Yr

The Nature Conservancy - Madison, WI

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Madison, WI

251-500 employees

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Director of Finance will provide overall direction and leadership for Finance and Compliance functions within the Marketing and Communications (MAC) business unit of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which consists of over 330 employees and manages an operating budget exceeding $50 million. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with a robust background in finance, risk management, and compliance. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader, capable of driving financial performance while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and ethical standards. They will serve as a solution-finder to support the goals of the MAC division, ensuring that financial operations align with the strategic priorities of the business unit. In this role, the Director of Finance will be responsible for identifying and mitigating financial and operational risks, developing processes and solutions to streamline operational requirements and policies, and ensuring compliance across the division. They will establish effective communication channels and guidelines, ensuring that relevant operational information is disseminated and adhered to. The Director will monitor financial performance, providing insights to drive decision-making and improve cost efficiency. They will work collaboratively with teams to establish and track measures that indicate progress and success, engaging the leadership team in the financial management and sustainability of MAC. The Director will oversee the central management of all contracts and purchasing needs for the MAC Division, managing complex administrative tasks related to compliance, including internal Standard Operating Procedures, contractual management, lobbying, and regulatory filings. They will reinforce consistency in the organization's policies and procedures, providing direction related to operations and identifying strategies to mitigate risks while ensuring compliance with marketing initiatives globally. The Director will also serve as a subject matter expert, providing high-level operational guidance and processes, elevating risks, opportunities, and solutions as appropriate. They will lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, and initiate solutions to improve effectiveness, while fostering constructive relationships with senior management, colleagues across Finance and Legal teams, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans.
• Provide timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to leaders.
• Provide effective communications, guidance and advice, and oversee training programs related to finance and compliance.
• Oversee general accounting duties, including journal entries, purchasing, processing invoices, and negotiating contracts with vendors.
• Manage two or more administrative or professional staff, including training and professional development.
• Conceive, design, and manage complex and diversified projects, ensuring program accountability.
• Review and monitor income statement and balance sheet items at month and year-end close.
• Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high-profile, or sensitive agreements.
• Manage vendor relationships, contract reviews, and negotiations as needed.
• Ensure compliance with programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies, and financial standards.
• Oversee compliance data, information, and record management and youth safety programs.
• Ensure contracted vendors carry required insurance coverage and appropriate documentation is maintained.
• Make strategic decisions that may have program-wide impact and bind the organization financially or legally.
• Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders to enhance performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience or equivalent combination, including 3 years managing operations functions.
• Financial/Accounting experience.
• Experience generating financial reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Experience developing and administering departmental budget or equivalent.
• Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience developing, managing, and implementing multiple projects and strategic goals.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across multiple organizational levels.
• Fluent English is required for programs outside the United States.

Nice-to-haves

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Effective training skills.
• Excellent communication skills including presentations, conversations, and documents.
• Experience managing a geographically dispersed team.
• Experience managing contracts.
• 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.
• Accounting degree and CPA certification preferred.
• Non-profit GAAP accounting experience.
• Understanding of best practices in non-profit management.

Benefits

• Health care benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
• Parental leave
• Accrued paid time off
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Other life and work well-being benefits