Director of Finance, Marketing and Communications

$86,000 - $139,000/Yr

The Nature Conservancy - Bethesda, MD

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Bethesda, MD

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. 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. Monitoring financial performance and providing insights to drive decision-making and improve cost efficiency will be key responsibilities. The Director will engage with leadership teams in financial management and sustainability, presenting financial information to the MAC Leadership Team, central Finance team members, and executives. In addition, 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 oversee the full contractual cycle, serving as a subject matter expert and providing high-level operational guidance, 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 a wide range of stakeholders, including senior management, colleagues across Finance and Legal teams, and external partners.

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 vendor contracting.
• 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 agreements.
• Manage vendor relationships, contract reviews and negotiations as needed.
• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and financial standards.
• Oversee compliance data and record management, ensuring youth safety programs are in place.
• Make strategic decisions that may impact the organization financially or legally.
• Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience or equivalent combination, including 3 years managing operations functions.
• Financial/Accounting experience with generating financial reports and analyzing data.
• Experience developing and administering departmental budgets 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.
• Effective training skills.
• Excellent communication skills including 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 summary.
• 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