Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer - Defenders of Wildlife

Washington, DC

About the Job

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer	CLASSIFICATION: Executive 1 SALARY: $253,000 - $279,000 FLSA: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Finance LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, DC REPORTS TO: President/ CEO NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 9
LAST REVISED: March 2024

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for supervising and directing the operation and implementation of the financial management and compliance functions of Defenders of Wildlife and Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. They report to the President & CEO and work closely with the Vice Presidents of Marketing and Philanthropy and other senior staff to provide accurate, timely, and strategic financial counsel to the organization.

The Vice President of Finance /CFO provides leadership and strategy for financial management and control. They identify and implement best practices; solves business challenges; strives for continual improvement; optimizes relationships with banks and other external service providers; and is a strategic partner with the President’s Office. They are also is the primary support staff contact for the Audit and Finance committees of the Board of Directors

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key strategic advisor to the President and CEO on financial issues related to Defenders of Wildlife and Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.

Senior officer in charge of strategic financial planning and management for Defenders of Wildlife

Key member of Defenders of Wildlife senior leadership and primary staff support contact to the Board of Directors Audit and Finance Committees

Optimizes relationships with bankers, auditors, and other service providers
Maintains internal controls to safeguard assets, provide necessary checks and balances, and ensure integrity of financial data
Responsible for preparation of quarterly financial presentations for the Board of Directors
Prepares monthly internal GAAP financial statements and budget comparisons

Manage the development, maintenance, and enhancement of annual organizational budget process

Monitors compliance with the Board Approved Organizational budget
Responsible for overall Organizational cash management

Oversees annual financial statement audit, and annual pension plan audit

Oversees the completion of annual Form 990 and related tax returns as well as Form 5500 and related pension filings
Supervises Finance and Compliance staff, and regularly monitors staff activities to assure that all issues are receiving appropriate attention

Responsible for leadership of the Finance team handling the accounts payable, payroll, revenue, cash & investment management, and restricted grants management functions
Responsible for the leadership of the Compliance team handling state solicitation registrations, state CGA registrations, state registration to do business, state personal property tax filings, and contract management functions
Develop short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements for Finance and Compliance Departments
Ensure optimum performance of group function. Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, cut costs and maintain state-of-the-art practices
Recommend, review and approve departmental employment actions, including interviewing, hiring, promotions and raises, in conjunction with Human Resources. Partner with Human Resources in the handling of disciplinary issues
Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary
Assist with the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan

Performs all other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: 15 years; 7 years supervisory; 5 years managing 2+ layers. CPA required.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Executive 1

Administrative

Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records
Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service

Communication

Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely
Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies
Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders’ interests in external environments
Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders

Critical Thinking

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner
Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ work
Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments
Strategic thinker with the ability to create high-level strategy, identify organizational-level impact, and translate strategy into relatable points and action steps.

Project Management

Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments
Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests
Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues
Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion
Ability to create and implement programs, initiatives, and/or systems which will result in organizational-wide impact; assess specific needs; design oversee implementation; establish benchmarks and track key performance indicators; provide recommendations for improvements; advocate and champion the program internally.

Coalition and Community Engagement

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders’ members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and/or the general public.
Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate issues impacting Defenders’ mission and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions.
Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.

Conservation Knowledge

Familiarity with Defenders’ legal, scientific, and/or political issues
Familiarity with national and regional social, political and ecological landscapes

Leadership and Management

Ability to foster a team and organizational culture which models the tenets of the Commitment Statement
Ability to connect employees and their work to Defenders’ mission
Ability to set and maintain clear expectations, ensuring clarity of roles, accountabilities, and responsibilities
Ability to ensure that staff have the skills and support required to perform at the highest level
Expert-level knowledge of Defenders’ business and people systems and processes
Ability to create and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and high-functioning environment
Ability to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in department and organizational-level decisions
Ability to manage employee conflict and resolve escalations in an inclusive and healthy manner
Ability to effectively lead and manage change
Ability to develop mid-level leaders and staff to their highest capabilities, through delegation, coaching, empowerment, and professional growth opportunities
Ability to provide effective feedback in real-time
Ability to create and implement team and organization-wide strategies in support of Defenders’ Strategic Plan

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

None

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities Check all that apply	Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.	N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.	N
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.	C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.	O
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.	O
Communicating with others to exchange information.	C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.	C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.	N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.	N
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.	C

Environmental Conditions Check all that apply	Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Low temperatures.	O
High temperatures.	O
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.	N
Noisy environments.	O
Hazardous conditions.	N
Poor ventilation.	N
Small and/or enclosed spaces.	N
No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Physical Demands Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.	X
Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders of Wildlife requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

Please be advised this position is non union-eligible.

Source : Defenders of Wildlife