Director of Finance and Operations

A LITTLE ABOUT US

 

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 79 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

 

Arkansas’ conservation community is especially collaborative. Our dedicated, talented and fun Arkansas staff is supported by a committed and distinguished Board of Trustees with a wide breadth of relationships and experience. The Arkansas chapter works closely with partners on conservation strategies around the state that include conserving and reforesting the Delta, restoring upland rivers, returning managed fire to historic habitats and connecting people with nature using our network of projects and preserves. With our partners, we have helped conserve more than 325,000 acres of land, hundreds of river and stream miles, and manage timberlands, ranches, lodges and other recreational amenities for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, floating, and climbing. To learn more, visit https://nature.org/Arkansas or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

 

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.

 

 

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

 

The Arkansas Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) provides overall direction for all operations functions within the Arkansas Business Unit. The DFO is responsible for functions such as finance, human resources, facilities, information systems, office management, and/or management of selected lodges and cabins. The DFO works in close cooperation with the Director and as part of the Arkansas management team to advance the Conservancy’s goals and objectives.

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

As a member of the Arkansas Chapter’s management team, the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) works toward meeting the strategic priorities of the program by developing and coordinating financial, human resources and operative plans and managing a small team responsible for day-to-day operations.

 

Specifically, the DFO provides overall direction and leadership of across the Arkansas Business Unit for the following departments:

 

Finance: Oversee finance functions within the program including budget planning and assisting with monitoring and administration of a budget, allocating revenue, preparing financial reports and forecasting, monitoring centralized investments, private and public grants administration, cash receipting and banking, accounts payable, and creating and maintaining delegation of authority documents. Similarly, the DFO is responsible for Board of Trustees and Business Unit (BU)/Chapter Director engagement in developing and implementing annual and long-term strategic plans, the financial management and sustainability of the Program, including the presentation of financial information at Chapter board meetings.

Human Resources: Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new employees in conjunction with the hiring managers, time and effort reporting activities, administer annual performance evaluation process, provide guidance and support to staff as it pertains to employee relations, benefits and training opportunities and maintain personnel records. Consult with divisional HR Business Partner and implement conflict resolution strategies and performance management to ensure positive morale within the chapter.

Administration/Operations: Oversee daily operations and building maintenance of the Conservancy’s offices, lodges and cabins. Maintain office asset inventories, negotiate office leases, lodge and cabin leases with concessionaires, services and equipment lease agreements, maintain TNC vehicle fleet, communicate emergency procedures and address security issues, ensure OSHA and fire safety standards, maintain positive physical office/work environment, procure and maintain office equipment, maintain program insurance, and records management. Oversee management of office reception, conference, and shared work and break areas.

Information Systems: Oversee Information Technology Systems support staff. Utilize working knowledge of IT systems to provide second tiered support to all staff throughout the chapter as it pertains to connectivity, networking, server, software, and hardware issues. Maintain data backup schedule and disaster recovery plans as well as computer asset inventory.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

 

The DFO does some combination of the following:

Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed; exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;

Develop and implement new initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved;

Ensure programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, GAAP, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance. Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;

Provide timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to board members and project managers;

Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans;

Perform general accounting duties (may include managing external accounting vendor), 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;

Manage privately funded awards;

Collaborate with Grants Specialists on managing public awards;

Oversee day-to-day financial activities such as purchasing, processing invoices, negotiating, and contracting with vendors;

Ensure contracted vendors carry required insurance coverage and that appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained;

Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally-charged information;

Manage and implement multiple projects, including setting deadlines and ensuring accountability;

Travel occasionally, working long and flexible hours as needed;

Supervise two or more administrative or professional staff, responsibility includes training and professional development;

Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain; and

Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or equivalent combination, including 2 years managing operations functions;

Finance / Accounting experience;

Experience managing and implementing multiple projects;

Experience generating financial reports, and analyzing and interpreting data;

Experience developing and administering departmental budget or equivalent;

Experience negotiating agreements;

Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of human resources, and office operations.

Experience supervising staff, interns, and/or volunteers; and

Experience working with cross-functional teams.

Demonstrated experience handling confidential information;

 

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;

Ability to manage and implement complex processes;

Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative role;

Advanced knowledge in current and evolving technology related to field of experience;

Knowledge of current and evolving trends in the specific field, preferably in a non-profit environment;

Experience working with government awards;

Strong organization, planning, and problem-solving skills;

Successful experience implementing strategic program goals;

Degree in Accounting (MBA, CPA or CIA helpful); and/or

Non-profit GAAP accounting experience.

Experience in supporting Human Resources Process.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

Click the Apply button at the top of this posting.

 

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

 

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.