Finance Director

ABOUT US

The vision of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is a healthy, thriving, sustainable Eastern Connecticut with greater equity for all. Our mission is to collaborate with partners to put philanthropy into action to address the needs, rights, and interests of our community in Eastern Connecticut. We embrace integrity, equity, respect, courage and empathy as our values and our work is to convene and serve as a thought partner and strategic advocate with community leaders, donors, nonprofits, and other partners to ensure collective impact around our focus areas and to advance wellbeing in our region.

CFECT has over 600 funds established by generous caring individuals and families in our region. The Foundation was established in 1983 and currently stewards approximately $125 million in assets. We serve 42 municipalities in Eastern Connecticut and have awarded over $96 million in grants and scholarships since its founding.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Finance Director reports to the President and CEO and is responsible for the development of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s financial management strategy and contributes to advancement of the organization’s strategic and fundraising goals. The Finance Director maintains and supports the accounting functions, manages the financial software and integrated systems, and maintains system development, analysis, planning and communication about the organization’s financial position. The Finance Director also manages the activities of the Investment, Finance and Audit Committees. The Finance Director will work with the VP and Development Director to support the fundraising of the Foundation. The ideal candidate will have excellent project management experience, strong relationship management and interpersonal skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic workplace environment.

Personal Leadership Qualities

The Finance Director should demonstrate:

• Understanding of the work of a community foundation and a clear commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values.
• The highest levels of personal and professional integrity and confidentiality.
• The ability to build trusting relationships and balance diverging and competing points of view.
• A strong sense of motivation and creativity.
• Willingness to ask difficult questions and challenge assumptions.
• Awareness of trends and information in the external environment that may impact the Foundation.
• Strong organizational communications, internally and externally.

Alignment to Culture and Values

• Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and core values of integrity, equity, respect, courage, and empathy.
• Collaborate with other staff to coordinate with and contribute to projects and relationships that may connect to other Foundation efforts.
• Support the Foundation’s staff in implementing our strategic plan.
• Participate in team learning activities. Attend staff meetings and retreat.
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues.
• Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection and a sense of humor.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, Vision and Leadership

• Advise the CEO on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
• Serve as management liaison to the board Investment, Finance and Audit Committees; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at board and committee meetings.
• Contribute to the development of CFECT’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues.
• Represent the organization externally, as necessary, to help forge new relationships to build CFECT’s visibility, impact, and financial resources.

Finance

• Maintain accurate financial records and general ledger statements.
• Ensure the availability of cash for operations and monitor the operating budget.
• Reconcile fund level accounting for all revenue and expenses.
• Supervise two finance staff and verify prompt payment of bills.
• Manage the budget projection, approval, and administration process with the Treasurer.
• Ensure the secure and accurate deposit and investment of all revenues.
• Responsible for initiating, developing, and implementing financial policies and procedures and keeping current on best practices.
• Duties include assisting in fund establishment and valuation/disposition of non-cash gifts.

Development

• Attend external and internal events to cultivate relationships with donors and prospects.
• Meet with donors and prospects to explain how CFECT can help them realize their philanthropic goals.
• Support and work closely with the VP and Development Director on implementation of development plan.

Communication and Reporting

• Principal communicator of financial matters to board members and staff.
• Perform or oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee the annual independent audit and the preparation of state and federal reports and filings, including roll forward schedules and split interest calculations.
• Prepare responses to external financial requests.

Investments

• Assist the Investment Committee in hiring, monitoring, and periodic in-depth evaluation of investment managers.
• Monitor and record investment transactions and maintain cash flows by performing asset rebalancing to portfolios.
• Manage all communications with current and prospective investment management firms.

Risk Management

• Establish and oversee a multi-faceted risk management program including purchase of appropriate insurance coverage for staff, volunteers, and property.
• Maintain strong internal controls to prevent fraud.

Administrative

• Oversee updates and changes in the financial and grant management systems.
• Prepare payroll, administer benefits, and ensure that required reporting is timely and accurate

• Business or Accounting degree mandatory, a master’s in business administration is preferred.
• CPA preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including proofreading and editing, and the ability to communicate complex ideas for general and specific audiences.
• Effective communication skills, including active listening skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer technology including applications for project and data management and electronic calendars (Excel, Windows, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook required). Experience working with Foundant software (CSuite, GLM, SLM) a plus.
• Experience in and knowledge of the nonprofit sector, foundations, and investment management.

Compensation

• This is full-time salaried position with compensation at $95,000 based on experience. Generous benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 403b and vacation. CFECT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply: E-mail cover letter and resume to Megan Brown, Vice President at megan@cfect.org. The search will remain open until the position is filled. We thank all applicants and advise that only those persons selected for further consideration will be contacted.