The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the Community Foundation’s financial and administrative functions. This includes developing and managing a comprehensive financial strategy aligned with the Community Foundation’s mission and long-term goals. The CFO is a strategic thinker with deep experience in nonprofit financial management, investment strategies, and operational excellence.

The CFO works closely with the President & CEO, is a member of the Leadership Team, participates in Board of Directors meetings, and provides staff leadership to the Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and a new Impact Investing Committee.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Optimize financial analysis and planning and ensure fiscal sustainability to support organizational mission.
• Serve as a financial advisor to the Board, President & CEO, and Leadership Team, providing expert financial insights to inform executive and Board-level decision-making.
• Lead all accounting and finance functions, including recording contributions, fee calculations, investment income allocations, quarterly financial statements, fund holder statements, and proper internal controls.

 Financial Operations and Analysis

• Supervise all aspects of financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and budgeting.
• Provide financial analysis and reports as requested by the Board, the President & CEO, and other Leadership Team members to support actionable insights and ensure data-driven decision-making including use of reports, queries, and data dashboards.
• Oversee fund administration, maintaining accuracy, donor intent, and administration in accordance with fund agreements in a close working relationship with the Development Team.
• With the Vice President of Development, lead the complex gift team (e.g. real estate) through the review, analysis, documentation, and decision process.

 Investment and Endowment Management

• Serve as staff lead to the Investment Committee, working with President & CEO, Committee Chair, and investment consultant to support effective investment management.
• Provide oversight of investment pools, including strategy, performance, and compliance with policies.
• Facilitate Investment Committee review of Investment Policy Statement, investment consultant and advisors, asset allocation, and fees and distribution rate.
• Provide financial analysis to Investment Committee for use in determining fees and distribution rate.
• Lead the design and execution of an impact investing strategy that generates both financial returns and social impact.

Audit and Tax Compliance

• Maintain relationship with CPA firm for audit and tax return preparation.
• Oversee coordination of audit activities, including planning, fieldwork, and delivery of the audit report to the Board.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and industry best practices

Budgeting and Fiscal Responsibility

• Lead the budget and projections process to build and maintain organizational strength, including coordinating the development of the budget.
• Design and implement strategies to balance the Community Foundation’s budget, ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and revenue generating initiatives to enhance financial health.
• Monitor the approved budget through quarterly financial reviews and mid-year projections.

 Facilities & Technology

• Oversee short-term maintenance of the Torch Press Building, vendor relations, and planning for long-term maintenance.
• Supervise administration of technology system, strategy, and cybersecurity for Community Foundation.

 Human Resources Management

• Oversee human resources functions, including policies, payroll, benefits, hiring, and orientation.
• Monitor employee benefits administration, including performing annual evaluation of all employee benefits.
• Coordinate performance management, including performance assessments and goal setting.
• Support on-going managerial training.
• Work with President & CEO to lead annual compensation decisions.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with other teams to align financial goals with organizational priorities.

 Leadership Team Member

• Serve as a member of the Community Foundation Leadership Team to:
  • Formulate strategy and direction for the organization
  • Manage for operational excellence
  • Maintain a positive work culture
  • Steward the mission, vision, and values of the Community Foundation.

 

COMPETENCY: 

• High level of accounting and finance knowledge
• Strong analytical and strategic leadership
• Creative problem solver and critical thinker
• Ability to lead a team
• Mature judgement and decision-making
• Well-organized self-starter with the ability to handle multiple complex assignments
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Experience working with boards, committees, and donors
• Excellent internal and external customer service skills
• Personal qualities of integrity, trustworthiness, and a commitment to the Community Foundation’s mission
• Excellent computer skills and ability to learn specialized foundation management system
• Understanding of cyber-security practices to safeguard organizational information
• Demonstrated commitment to support Community Foundation DEI and racial equity work

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Finance team staff as determined.

 

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: 

• Full-time
• Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• This position is primarily on site, but flexible work arrangements may be considered.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree or MBA in accounting, finance, or related discipline required.
• Ten or more years of increasing responsibility in financial management and accounting, including advanced knowledge of fund accounting, finance, and general business administration.

 

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• CPA preferred
• Experience in the nonprofit sector a plus

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, termination, and all other aspects of employment. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our mission. We believe that diversity enhances our ability to serve our community and enriches the experiences of our employees. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for employment opportunities within our organization.