Chief Financial Officer

Lynx Employer Resources is proud to support Community Foundation Sonoma County in its search for a Chief Financial Officer!

At CFSC, our team is made up of people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds who share a passion for investing in the promise of Sonoma County. We are deliberate, intentional, and purposeful about the kind of culturally diverse team we are building.

If this position resonates with you, we encourage you to apply!

If you’re someone who…

• Is a mission-driven leader who embraces collaboration, exhibits excellent communication skills, and forges strong relationships built on trust, respect, equity and inclusivity
• Understands the unique complexities of addressing the requirements and objectives inherent to nonprofit organizations and philanthropic giving
• Brings a sense of purpose, heart, humility, and authenticity to your leadership
• Has a reputation for actively fostering solid, trusted partnerships with board members, financial entities and donors
• Has strong nonprofit finance experience with an aptitude for budgeting and forecasting
• Is a resourceful self-starter who is systems and tech savvy Possesses a strong understanding of HR practices and a talent for building, inspiring, empowering and maintaining teams with high performance
• Has uncompromising ethics and is versed in handling complex situations with diplomacy and tact
• Is compelled by a spirit of inquiry to dig deep and explore new and creative perspectives and ideas
• Has a deep respect for the privilege and responsibility this position holds

… then we have an exciting and rewarding opportunity for you!

About Community Foundation Sonoma County

Based in Santa Rosa, California, CFSC has, for the last 40 years, leveraged its local knowledge and love of place to bring together community-minded donors and diverse nonprofit grantees to catalyze change in disaster response, health and human services, education, environment, arts and culture, and animal welfare.

Building on its legacy of community partnership and the momentum of having raised and granted over $17M from the Resilience Fund for disaster recovery over the last six years, CFSC is moving toward a new philanthropic model focused on becoming the catalyzing philanthropic voice for investing in community and climate resilience, equitable opportunities, and solutions to historic social challenges, and amplifying the rich cultural diversity of the people who live in Sonoma County.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the President & CEO, the CFO provides strategic leadership of the financial operations and personnel-related elements of the Foundation and contributes significantly to the general operations and strategic direction of the Foundation through financial analysis, insights, and forecasting. The CFO leads and manages the fiscal and financial functions of the Foundation, provides strategic council to the President & CEO, and plays an active role on the leadership team of CFSC to ensure organizational success.

Primary Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Strategy: Serves as a critical member of the senior leadership team, provides support in the development of organizational strategic planning and organizational policy, ensuring that all Foundation initiatives make economic sense and are consistent with our financial strategy and effective operations.
• Collaboration & Communications: Serve as staff liaison to the board of director’s Finance, Audit, and Investment Advisory Committees with the ability to clearly communicate and present critical matters including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting materials and metrics. Regularly collaborates with the President & CEO and Philanthropic Planning staff to develop resources for financial advisors, understands gift and fund options available for donors, assist in evaluating proposed gifts for adherence to CFSC policies and our ability to administer appropriately while maintaining donor intent.
• Analysis: Offer financial and economic insights and analysis for decision-making, strategic direction, long-range planning, and business modeling.
• Leadership: Lead operations and finance team of three, supporting them in running human resources, facilities, and technology while continually building knowledge about industry best practices in legal, accounting, tax, HR, tech, and public policy related to community foundations and philanthropy.

Finance and Accounting

• Development, Oversight & Implementation: Oversee the tools and systems for all finance and accounting including organizational budgeting, internal accounting, compliance, contract management, year-end financial audit, and tax filings.
• Budget & Mission Alignment: Oversee and manage costs and profitability, making sure expenditures are consistent with the organization’s budget, goals and mission including fund spending calculations and cash flow to meet grant making needs.

Investments

• Investment Management: Lead monitoring of the Foundation’s investment portfolio, working closely with consultants to ensure compliance and appropriate reporting. Assist Investment Advisory Committee in selection and monitoring of investment managers. Communicate effectively and compelling about the high stewardship standards and performance of CFSC’s investment portfolios.
• Innovation & Expansion: Support Board leadership and staff in creating innovative investment strategies to meet donor interests and better serve Sonoma County. Develop and extend networks in investment, community development, philanthropy, and advocacy fields to identify opportunities and capture important information relevant to potential deals and other trends.

Operations and Administration

• Administration & Technology: Establish organization-wide financial, administrative, technology, and operational objectives, policies, programs, systems, and practices with a goal of continuously facilitating cross-team collaboration, improvement, and efficiency.
• Human Resources: Oversees all aspects of HR and third-party vendors and contractors. Manage and advise compensation, benefits, and health & wellness for staff, including recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, and policy.
• Organizational Culture: In partnership with the President & CEO and senior leadership team, model and instill a service orientation that inspires a professional staff to provide the best services possible internally and externally.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Expert Advice: Ensure strategic legal advice, anticipates issues and estimates risks, and identify proactive solutions that will eliminate or mitigate risks.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all state and federal reporting requirements; Community Foundation National Standards; and tax, charitable giving, and governance regulations. Maintains appropriate insurance levels for the Foundation’s protection.

Competencies and Qualifications

A minimum of 10+ years of successful foundation or senior nonprofit (or relevant) experience, including fund accounting and managing a team. Bachelor’s degree. CPA designation desired.

Other qualifications include:

• Strong internal and external customer service ethic, personal warmth, and sincerity
• Experience and demonstrated effectiveness in management of financial reporting and ensuring streamlined, effective administration and operations
• A demonstrated ability to build relationships by employing strong organizational management, communication, implementation, problem-solving and monitoring skills, fostering collaboration
• Strong technology skills
• Solid understanding of pertinent tax regulations and state and federal laws
• Strong presentation skills, particularly in presenting budget/financial information
• Strong familiarity with philanthropy and nonprofits
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain complete confidentiality
• High level of personal and professional integrity and ethics

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 pounds), bend, etc.
• Hand and wrist dexterity needed to work on a computer
• Visual acuity
• Ability to travel locally

Salary Range

$155,000 – $175,000

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance – 100% covered for employee and 60% for dependents
• Life insurance
• Employer annual contribution to 403b retirement plan after one year of service
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development
• Sick and vacation pay
• Bereavement pay
• 11 paid holidays
• Health and wellness time
• Flexible summer Fridays
• Hybrid work model (3 days on-site office/2 days remote)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, or sexual orientation. As an equal opportunity employer, CFSC is committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. People of color, differently-abled people, and LGBTQ+ persons are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their resume (with “CFSC – Chief Financial Officer” in the subject line) to recruit@lynx-er.com or apply by clicking here.

Please refrain from contacting CFSC directly; all inquiries should be directed to recruit@lynx-er.com. Submissions will be accepted through December 29, 2023