Director of Finance and Operations

Who we are: 

For over 30 years, Conservation Northwest has worked to protect and connect wildlands across Washington and British Columbia while restoring iconic wildlife such as wolverines, wolves, fishers, lynx, mountain caribou, and grizzly bears. 

Through tenacious yet pragmatic advocacy, on-the-ground science, and diverse collaborations, we’ve become Washington state’s premier wildlife and wildlands conservation organization. 

We believe effective conservation requires both protecting what remains and restoring what’s been lost, while centering the voices of Tribes, rural communities, and those who steward and care for these landscapes. 
 
The organization has accomplished this in part due to its strong and consistent financial position.  The organization has run surpluses and has substantial assets for an organization of its scale. It has received totally clean audits.  It also has consistently updated its financial and donor systems.  

Our Mission: We protect, connect and restore wildlands and wildlife from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies.  

Our Values: Adaptability, boldness, collaboration, empathy, equity, integrity, pragmatic idealism, rationality, tenacity

Position Details

Director of Finance & Operations 

 The Role. The Director of Finance & Operations is Conservation Northwest's senior finance and operations leader and a member of the leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will own the integrity of our finances and operations. Using your experience in management, you will set the direction for policies and procedures related to finance and operations. You will lead a team of a Staff Accountant (to be hired), an Operations Associate, and IT Manager.  You will work directly with the Board in reporting financial results and to convey the fundamental financial strategy of the organization.  

What you'll do 

• Financial leadership: Set the financial strategy for the organization. Own the monthly close, financial statements, and a clear monthly report for leadership and the board. Build and maintain a quarterly cash forecast. 

• Budget and planning: Lead the annual budget with the Executive Director and directors, and track budget to actual through the year. 

• Audit and compliance: Lead the annual audit and Form 990. Maintain corporate and charitable registrations and filings. 

• Grants and restricted funds: Partner with program and philanthropy staff on grant budgets, financial reporting, and restricted-fund tracking. 

• Controls: Design and maintain internal controls, approval policies, and segregation of duties. Manage cash, reserves, and banking relationships. 

• Board partnership: Staff the Finance Committee and present financial information to the board. 

• Operations: Oversee payroll and benefits administration, insurance, contracts, leases, vendors, facilities, and records for CNW-held land. 

• Team and systems: Supervise and develop the finance and operations team and ensure IT support and systems security. 

What you bring 

• Five or more years of progressive nonprofit finance experience, including managing a full accounting cycle and an annual audit 

• Experience with government and foundation grants and restricted funds 

• Strong command of GAAP for nonprofits and internal controls 

• Experience supervising staff and building processes others can follow 

• The ability to explain financial information clearly to staff and a board 

• Fluency in QuickBooks Online. 

• Comfort with cloud accounting and payroll systems; Rippling, Ramp, and Salesforce experience is a plus 

• A CPA or similar credential is welcome but not required 

• Commitment to CNW's mission and to a respectful, inclusive workplace 

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification. 

Details 

• Salary: $95,000 to $110,000, depending on experience 

• Benefits: Includes employer-paid medical/dental/vision insurance, 3% Simple IRA match, 12 sick days per year, 12 holidays, and vacation starting at 3 weeks per year (increasing to 5 weeks over six years). Sabbatical offered after 8 years.  

• Schedule: Full time, exempt 

• Location: Seattle/Puget Sound Area (hybrid) - 1-2 days per week in the office. Some nights, weekends, and travel within Washington are required.  

To apply: Send a resume and a short cover letter on why this role and why CNW to [application link or email] by [date]. Open until filled. 

Conservation Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of every background, identity, and lived experience.