Director of Finance and Operations

Founded in 1997, The International Sustainable Development Foundation (ISDF) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. ISDF's mission is to advance the understanding and practice of sustainability locally and internationally.

ISDF has 3 programs: The Zero Waste Alliance; The Green Electronics Council; and the US Secretariat for the China US Center for Sustainable Development. The central focus in each of the ISDF's programs is the importance of sustainable design to achieve a society where commerce, communities and nature can thrive in harmony. These 3 programs are developing and leading new initiatives that include the recognized national, and emerging international, standard for green electronics managed by the Green Electronics Council - EPEAT.net; and the growing SustainableSchools.org movement managed by the Zero Waste Alliance.

ISDF works closely with EPEAT Inc., a nonprofit affiliate corporation which is tax exempt as a 501 (c) (4) organization. ISDF and EPEAT are funded through a combination of contributions, grants, contracts and fees for services.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Executive Director and working in close partnership with program directors, the Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for all financial matters and internal operations of the International Sustainable Development Foundation and EPEAT Inc. This person will serve as a member of the senior management team and work closely with the Board of Directors, Executive Director and Program Directors to establish and implement the organization's financial and operational vision. The Director of Finance reports to the Executive Director and supervises the administrative staff and contract accounting staff.

Responsibilities:

A. Finance:

1. Accounting

• Oversee accounting contractors and all accounting functions to ensure proper design and maintenance of accounting systems, processes and procedures.
• Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures.
• Coordinate all audit activities.
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy and usefulness of financial and management reporting for federal and state funders, foundations, and ISDF and EPEAT boards of directors.
• Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions including the 990, federal guidelines for contracts and grants, etc.
• Ensure day-to-day compliance of all program activities with applicable laws and regulations including review of payments, contracts and sub awards; analyze financial reports from sub-contractors and/or sub-awardees.
• Remain up to date on state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations including nonprofit audit best practices.

2. Financial Planning and Analysis

• Responsible for coordinating with program managers to prepare budgets, financial forecasts and cash flow for administration for existing programs and for proposed new programs.
• Responsible for cash, investment and asset management as well as banking relationships.
• Maintain and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate restricted funds tracking and ensure adequate control.
• Develop forward-looking tools and systems including activity-based financial analyses to provide key financial and operational information to the Executive Director and Program Directors and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations.
• Analyze feasibility of new programs, major projects and initiatives.
• Engage the Finance Committee of the board of directors to develop annual and long term financial plans and projections including budget vs. actual analyses, analysis of issues, trends and changes in ISDF's financial systems and operations.

3. Management of Grants

• Support the preparation of grant proposal budgets and amendment requests in collaboration with program directors and managers.
• Conduct financial forecasting and manage the budgetary planning system parallel to financial systems to ensure spending in accordance with approved budgets and grant funding guidelines.
• Prepare periodic financial reports and close-out documentation at end of funding cycles in compliance with grantor/funder regulations.
• Lead the negotiation and establishment of annual ISDF federal indirect cost rate.

B. Operations:

1. General Administration

• Serve as a member of the senior management team on the organization's financial, budgeting, and administrative processes with an eye to continuously developing and improving systems.
• Responsible for the preparation of Board and Finance Committee meeting agendas, meeting packets, reports and support.
• Manage ISDF's administrative staff.
• Facilitate monthly management meetings.
• Ensure all business insurance and risk management functions are up to date and sufficient.
• Serve as risk manager for ISDF in functional areas including compliance, computer and office security, volunteer management and emergency preparedness.
• Manage the organization's insurance program, including employee health, dental and other forms of insurance, officers and directors insurance, general liability and property loss insurance, workers compensation, etc.
• Coordinate legal affairs relating to contracts, vendor relationships and employee relationships.

2. Human Resource Administration

• Help maximize the effectiveness of ISDF's human resources.
• Maintain up-to-date HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all county, state and federal legal requirements.
• Produce and update the Administrative Manual and annual organization calendar.
• Oversee personnel benefit administration.
• Control the maintenance and security of HR records.
• Maintain up-to-date job descriptions.
• Facilitate the annual performance appraisal and professional development process.
• Coordinate and facilitate staff training and development.
• Participate in staff hiring and disciplinary actions.
• Facilitate staff orientation.

3. Facilities Management

• Oversee the organization's physical office infrastructure
• Oversee the organization's administrative support systems (phone system, security, cleaning, supplies, office equipment, etc. and inventory of assets.
• Manage real estate activities including leases and landlord relationships.

4. Information Technology Management

• Oversee ISDF's IT consultants to establish and implement an IT plan to successfully meet IT needs (hardware and software) as the organization grows.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years' experience as financial officer, operations manager, business manager or equivalent position.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance or related field.
• Knowledge of nonprofit GAAP accounting and financial reporting principles and practices including fund and grant accounting compliance and reporting.

Ability to:

• Design and implement financial reports to address specialized needs of management, boards of directors and external users.
• Identify and analyze alternative business models.
• Manage core business functions including information technology, human resources administration, contract compliance and facilities management.

Skills:

• Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, diverse and dynamic team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills, plus excellent organization skills.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a commitment to ISDF's mission.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Successful experience with grants management and governmental financial management requirements including federally negotiated indirect cost rates and cost allocation plans.
• Knowledge of Internal Revenue Code requirements for tax exempt organizations including requirements relating to management of tandem c-3/c-4 organizations.
• Experience with international operations and currency transactions.
• Experience managing a non-profit organization or program.

Compensation: DOE
Hours: Full time or TBD based on mutual agreement
Reports to: Executive Director

Application Period: Initial review deadline is March 12, 2010.

To Apply:

Please submit a résumé and cover letter specifically responding to the points in the Qualifications section above to Julia Bulfin. No phone calls please. Additional evaluation may be required prior to an interview or final selection.