Chief Financial Officer, Nonprofit

Direct Hire Portland, Maine

• Location: Portland, Maine
• Type: Direct Hire
• Job #20739

About the USM Foundation

Position Summary

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Finance and Organizational Stewardship (50%)

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develops and maintains multi-year financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and long-term financial models.
• Advises the President & CEO and the Board on financial strategy, sustainability, organizational risks, and opportunities.
• Identifies financial, operational, compliance, and reputational risks before they become organizational problems and develops proactive solutions.
• Monitors organizational performance and recommends adjustments to support strategic priorities and financial health.

Finance Committee and Board Relations

• Serves as primary staff liaison to the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Ensure board members receive clear, accurate, and actionable information for effective fiduciary oversight and decision making.
• Presents financial reports, forecasts, recommendations, and analyses to the Board and committees.

Financial Oversight and Compliance

• Oversees preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Ensures appropriate internal controls, financial policies, and procedures are maintained and periodically reviewed.
• Oversees budgeting processes and financial planning activities.
• Accountable for completion of the annual audit and IRS Form 990.
• Serves as authorized signatory on banking, retirement, and investment accounts.

Investments and Cash Management

• Monitors invested assets and cash reserves.
• Oversees Foundation transfers and financial relationships with the University.
• Ensures financial obligations contained within donor agreements are honored and appropriately administered.

Pledges Receivable

• Oversees the Foundation's pledges receivable process.
• Works collaboratively with development staff to monitor collections and maximize pledge fulfillment.
• Develops and maintains systems that ensure accurate reporting and effective stewardship of donor commitments.

University Partnership

• Serves as the Foundation's primary liaison to the University's Chief Financial Officer and business leadership.
• Works collaboratively to maintain strong relationships, aligned policies, and effective financial processes between the Foundation and the University.

Gift Administration and Donor Intent Compliance (35%)

Gift Agreements and Fund Establishment

• Drafts and reviews all gift agreements and pledge forms in collaboration with gift officers and portfolio managers.
• Works closely with donors, Foundation staff, University administrators, and legal counsel when necessary to resolve complex gift agreement issues.
• Ensures donor intent is clearly documented, achievable, and aligned with institutional and Foundation policies.

Gift Fund Administration

• Establishes, modifies, and inactivates Foundation and University gift funds and endowments.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of gift agreements and fund criteria.
• Ensures all stakeholders understand donor restrictions and fund requirements.

Gift Compliance and Reporting

• Oversees reporting related to donor funds and endowments.
• Monitors spending activity to ensure compliance with donor intent.
• Serves as a resource to Foundation and University stakeholders regarding gift fund administration and interpretation.

Human Resources Leadership (15%)

Talent Management

• Oversees recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation review processes, and employee development.
• Supports supervisors in maintaining a high-performance, collaborative workplace culture.
• Ensures personnel records and employment practices comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Human Resources Administration

• Serves as primary liaison to external HR consultants and employment advisors.
• Oversees employee handbook development, policy updates, and HR compliance activities.
• Assists with compensation analysis, job descriptions, employment offers, and employee relations matters.

Payroll and Benefits

• Oversees payroll administration and compliance through third-party providers.
• Evaluates benefit offerings and recommends changes consistent with organizational values and financial priorities.
• Supports employee understanding and utilization of Foundation benefits.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serves as an active and engaged member of the Foundation's senior leadership team.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential financial, personnel, and donor information.
• Builds productive relationships with donors, board members, University leaders, staff, and external partners.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service and professionalism.
• Serves as a role model for collaboration, accountability, integrity, and respect.
• Successfully manages multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and follow-through.
• Exercises independent judgment and advances complex projects involving multiple stakeholders to successful completion.

Leadership Profile and Qualifications

Required Experience

• Ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit finance, higher education administration, healthcare administration, municipal finance, foundation management, or a related field.
• Experience serving as a member of a senior leadership team and contributing to organization-wide strategy and decision-making.
• Experience presenting financial information and recommendations to governing boards, finance committees, executives, or other senior stakeholders.
• Experience supervising professional staff and fostering a positive, accountable workplace culture.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.

Preferred Experience

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), MBA, MPA, SHRM certification, or other advanced degree.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, charitable gift administration, endowment management, or higher education foundations.
• Experience supporting audits, IRS Form 990 preparation, and board governance processes.

Leadership Competencies

• A trusted advisor rather than solely a technical expert.
• Skilled at identifying risks, opportunities, and emerging issues before they become organizational problems.
• An exceptional communicator capable of translating complex financial matters into clear and actionable information.
• Comfortable working with donors, board members, executives, and staff at all organizational levels.
• A collaborative problem-solver who can navigate ambiguity and achieve results through influence and relationship-building.
• Highly organized and capable of balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to confidentiality, integrity, sound judgment, and professional excellence.

Ready to Apply