Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a leading and growing nonprofit organization working to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region. Our goals are to: improve water quality; conserve important lands; engage people in learning about and taking action to protect and enhance the river; inspire widespread commitment to this natural wonder flowing through our community; and protect our river’s unique scenic, natural, cultural and recreational qualities.
The organization has an annual budget of $2.5 million and employs a dedicated, professional staff of 19 who work to improve the health of the river through policy advocacy, education and engagement, land conservation and restoration and other disciplines. Over 27 years, FMR has established deep relationships and credibility with thousands of citizens, landowners, neighborhood organizations, volunteers, government agencies and elected officials. The organization has become a national model for conservation and watershed protection.
With a well-known and respected brand, a seasoned and effective staff, a strong Board of Directors, and a growing base of support, FMR is poised for continued growth and success. The workplace culture at FMR is collaborative, fun and staff share a common love of the river and dedication to the mission of the organization.
FMR believes the Mississippi River belongs to all of us and its gifts should flow equally to everyone in our community. We strive to be culturally competent, welcoming and inclusive of all people. We are working toward greater social and environmental justice, using our resources and influence to redress structural inequality in our own organization and where it intersects with the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. We encourage interested applicants from all backgrounds to apply. To learn more about FMR’s commitment to advancing equity, please visit www.fmr.org/equity-fmr.
The position
The finance director reports to the executive director and manages the overall finances of the organization as a member of the senior management team. They are the lead staff liaison to the finance committee of the board of directors, and external auditors. The director supervises and works closely with the full-time accountant.
The position is right for a seasoned financial professional who desires to use their skills and expertise to help the organization increase its impact. The ideal candidate will be an engaging leader who will bring strong financial acumen with proven experience modeling and analyzing strategic financial decisions.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a member of FMR’s senior management team
- Supervise and work collaboratively with the accountant to perform the organization’s accounting and financial functions and provide support and back-up
- Ensure the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of internal and external financial reporting
- Work closely with the board treasurer and the executive director, present financial reports to the board of directors
- Serve as primary liaison to the external auditors to ensure accurate and timely completion of the annual audit and tax return
- Serve as primary staff liaison to the Finance Committee of the board
- Manage FMR investments and relations with its financial partners
- Manage the annual benefits renewal process, serving as primary liaison to the insurance broker, and relay updated information to staff
- Liaison with other (non-benefits related) insurance brokers and agents. This includes the annual renewal process, workers compensation audits, certificate of insurance requests, and other insurance matters as they arise
- Third-party reporting to governmental and other entities. This includes lobbyist reporting, sales tax reporting, and Charities Review Council reporting
- Work closely with the development department, providing financial information needed for grant requests, reporting, etc.
- Special projects and analyses as requested by the executive director and others
- Annual budget compilation, completion, analysis and presentation, working closely with the executive director and the finance committee of the board in the process
Qualifications
- Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial people
- Accounting degree or equivalent, with MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred
- Five or more years experience in a similar position, preferably at a non-profit
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan work, meet deadlines and balance multiple projects and objectives
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule that is adaptive to the needs of the organization
- Proficiency with spreadsheet applications such as Excel and Google Sheets
- Familiarity with QuickBooks and FileMaker is desired
- Self-motivation and initiative as well as the ability to work as part of a team
- Strong teamwork ethic, positive and proactive attitude, with a sense of humor
- Strong personal commitment to the mission of FMR
Salary & benefits
This is a part-time position, 24 hours/week. The salary range is $52,000 – 56,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental and short-term disability insurance, a retirement plan with employer match, parking/transit allowance and generous paid time off.
To apply
Please consolidate your application into one PDF document that includes: a cover letter summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position, a 1-2 page resumé, and the names, titles and phone numbers of three professional references (or two professional and one personal reference). Please indicate your last name in the file name and email it as an attachment with “Finance Director” as the subject line to sdekok@fmr.org.
The position will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply by October 22, 2020.
