Director of Business Operations

Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy
Position Vacancy Announcement   
Director of Business Operations

Job Title: Director of Business Operations
Salary Range: $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience
Application Deadline: August 1st, 2025 at 11:59 pm
Start Date: August or September 2025
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: N/A
Location: Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy Office: 4060 M-75 Walloon Lake, MI, Suite 102, 49796
Work Schedule: Office based, with some recurring remote work allowed

To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to WLAC Executive Director, Jon Breithaupt: jon@walloon.org with the subject: WLAC Director of Business Operations. For questions about this position, please contact Jon via email.

Our Mission
Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose mission is to deliver Walloon Lake, a place where people and nature thrive, to the next generations through the power or conservation. WLAC has a robust water stewardship program and has permanently protected over 2,300 acres of land with 54 nature preserves and 20 conservation easements on private land.

Position Summary
The Director of Business Operations plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial health, legal compliance, and operational efficiency of Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC). This position requires strategic financial management skills with administrative oversight abilities to ensure the organization’s sustainability and effective use of resources in support of its conservation mission. The Director of Business Operations will play a pivotal role in supporting WLAC’S mission to preserve and protect natural habitats and resources for future generations through sound financial management and efficient administrative operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Management: Develop and manage annual budgets in cooperation with the Executive Director, create financial forecasts, and produce financial reports. Provide strategic financial guidance to the Executive Director and Board of Trustees. Maintain general ledger, chart of accounts and appropriate subsidiary ledgers as appropriate, including entry of all revenues, expenditures and other entries necessary to provide complete financial statements. Use the software program or other programs to generate financial reports. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies.

2. Operations Management and Office Administration: Oversee day-to-day operations of administrative functions of WLAC including office management, human resources, IT contract service, and legal compliance. Implement best practices for organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Ensure recordkeeping follows Land Trust Alliance standards. Ensure data is accurate and entered timely in databases such as Salesforce and QuickBooks.

3. Fundraising Support: Collaborate with staff, board members, and committee members to support fundraising efforts through financial reporting, budgeting for grant proposals, and ensuring financial transparency to donors and stakeholders.

4. Strategic Planning: Contribute to the organization’s strategic planning process and goal execution by providing financial insights and recommendations. Help set goals and objectives aligned with WLAC’s mission and long-term financial sustainability.

5. Risk Management and Legal Compliance: Identify financial and operational risks and implement appropriate controls and mitigation strategies. Ensure insurance coverage is adequate and oversee organizational compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Respond to requests for organizational information from regulatory agencies such as the IRS.

6. Board and Committee Engagement: Serve as staff liaison to the finance and audit committees of the Board of Trustees. Present financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to the Board of Trustees when asked to facilitate informed decision-making by the Executive Director.

Core Work Duties

• Oversee day-to-day management of WLAC’s annual budget in accordance with best practices. • Manage accounts payable/receivable, cash flow, deposits, and maintain financial records.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, expense reports, and other financial accounts.
• Handle fund transfers and process bi-weekly payroll.
• Present monthly financial statements with detailed explanations of variances.
• Assist in tax preparation and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Manage relationships with financial and administrative vendors and contractors.
• Monitor and manage bank accounts and financial procedures, ensuring adherence to policies and internal controls.
• Monitor budget spending vs. actuals, and collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Treasurer, and finance committee to maintain organizational financial health and improve operational systems.
• Prepare reports and present financial information to the finance committee and Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure accurate coding and handling of all income and expenses, monitor use of restricted funds, and communicate grant balances.
• Coordinate with external auditors for quarterly and annual audits, as well as IRS Form 990 preparation.
• Ensure WLAC meets financial and operational requirements set by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, including maintaining necessary records for accreditation renewal.
• Manage key administrative areas critical to WLAC’s mission, including annual insurance coverage reviews, maintenance of financial and administrative records, and compliance with reporting requirements (IRS Form 990, 1099s, state filings, workers’ comp audits, etc.).
• Communicate relevant state and federal administrative requirements to staff and provide financial context for programmatic planning.
• Administer payroll processes, including employee time tracking, biweekly payroll submissions, and annual retirement contributions.
• Ensure compliance with employment standards regarding the use of contractors versus employees.
• Administer HR systems to ensure compliance with policies, manage employee benefits, and oversee onboarding processes.
• Facilitate procurement efforts, manage routine office operations tasks, and develop systems to track supply inventories.

Qualifications Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a natural resource related degree with requisite administrative experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years proven experience in financial and/or administrative management, with a preference for nonprofit or conservation organization experience.
• Strong understanding of accounting standards, financial reporting, and budgeting processes.
• Leadership experience overseeing administrative functions such as HR, IT, and office/facilities management.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate financial concepts for nonfinancial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in recording financial transactions, financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ideally within a nonprofit context.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online (including QuickBooks Time), Microsoft 365 applications such as Word and Excel, Google Workspace, SharePoint, Salesforce, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Integrity, discretion, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Enthusiasm for continuous improvement and streamlining procedures to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to team dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Passionate commitment to the mission of WLAC and environmental conservation.

Perks and Benefits

• Pay is competitive and aligns with the latest Land Trust Alliance’s Salary Survey
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA Plan) or option for healthcare cost stipend
• Retirement plan – SIMPLE IRA with a 1-to-1 employer match up to 3%
• Plenty of paid time off and recognition of all federal holidays
• Monthly cell phone and internet stipend and quarterly benefits contribution
• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Modern office space located in the heart of Walloon Lake Village
• Paid professional development

Note: This position description serves as a general overview of the roles and responsibilities and requirements. Duties and expectations may be adjusted to accommodate the organization’s evolving needs. A background check is required prior to hire.

WLAC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.