Finance Director

Position Description:  Finance & Administration Director 

About Whitebark 

The Whitebark Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addressing environmental challenges and supporting resilient communities in California’s Eastern Sierra. Adaptation to the changing climate, and specifically the proactive management of landscapes and communities to mitigate the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires across California are a top environmental priority. Whitebark is taking the lead in wildfire resilience work in communities throughout the Eastern Sierra by bringing together local scientists, environmental planners, government agencies, educators, communities, and businesses to actively plan, finance, and restore healthy landscapes in Inyo, Mono, and Alpine Counties.  

Whitebark Institute is here to make an impact in our communities and provide a great place to work. We are a small yet growing organization with a skilled staff that brings experience from a multitude of scientific disciplines and applied areas of expertise. With an indescribable passion for this place, Whitebark is made up of exceptionally talented outdoor enthusiasts who care deeply about the landscapes and communities where we work and live. Collaboration is one of our core values, and we recognize that a healthy work-life balance is essential to our long-term success.  

About the Position 

The Finance & Administration Director plays a critical role, along with the Executive Director and other members of the leadership team, in strategic decision-making, grants administration, policy development, and fiscal planning as Whitebark Institute grows and implements wildfire resilience programs for communities and landscapes throughout the region.  The successful candidate will be a participative manager and will lead and develop a team to support strategic finance, business planning, budgeting, and administration. This is a unique opportunity for a finance and operations leader to strengthen the capacity of a vibrant, dynamic organization as well as a dedicated network of agency and community partners focused on proactively addressing the impacts of a changing climate to provide for the longevity and resilience Eastern Sierra Communities. The successful candidate will be an adept administrator and creative strategist with the ability to oversee and achieve solutions to complex challenges in collaboration with internal and external partners. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working with non-profit, federal, state, and local agencies. The Finance & Administration Director reports to the Executive Director and plays a key role in the Whitebark Institute leadership team as well as the Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project (ESCCRP) Wildfire Resilience Action Finance Team (WRAFT). The position is funded, in part, by contributions from ESCCRP partners and anticipates that most of the time (between 60% and 75%) will be devoted to related work. 

Responsibilities 

Finance & Administration Director Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Provide leadership and financial support to staff that manage multiple complex grants including grants to support planning and administration for the ESCCRP.
• Explore, advise, and guide efforts for sustainably funding the ESCCRP and related needs in local communities in collaboration with the leadership team, community leaders, agencies, and other beneficiaries.
• Supervise, coach, and delegate appropriate work to the Administrative Specialist.
• Ensure accurate and legally compliant record-keeping to support organizational and grant administration with multiple partners and agency relationships.
• Provide financial oversight, guidance, and partner collaboration for the ESCCRP.
• Provide appropriate financial information and sound judgment to contribute to the organization and project success.
• Establish and oversee robust financial and administrative systems necessary for Whitebark’s continued success as well as successful execution of complex projects like the ESCCRP, in coordination with other members of the leadership team.
• Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; and oversee all financial, program, and grant-related accounting in collaboration with external accounting firm.
• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process: liaise with external auditors, Executive Director, and Board of Directors and implement any necessary changes.
• In coordination with the Executive Director and leadership team, lead the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review financial plans and project budgets as appropriate; monitor progress and changes; and keep senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status.
• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
• Ensure that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational and project requirements.
• Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Effectively communicate and present financial matters to the ED and assist in communication with the Treasurer and other members of the Board of Directors as well as project partners and funders.
• Recruit and train new staff to meet ongoing business needs.
• Foster Whitebark’s organizational culture which promotes transparency and collaboration.
• Act as an integral part of project teams during high-level policy discussions and critical financial negotiations.
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships in collaboration with other staff.
• Find new opportunities for project grant funding that allows for continued growth and stability over time.
• Support the Executive Director, leadership team and Board of Directors in meeting aggressive annual fundraising goals by securing financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors, and government funding sources.
• Work effectively and transparently to support negotiations and execution of contracts and agreements with vendors, consultants, and other external partners.
• Oversee administrative functions, including benefits and human resources functions, to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization grows.
• Manage continuous improvement of internal policies that foster an equitable and inclusive organizational culture.

Knowledge & Skills 

• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills with a personal commitment to integrity and credibility
• Demonstrated experience managing complex nonprofit and/ or agency funding models including government grants and alternative financing
• Ability to oversee, collaborate with, and mentor staff
• Ability to translate complex financial concepts and collaborate effectively with programmatic and fundraising colleagues as well as external partners
• Detail-oriented and strategic with a thorough understanding of nonprofit accounting (or equivalent)
• Ability to prioritize and produce definite results in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience creating, pursuing, and maintaining organization and project level finances
• Ability to safeguard the assets of the organization through thoughtful capital planning
• Ability to ensure fiscal health of, and minimize the risk to, the organization through consistently updated and applied knowledge of accounting, finance, and human resources compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of the Eastern Sierra and broad global climate derived environmental issues
• A basic understanding of environmental compliance processes (NEPA/CEQA) is beneficial
• Demonstrated success managing complex government grants and intricate record-keeping practices

Education & Experience 

• B.A./B.S. required; graduate degree preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered for competitive candidates
• 7+ years executive level experience that translates well to Whitebark’s mission
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with all essential computer and technology platforms including MS Office suite and Quickbooks

Location 

Whitebark is located in the beautiful town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. It is desired that the successful candidate will live in the Eastern Sierra (Inyo/Mono County).  Frequent local and regional travel is expected year-round.   

Compensation and Benefits 

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $95,000 to $135,000. Whitebark offers a full benefits package of medical (75% employer contribution), 100% dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, a retirement program, hybrid remote work environment, and a flexible work schedule.