Operations and Finance Manager

Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) seeks a full-time Operations and Finance Manager. If you have a strong work ethic, passionate drive, and commitment to ecological restoration and climate resilience in our watershed, consider joining our team.

About MRWC:

MRWC is a nonprofit environmental organization that protects and improves the Merrimack River watershed for people and wildlife. We work with diverse stakeholders, decision makers and communities to address threats including water pollution, habitat loss, aging infrastructure, and climate change. MRWC has offices in Lawrence, Massachusetts and Concord, New Hampshire. However, MRWC works throughout the entire 5,000 square mile watershed, which begins in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and flows out to the ocean at Newburyport and Salisbury, Massachusetts.

Summary of the Position:

Under the supervision of the Executive Director the Operations and Finance Manager performs a wide range of tasks, including grant and financial management, accounting, volunteer coordination, office management, IT support and human resource management. 

Reporting: The Operations and Finance Manager reports directly to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Finance
  • Manage accounting system under supervision of Accounting Consultant & Executive Director.
  • Assist in preparation and management of budget and quarterly forecasts, and provide guidance to program staff in developing and monitoring program budgets.
  • Prepare and submit timely grant and government contract reports and invoices.
  • AP/AR, deposits, in-kind ledger, & maintenance of accounting files.
  • Process payroll/benefits through outside contractor, stay abreast of payroll tax laws
  • Lead annual audit activities.
  • Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices; suggest and implement improvements to accountability and efficiency as needed

• Administration
  • Act as point person for facilities, equipment, insurance and administrative records.
  • Assess administrative systems, policies, facilities, and use of technology; apply increasingly sophisticated business practices to increase capability and efficiency.
  • Support a diverse team of talented staff to provide high quality services.
  • Promote an organizational culture that inspires and motivates staff.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of guidelines for all current government contracts.
  • Manage mail disbursement, supply procurement, vendor relations.
  • Manage HR and benefits administration and maintain all HR files.
  • Assist the Executive Director and perform additional duties as assigned.

• IT Management:
  • Under guidance of IT Consultant, support maintenance of computer system.
  • Track inventory of hardware, software and licenses.
  • Maintain/Troubleshoot email, website and software programs.
• Volunteer Coordination
  • Manage volunteer database
  • Coordinate volunteer recruitment and manage volunteer orientations.
  • Develop ongoing volunteer communications via email or social media
  • Coordinate volunteer appreciation activities and overall program stewardship

Qualifications:

While the qualifications below may indicate a successful candidate, we understand there are valuable areas of lived and professional experience that you may have that we may not have captured here. We encourage you to apply, even if you may not meet all of the qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven strengths in financial management, including developing and managing budgets, and financial reporting.
• Experience with bookkeeping/accounting. This role will have significant responsibility managing regular and auditable transactions.
• Excellent organizational skills and able to create effective administrative systems.
• The ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects/deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong computer and database skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Either a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business or other related field + minimum one year of relevant work experience, OR a Bachelor’s degree in above fields + three years relevant work experience, OR 5 years relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in QuickBooks, Little Green Light, and federal online contract portals.
• Demonstrated success invoicing and submitting reports for state or federal grants.

Working Conditions:

Primarily indoor office work. Infrequent outdoor events and field work, sometimes in inclement weather, during which sufficient mobility is required to navigate uneven terrain, steep slopes, moving water and other field conditions.

Location: This position is based out of our Lawrence, MA office, and all work will take place in Massachusetts. MRWC currently operates on a hybrid office/remote model, but the Finance and Operations Manager will work predominately out of the Lawrence office (usually working in office 5 days per week).

Schedule: Full-time exempt with options for flexible scheduling. This position requires occasional early morning or evening meetings, and occasional weekend events

Salary and Benefits:

Starting salary is dependent on experience, with a range of $70,000-$78,000. Benefits package includes health/dental insurance (90% employer contribution) and an IRA with company match.