RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the organization’s day-to-day operations

• Develop, execute, and report on the organization’s annual operations plan and budget
• Develop and execute the organization’s human resource policies, including managing the organization’s external HR consultant
• Source facilities and technologies needed by staff to operate efficiently, effectively, and creatively
• Monitor the organization’s compliance with laws, regulations, reporting, and contracts
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization and ensure all organizational policies and practices reflect an inclusive and equitable approach

Lead and manage the organization’s financial operations and systems

• Coordinate, develop and monitor the organization’s budget
• Develop cash flow plans and ensure the availability of funds for internal operations as well as for partners participating in Parks California’s programs and initiatives
• Build and oversee accounting systems
• Provide needed ad hoc and regular financial reporting to management team and board
• Fulfill reporting requirements of financial partners, including the Department, private foundations, and corporate and individual donors
• Set up and manage banking relationships
• Develop appropriate internal controls and financial procedures
• Coordinate audits and tax filings
• Work with the CEO and board to build significant financial reserves

Participate in shaping the organization's vision, strategy, projects, and team

• Assist the CEO in the development and refinement of the organization’s strategic plan
• Facilitate the organization’s annual planning and goal-setting process
• Develop a close, collaborative relationship with the Department and ensure execution of MOU
• Support other staff in the initiation and execution of projects and strategic initiatives
• Participate in building and shaping the organization over time by recruiting, training, and leading a small team dedicated to the organization’s finance and operations

Lead a high-performing and creative team

• Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in all programs and services
• Build, lead, coach, develop, and retain a talented staff with an increasing capacity for skilled leadership, complex project and program implementation, partnership building, and fundraising

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate may come from a variety of career pathways. Critical to success will be a passion for the mission of the organization and a capacity to grow and lead an organization that must build partnerships across sectors and geographies. An entrepreneurial approach and executive leadership skills are essential. Experience with start-up organizations, as well as with established corporate, philanthropic, and/or nonprofit entities is valued. The VP of Operations and Finance must have experience developing and managing financial reporting systems that comply with state, federal, and nonprofit accounting practices.

The following are desired qualities:

• Extensive management experience in positions of increasing responsibility and authority
• Experience managing large, complex projects or initiatives with multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in managing financial and operational systems for organizations working in complex partnership environments
• Experience managing a complex budget with multiple funding sources
• Experience reporting on concurrent projects with different reporting requirements
• Demonstrated staff leadership and development experience
• Experience with state and federal government agencies, contracting, and task agreements
• Adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing conditions; tolerance for adversity and uncertainty
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others
• Excellent organizational development, marketing, communication, administrative, and personnel management skills
• Strong project management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to resolve conflicts and find common ground
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as an organizational priority
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and comfort with public speaking
• Diplomatic approach and the ability to be sensitive to and inclusive of various perspectives
• Comfort making decisions among diverse individuals and organizations
• Flexibility, sense of humor, humility, and confidence