Director of Finance, Marketing and Communications

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Director of Finance will provide overall direction and leadership for Finance and Compliance functions within the Marketing and Communications (MAC) business unit of 330+ employees and an operating budget of $50M+. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in finance, risk management, and compliance. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader, capable of driving financial performance, maintaining the highest levels of integrity and ethical standards, and serving as a solution-finder for serving the goals of the MAC division.

The Director of Finance (DF) will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the business unit (BU) by leading financial operations and ensuring compliance across the division. They are responsible for identifying and mitigating financial and operational risks, as well as developing process and solutions to streamline operational requirements and policies, that serve the MAC Division. The Director will be responsible for establishing effective communications and guidelines, ensuring that relevant operational information is disseminated and adhered to.

The Director will monitor financial performance and provide insights to drive decision-making and improve cost efficiency. They will work with teams to establish and track measures that are indicators of progress and success. They will be responsible for leadership team engagement in the financial management and financial sustainability of MAC, including the presentation of financial information to the MAC Leadership Team, central Finance team members, and executives.

They will be responsible for directing the central management of all contracts and purchasing needs for the MAC Division. They will also be responsible for managing and communicating complex and administrative tasks related to Compliance, including internal Standard Operating Procedures, contractual management, lobbying, and regulatory filings. They will reinforce consistency in the organization's policies and procedures and provide direction related to operations. They identify strategies to mitigate risks and ensure compliance requirements are followed in the implementation of marketing initiatives globally. They oversee the full contractual cycle, and serve as a subject matter expert, providing high-level operational guidance and processes, elevating risks, opportunities, and solutions, as appropriate.

The DF will establish a vision for areas of responsibility, identify key challenges, and deliver targeted recommendations and outcomes. They will lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, project outcomes, and initiate solutions in order to improve effectiveness. They will serve as team leader for the enhancement of systems and tools used by the MAC Division. The DF will leverage constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including senior management, colleagues across the Finance and Legal teams, as well as the broader organization. They will serve as a trusted advisor and will require strong stakeholder engagement and maintaining close relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Legal and Finance teams, Ethics and Compliance team, auditors, and employees across the MAC Division.

As the Director of Finance, you will:

• Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans.
• Provide timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to leaders.
• Provide effective communications, guidance and advice, and oversees training programs related to finance and compliance.
• Responsible for the team that oversees general accounting duties, including: basic journal entries for transfers, loans, accruals, deferred revenue and expense corrections; purchasing, processing invoices, negotiating, and contracting with vendors.
• Manage two or more administrative or professional staff, including training, professional development, establishing clear directions, setting “stretch” objectives, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work.
• Manage diverse and complex systems with a goal of collaboration and integration, and initiate solutions in order to improve effectiveness.
• Conceive, design and manage complex and diversified projects, including directing work of staff and ensuring program accountability.
• Review and monitor income statement and balance sheet (including pledges) items at month and year-end close.
• Provide financial and accounting expertise.
• Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile, or sensitive agreements.
• Manage vendor relationships, contract reviews and negotiations, as needed.
• Ensure that programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, and financial standards are met and managed for ethical compliance.
• Oversee and manage compliance data, information and record management and youth safety programs.
• Ensure contracted vendors carry required insurance coverage and that appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained.
• Make strategic decisions; decisions made may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.
• Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders in order to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
• Act independently and resolve complex issues within program area.
• Minimize legal risk to the Conservancy and ensure legal compliance with applicable state and local regulations.
• Travel occasionally and on short notice, work above or outside standard hours as business needs require.
• Other related duties as assigned.

We’re Looking for You:

The ideal candidate will have all or some of these qualifications. If you don’t have all of them, apply anyway and tell us about your skills and experience:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Effective training skills.
• Excellent communication skills including presentations, conversations, and documents.
• Experience managing a geographically dispersed team.
• Experience managing contracts.
• Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline.
• Proficiency in synthesizing materials from multiple sources into a coherent and accurate summary.
• Proficiency in working independently as well as jointly with colleagues on a team.
• Accounting degree and CPA certification preferred.
• Non-profit GAAP accounting experience; and/or understanding of best practices in non-profit management.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience or equivalent combination, including 3 years managing operations functions.
• Financial/Accounting experience.
• Experience generating financial reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Experience developing and administering departmental budget or equivalent.
• Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience developing, managing and implementing multiple projects and strategic goals.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across multiple organizational levels.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of relevant field.
• Fluent English is required for programs outside the United States.

What We Bring:
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!