Chief Financial and Administration Officer (CFAO)

Executive

Remote

Our organization

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives.

For over five decades, we have been working as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and everyday people to create and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing problems—from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting disinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war. Values informing our work include:

• Science in the service of people and the planet.
• Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes—now, and for future generations.
• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.
• Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly.
• Democracy promotes a voice for all in government decisions.
• Action inspires and mobilizes people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

Reporting to the UCS President/CEO, the Chief Financial and Administration Officer is responsible for planning and implementing financial strategy through a framework of financial and operational policies, practices, and controls to ensure UCS’s achievement of organization-wide financial stability and growth to deliver on the mission.

The Chief Financial and Administration Officer leads a cross-functional team working across domains of Finance, Office Operations, and Information Technology. The Chief Financial and Administration Officer also serves as a member of the Executive Team helping to set and steer organization-wide strategy and policy for the Union of Concerned Scientists. The Chief Financial and Administration Officer will lead and manage a collaborative and customer-service-oriented team, while also ensuring internal financial controls are up-to-date, effective, accurate, and optimally aligned with related functions in human resources (P&C) and revenue (Development).

Responsibilities

• As a member of Executive Team management, the CFAO shall assist the CEO, fellow Executives, and the Board of Directors in:

• providing strategic direction to the organization through strategy formulation, decision-making, forecast/budgeting, and its implementation/monitoring
• establishing and implementing internal controls and ensuring efficient and effective financial operations as per industry benchmarks

• Ensure that Financial and Accounting policies & procedures are in accordance with best practices and comply with risk management and internal control frameworks
• Take ownership of the organization’s operating and capital budgets and financial work plans
• Review periodic financial statements with the Finance Committee and Board of Directors
• Ensure implementation and proper use of the organization’s finance systems (Intacct and Bill.com)
• Maintain effective relationships and coordination with key stakeholders such as fellow Executives, Program Directors, and Budget Managers
• Monitor the overall funding status, disbursements, repayment, and related reporting
• Assist in training & resource development initiatives focusing on knowledge, skills, and attitudes for building capacities to deliver on present positions and build long-term capability to shoulder additional responsibilities. Examples include training Budget Managers on effectively using their budgets; training the finance team on process engineering to streamline operations; training the IT team on meeting user needs while ensuring a secure IT posture
• Assist in implementing a performance management system within the three teams (Finance, Ops, IT) to recognize and reward good performance and promote a culture of accountability and merit
• Creating business value through technology, ensuring the tech systems and procedures lead to outcomes in line with the organization’s goals
• Ensuring the availability of timely and reliable information in the organization through technology/digital/finance platforms
• Ensure compliance with covenants incorporated in organizational contracts

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Position requires 15+ years of management experience in a financial leadership role in a non-profit, NGO, or government agency.
• Experience in contract management including development and vetting of contract document monitoring, and compliance and administration of federal and state regulations.
• Experience with information technology systems, facilities, and general office operations.
• Exceptional management skills: the ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers, strong mentoring, and coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise and backgrounds.
• Exceptional judgment, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive situations and matters.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated experience as a proactive and creative problem solver.

Benefits

Details:

This is a full-time remote/hybrid position based in either our Cambridge MA; Washington DC; Bay Area, CA; or Chicago, IL or in close proximity to one of these offices. For those who meet all position requirements, compensation is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $196,201 - $220,730. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. *CA Resident Only, we offer a 12% salary differential*

Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org.

Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

More about the team:

Our team is made up of a dedicated group of researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and a collaborative and supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. We continually strive to create an environment that is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and people with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.

To Apply: We know there are great candidates who will not check all these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that, is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. Please upload a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, please confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.

Covid Mandate for New Hires:

For in-office roles, UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees are considered fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. All new hires who will be reporting to an office location must provide notice of their vaccination status and vaccination documentation, on or before their first day of work. For all others, UCS strongly encourages full vaccinations among its employees, up to and including booster shots, even if working remotely.

All new employees must comply with the mandatory vaccination requirements outlined in UCS policies as soon as practicable. Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment.

Deadline: until filled