With world attention on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organizations, with more than two million members and a staff of approximately 700 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. We operate in 22 geographies with unique projects running across four programs. You will be part of a vibrant workplace where innovation and results are a way of life.

EDF envisions a world in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected to the environmental challenges we face and are engaged in creating durable, equitable solutions. We seek talented candidates who share our Core Values of Respect, Results, Innovation, Optimism, and Integrity, and support our Commitment to Diversity.  

Finance Director, U.S. Region 

The Finance Director is responsible for managing the financial functions of the U.S Region Dept., including budgeting, accounting, reporting and financial record-keeping functions. The Finance Director acts as the principal finance representative to one or more Mission Workstream Implementation teams as well as to EDF Finance and other departments, working in coordination with Mission Finance leadership. S/he also conducts rigorous analysis and provides a critical perspective to Mission leadership to help with strategic decision making, acting as a thought partner in partnership with others, the Finance Director works to ensure strong financial accountability, quality control and grant stewardship across the workstreams and budgets that directly support the US Region’s functions.  She/he will be a member of and leader in the Mission Finance team within the Enterprise Operations Department, partnering with other Mission Finance staff and staff of the Finance and Development Departments, including directly managing a team of financial staff that support the finances for the U.S. Region Dept. 

OVERALL FUNCTION

Serves as the primary point of contact for all Financial Operation matters within a designated dept/workstream(s) and work directly with program and MFO leadership. The Finance Director is responsible for managing the financial functions of EDF’s U.S. Region, including budgeting, accounting, reporting and financial record-keeping functions. The Finance Director acts as the principal finance representative to EDF Finance and other departments. S/he also conducts rigorous analysis and provides a critical perspective to the U.S. Region Program leadership to help with strategic decision making.  In partnership with others, the Finance Director works to ensure strong financial accountability and grant stewardship across the various workstreams that support U.S. region work. This position reports to the AVP, Mission Finance & Operations. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as financial lead for the U.S. Region and also directly oversee one or more Workstreams within the U.S. Region including overseeing revenue and spending planning and execution in support of mission strategy.

• Conduct rigorous financial analysis in support of strategic decision making

• Make recommendations on ways to maximize the use of resources in support of goals

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to U.S. Region Leadership in overarching budget oversight and resource planning

• Work closely with the AVP Finance & Operations on initiatives and special projects that increase efficiencies and better coordinate the broader MFO team. 

• Oversee and manage a team of Mission Finance staff that either provide direct Mission Finance support or a portfolio of MFO related initiatives, and help to ensure excellent execution of responsibilities as well as their growth

• Oversee Funds managed by the U.S. Region to ensure proper deployment of resources in alignment with donor intent, internal policies and workplans and GAAP rules.

• Serve as financial advisor to Workstream implementation team(s), providing financial data and resourcing recommendations in support of EDF strategic goals.  Coordinate with other Mission Finance staff on development, monitoring and reporting of Workstream budgets.

• Lead the process to develop annual budget submission and ongoing refinements for U.S. Region and relevant Workstreams

• Ensure strong financial accountability and grant stewardship

• Serve as a Mission Finance representative to corporate Finance, including reviewing and presenting quarterly and ad hoc financial analyses

• Work with Development, Mission and Mission Finance staff as needed to oversee preparation of budget information for department-level requests, new work, and other needs that might arise.  Approve proposal budgets and donor financial reports.

• Review any position requisitions for U.S. Regions and provide budgetary approval

• Produce periodic financial and budget reports and related analyses for managers, senior staff, department beads, the Executive team and the Board of Trustees

• Participate in departmental meetings and trainings with both the Enterprise Operations and the U.S. Region teams

• As a member of Mission Finance leadership, work with the Finance and accounting staff to insure coordination of financial management efforts and timely resolution of issues.

• Provide a Mission team perspective and suggest paths forward in discussions about current and new financial policies and systems.  Educate staff as appropriate, ensuring that they understand and are able to follow procedures

• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in financial management and minimum of 8 years relevant experience in a comparable organization

• Minimum of five years of experience managing staff

• Exceptional analytical skills with strong business and financial acumen

• Excellent problem solving and strategic-thinking skills

• A demonstrated ability to present analyses, results and issues clearly and concisely

• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and thorough understanding of non-profit accounting principles and grants management.

• Experience with forecasting, budgeting and reporting SAAS is required; experience with NetSuite is a plus.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage people successfully

• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and to design and implement systems that improve efficiencies and productivity

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills

• Able to adapt to frequent change and prioritize effectively under constant deadline pressure

• Must have excellent strategic thinking skills and judgment

• Experience using ERP/Cloud based Financial systems to a proficient level

• Demonstrated ability to follow guidance from and consult frequently with senior staff

• Ability to work with a diverse range of people

• Experience working with campaign financial compliance, lobbying and c4 activities a plus 

• Ability to exercise the highest level of professional and technical judgment on a regular basis.

• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds. 

• An understanding of and commitment to Environmental Defense Fund’s mission of protecting the natural environment and limiting humankind’s impact on the planet