Description
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)SALARY: $258,000 - $322,000FLSA: ExemptDEPARTMENT: Finance LOCATION: Washington, D.CREPORTS TO: President & CEO NUMBER OF DIRECT/INDIRECT REPORTS: 9LAST REVISED: May 2025
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees Defenders of Wildlife’s financial operations, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance with regulations. The CFO is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management while supporting the organization’s mission and strategic goals. The CFO reports to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vice Presidents of Marketing and Philanthropy, among other senior staff to provide accurate and timely financial counsel to the organization. The CFO provides leadership and strategy for financial management and controls. They identify and implement best practices; solve business challenges; strive for continual improvement; optimize relationships with banks and other external service providers; and are a strategic partner with the President’s Office.
They are also the primary support staff contact for the Audit and Finance committees of the Board of Directors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Acts as a key strategic advisor to the President and CEO on financial issues.
- Serves as the leader in all areas of finance and implements financial strategies that align with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
- Key member of the senior leadership team, and primary staff support contact to the Board of Directors' Audit and Finance Committees. Develops and implements internal controls and policies to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with donor requirements, audits, and applicable laws.
- Prepares quarterly financial presentations for the Board of Directors.
- Prepares monthly internal GAAP financial statements and monitors performance against the board-approved organizational budget.
- Implement and maintain financial systems and use of technology that promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
- Manages the development of the annual organizational budget process in coordination with department heads and ensures alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
- Responsible for overall organizational cash management and stewardship of funds.
- Oversees the annual financial statement audit, pension plan audit, and workers' compensation insurance audit.
- Oversees the completion of annual Form 990 and related tax returns as well as Form 5500 and related pension filings.
- Partners with Development staff to support grant and fundraising efforts, including tracking restricted funds and ensuring timely financial reporting to donors and funders.
- Supervises the Finance team, which is responsible for accounts payable, payroll, cash receipts, and grant/restricted accounting functions.
- Supervises the Compliance team, which is responsible for state solicitation registrations, state charitable gift annuity registrations, registrations to do business filings and contract management.
- Oversee corporate insurance programs and risk mitigation strategies, ensuring adequate coverage for operational, financial, and legal exposures.
- Monitors investment accounts and relationships in accordance with the organization’s investment policy statement.
- Provides leadership and performance management of the Finance and Compliance teams.
- Assists with the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
- No travel is required for this position.
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Experience: 15 years; 7 years supervisory; 5 years managing 2+ layers. CPA required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Chief Financial Officer
- Proven track record of financial management and strategic planning.
- Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting principles and financial regulations.
- Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Activities
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)ConstantlyAscending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like. NMoving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces. NRemaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. CMoving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
O
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
O
Communicating with others to exchange information. CRepeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
N
Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. C
Environmental Conditions
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)ConstantlyLow temperatures.High temperatures.Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.Noisy environments.Hazardous conditions.Poor ventilation.Small and/or enclosed spaces.No adverse environmental conditions expected. X
Physical Demands
Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. XLight work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.Visit
www.defenders.org
to apply.All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.Please be advised that this position is non-union eligible.
