The Mind & Life Institute is seeking a highly accomplished individual for the role of Director of Finance & Chief of Staff, based in the Charlottesville, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. area. This executive position, reporting directly to the President, offers a competitive compensation package and a hybrid work schedule. The appointee will provide strategic counsel to enhance organizational culture, drive performance, and ensure financial stability. They will manage comprehensive financial operations, including budgeting, auditing, and cash flow, while also fostering a healthy workplace environment. The individual will play a key role in aligning priorities with the President, engaging with the Board of Directors, and spearheading donor relations to support the Mind & Life Institute’s mission of promoting mindfulness and cognitive science research. The ideal candidate will possess robust financial acumen, strong leadership skills, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion, with a requisite background in nonprofit senior financial management.
Director of Finance & Chief of Staff at Mind & Life Institute
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What Does It Take to Be a Director of Finance & Chief of Staff at Mind & Life Institute?
Are you interested in a position that combines strategic financial management with executive oversight? The Mind & Life Institute, a renowned nonprofit organization, is seeking a Director of Finance & Chief of Staff to join their team. This pivotal role, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, or the Washington, D.C. area, offers a competitive compensation package and a unique hybrid work schedule. In this article, we’ll delve into the responsibilities, requirements, and benefits associated with this career opportunity.
Position Overview
The role of Director of Finance & Chief of Staff at Mind & Life Institute is a strategic one, intended to drive organizational performance and ensure financial stability. This position reports directly to the President and plays a crucial part in both financial planning and administrative support.
Employer: Mind & Life Institute
The Mind & Life Institute is dedicated to integrating science with contemplative practices to promote human flourishing. As a nonprofit organization, it focuses on education, research, and outreach to advance well-being.
Location
The position is based in the Charlottesville, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. area, offering both in-office and remote work flexibility.
Compensation
The role comes with a yearly salary ranging from $175,000 to $195,000, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package:
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Health | Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance |
| Disability | Short-Term and Long-Term Disability |
| Retirement | 403(b) Plan and Profit-Sharing |
| PTO | Paid Time Off |
| Schedule | Hybrid (three days in-office, two days remote) |
Closing Date
Candidates must apply by June 27, 2024.
Industry and Function
Belonging to the nonprofit sector, this is an executive role tailored for a Director with extensive experience in financial and organizational management.
Hours
This is a full-time position requiring a dedicated commitment to meet the organizational objectives.
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Position Summary
The Director of Finance & Chief of Staff is a multifaceted role designed to provide both strategic counsel and effective administration. The chosen candidate will ensure seamless support for the Institute’s internal operations, financial health, and strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
The role encompasses several key areas of responsibility:
- Strategic Counsel: The Director supports the organizational culture by setting performance indicators and translating strategies into actionable plans.
- Accounting and Finance: Managing comprehensive financial reports, budgeting processes, planning, audits, cash flow, and coordination with external bookkeeping services.
- Chief of Staff: Promoting a healthy work environment, ensuring efficient workflow, and overseeing direct reports.
- Advancement: Prioritize meetings with donors, supporting funding objectives, and enhancing communication strategies.
- Executive Administration: Aligning the President’s priorities with organizational needs, maintaining key relationships, and anticipating future requirements.
- Board of Directors and Steering Council: Participating and managing meetings, and coordinating activities with board members.
These responsibilities ensure the Director’s involvement in every facet of the organization, from financial stewardship to strategic oversight.
Responsibilities Breakdown
Understanding the detailed responsibilities of the Director of Finance & Chief of Staff is crucial for potential applicants to gauge the level of commitment, expertise, and skills required.
Strategic Counsel
Supports organizational culture, sets performance indicators, and translates strategies into actionable steps.
As a strategic counselor, the Director will:
- Foster a cohesive and high-performing organizational culture.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and drive organizational success.
- Act as a translator of high-level strategies into concrete, actionable plans that align with the Institute’s mission and values.
Accounting and Finance
Manages financial reports, budgeting, planning, audits, cash flow, and external bookkeeping.
In this capacity, the Director will:
- Oversee the preparation of precise and comprehensive financial reports.
- Manage the budgeting process to ensure financial prudence and alignment with strategic goals.
- Conduct regular financial planning and analysis to anticipate future financial needs.
- Lead audits and manage cash flow to maintain financial stability.
- Coordinate with external bookkeeping services to ensure accurate financial record-keeping.
Chief of Staff
Promotes a healthy work environment, ensures efficient workflow, and manages direct reports.
As Chief of Staff, the Director will:
- Foster a positive and productive work environment that supports staff well-being and performance.
- Streamline workflow processes to enhance efficiency across the organization.
- Provide oversight and mentorship to direct reports, fostering professional growth and development.
Advancement
Prioritizes donor meetings, supports funding objectives, and impacts communication.
In the advancement role, the Director will:
- Prioritize and facilitate meetings with key donors to secure ongoing and future funding.
- Support the organization’s overall fundraising objectives by developing and implementing effective strategies.
- Enhance internal and external communication to maximize the Institute’s outreach and impact.
Executive Administration
Aligns President’s priorities, maintains relationships, and anticipates organizational needs.
In executive administration, the Director will:
- Ensure that the President’s priorities and initiatives are reflected in organizational activities.
- Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including board members, donors, and partners.
- Anticipate the organization’s needs and proactively address potential challenges.
Board of Directors and Steering Council
Participates and manages meetings, and coordinates with board members.
Regarding the Board of Directors and Steering Council, the Director will:
- Actively participate in board and council meetings, contributing to high-level discussions and decisions.
- Manage the logistics and follow-ups for these meetings to ensure seamless coordination.
- Serve as a liaison between the board members and the Institute to align efforts towards common goals.
Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate for the Director of Finance & Chief of Staff role must possess a combination of educational credentials, professional experience, and personal attributes tailored to the nonprofit sector.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position. Candidates with an MBA or CPA are preferred, highlighting the need for advanced knowledge in business administration and financial management.
Professional Experience
- Financial Management: Extensive experience in strategic financial management, specifically within the nonprofit sector, with at least five years in a senior role.
- Fund Accounting: A strong understanding of fund accounting principles and practices.
- Grants Management: Experience in managing grants, including application, compliance, and reporting processes.
- Accounting Software: Proficiency with accounting software to manage the organization’s financial records effectively.
Skills and Competencies
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities to assess financial health and organizational performance.
- Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational capabilities to manage multiple responsibilities and projects.
- Problem-Solving: A proactive problem-solver, able to anticipate and address challenges.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
- Relationship-Building: Strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships with donors, board members, and staff.
- Multicultural Awareness: A commitment to diversity and multicultural understanding, promoting an inclusive work environment.
Work Environment
The position offers a hybrid work environment with three days in-office and two days remote, providing flexibility while ensuring in-person collaboration when needed.
Additional Requirements
- A valid driver’s license is necessary, as occasional travel may be required for this role.
- The candidate must be committed to the mission and values of the Mind & Life Institute.
- Mind & Life Institute is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging diverse and inclusive employment practices.
Summary of Benefits
The compensation package for the Director of Finance & Chief of Staff includes a range of competitive benefits designed to promote well-being and professional satisfaction.
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Disability Insurance: Short-Term and Long-Term disability coverage.
Financial Security
- Retirement Plan: 403(b) retirement plan with profit-sharing options to secure the financial future.
- Paid Time Off: Generous PTO to ensure work-life balance and personal well-being.
Work Flexibility
- A hybrid work schedule that combines the benefits of in-office presence and remote work flexibility.
Conclusion
The position of Director of Finance & Chief of Staff at Mind & Life Institute offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned financial professional to contribute to an organization committed to human flourishing. With a competitive compensation package, a comprehensive benefits plan, and a hybrid work environment, this role is designed for a candidate who excels in strategic financial management and executive leadership within the nonprofit sector.
The successful candidate will not only manage the financial health of the organization but also play a pivotal role in advancing its mission, supporting a collaborative work environment, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Potential applicants must possess a blend of educational credentials, professional experience, and personal attributes that align with the qualifications outlined.
If you meet these criteria and are motivated by the prospect of making a significant impact in a dynamic nonprofit organization, consider applying for this esteemed position by the closing date of June 27, 2024. The Mind & Life Institute awaits your leadership and expertise.
