Chief Administrative Officer
About The Position
The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is seeking a talented Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide senior management of its business operations. The CAO will report to and work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide overall business management of the organization. The CAO is responsible for running key elements of the business operations, overseeing finance, human resources, IT systems, risk management, and compliance across the organization. ELPC is a leading public interest environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization focused on driving transformational environmental policy changes, advancing climate solutions, protecting natural resources, and fighting for safe, clean air and water. The organization has a multidisciplinary staff, headquarters in Chicago, and additional offices across the Midwest and in Washington, D.C., with an annual budget of approximately $15 million.
Requirements
- 10+ years of senior operations/management experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably with an environmental or other advocacy organization.
- Sophisticated knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles.
- Strong experience in financial operations.
- Ability to effectively supervise Staff Accountant.
- Proficiency in Microsoft suite, including Excel and Access.
- Working knowledge of computer networks, Office 365 administration, and basic IT troubleshooting; ability to effectively supervise IT consultant.
- An inspired and demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy and the ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment with a team of skilled professionals.
- Deep appreciation for environmental protection and the work carried out by ELPC’s program staff.
- Ability to operate independently as well as part of a geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary team, work on various other assignments as needed and manage multiple priorities with defined deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically to advance the organization’s mission.
- Collaborative work style.
Nice To Haves
- MBA or MPA degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Advise the CEO and President on operational issues and organizational performance.
- Partner with the CEO and President and the senior management team to ensure that ELPC continues to be highly effective, well managed, and financially healthy.
- Serve as Chief Financial Officer.
- Manage cash and investments.
- Supervise Staff Accountant.
- Evaluate and update financial systems.
- Generate financial reports for funders and the Board.
- Oversee annual audit and 990 tax submissions.
- Work with CEO to manage $15 million budget.
- Liaison to ELPC Board of Directors’ Finance Committee.
- Manages grant fund accounting to maximize cash efficiency.
- Manage leases and operating issues for ELPC’s Chicago headquarters and four remote offices.
- Review and sign off on all proposed contracts.
- Supervise and work closely with Chief HR Officer to explore and recommend benefits to the CEO, recommend HR policies, and address personnel issues.
- Oversee payroll and benefits administration.
- Supervise part-time IT consultant.
- Develop and execute IT policies, including security, document retention policies and AI use policies.
- Make all major software and hardware deployment decisions.
- Ensure that ELPC complies with all applicable tax, labor, lobbying, and other legal and reporting requirements.
- Purchase insurance, oversee security, and design procedures to minimize organizational risk.
- Assist the CEO and ELPC Board of Directors’ Risk Management Working Group.
Benefits
- Attractive benefits package competitive to leading national environmental and regional nonprofit advocacy organizations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
