Deputy Director for Foundation Finance and Compliance

Jackson State University•JSU Main Campus, MS

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Foundation Finance & Compliance is a senior leadership position within the JSU Development Foundation, reporting directly to the Executive Director. The Deputy Director serves as the Foundation’s chief accounting and compliance authority and as the primary financial and operational bridge between executive leadership and day-to-day accounting and finance functions. The role provides strategic financial oversight, ensures compliance with regulatory and policy requirements, and strengthens the Foundation’s operational infrastructure. The Deputy Director directly supervises the Comptroller, who oversees day-to-day accounting, and the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship, who leads donor stewardship and scholarship administration. The Deputy Director is jointly accountable with the Executive Director for fiscal integrity, governance, compliance, and donor stewardship standards, and translates executive strategy into accurate, transparent, and accountable financial, audit, compliance, gift-management, and stewardship operations. The role supports the mission of Jackson State University and its Development Foundation within the philanthropic and governance context of a Historically Black College and University. Responsibilities span financial leadership and strategic oversight; internal controls, compliance, and governance; external audit and tax oversight; endowment and investment oversight; gift processing and data integrity; donor relations and stewardship; supervision and development of direct reports; and strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration. The Deputy Director advises the Executive Director and Board, oversees financial reporting and regulatory filings, coordinates audits and investment activities, and works with university and Foundation partners to support sound financial operations and philanthropic efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
CPA licensure is required; an active Mississippi CPA license or eligibility to obtain reciprocity is expected within 12 months of hire.
At least seven years of progressive experience in nonprofit accounting, financial management, or compliance, including at least three years in a supervisory or management capacity.
Demonstrated experience providing financial oversight for a nonprofit, university foundation, or comparable higher-education financial operation.
Direct experience supervising accounting or finance professionals, developing staff, and building high-performing teams.
Experience working with a Board of Directors or Finance Committee, including preparing and presenting Board-level financial reports and compliance updates.
Expertise in nonprofit accounting standards, external audit coordination, Form 990 preparation, and regulatory compliance.
Experience managing endowment funds, restricted gifts, and investment portfolios in a nonprofit or foundation setting.
Experience with gift processing operations and CRM or fundraising management systems.
Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP for nonprofit organizations, including ASC 958.
In-depth knowledge of IRS rules for 501(c)(3) organizations, including Form 990 reporting, gift substantiation, UBIT, and executive compensation disclosure.
Working knowledge of internal control frameworks such as COSO and their application in nonprofit accounting and foundations.
Proficiency with financial management and accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and analytical tools for financial modeling, scenario analysis, and data interpretation.
Working knowledge of UPMIFA and endowment management principles, and familiarity with investment policy administration and portfolio reporting.
Ability to lead, supervise, and develop accounting professionals; establish and enforce financial policies; and foster accountability, integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy during audit season and fiscal year-end.
Ability to translate executive strategy into operational financial direction and work at both strategic and technical levels.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to executive leaders and Board members.
Professionalism, discretion, and ethical conduct in handling confidential financial, donor, and institutional information.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with Foundation and university leadership, Board members, finance colleagues, auditors, legal counsel, and investment advisors.
Commitment to the mission of Jackson State University and the JSU Development Foundation, with understanding of the financial and regulatory environment of HBCUs.
Commitment to transparency, integrity, and sound stewardship of philanthropic and institutional resources.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration (MBA), or Public Administration.
Active Mississippi CPA licensure at the time of hire.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential.
Experience as a Controller, Comptroller, CFO, or Deputy Director in a university foundation, nonprofit foundation, or higher-education institution.
Familiarity with NACUBO standards and best practices.
Experience with investment manager selection, performance evaluation, and Investment Policy Statement administration.
Direct involvement in building or leading a Donor Relations and Stewardship program in a philanthropic or advancement context.
Experience implementing or upgrading accounting systems or ERP platforms in nonprofit or higher-education settings.
Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, including charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, bequests, and life insurance gifts, and their accounting treatment.
Familiarity with CRM Advance and Banner Finance.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Foundation’s chief accounting and compliance authority and ensure financial operations follow GAAP, FASB standards, UPMIFA, IRS requirements, and applicable state and university policies.
Provide executive oversight of the Comptroller and accounting function; establish expectations, review deliverables, and ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Review and approve major financial reports, statements, and analyses before submission to the Executive Director, Board, or external parties.
Oversee annual budgets, multi-year forecasts, cash-flow models, and financial analyses supporting strategic decisions.
Present financial statements, endowment performance, compliance updates, and risk analyses to the Executive Director, Board, and Finance and Investment Committees.
Advise the Executive Director on Foundation finances, gift acceptance, expenditures, vendor contracts, and strategic investments; provide financial modeling and cost-benefit assessments for programs, capital initiatives, and staffing decisions.
Design, implement, maintain, and annually review internal controls, financial policies, and compliance protocols; present review findings to the Executive Director and Finance Committee.
Establish and maintain fraud prevention and detection measures, including segregation of duties, dual authorization for significant transactions, and whistleblower reporting mechanisms.
Oversee regulatory filings, including IRS Form 990, charitable registration renewals, and other state and federal filings, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and timely.
Ensure adherence to donor intent, endowment policies, scholarship and fund stewardship requirements, and applicable best practices, including NACUBO standards.
Maintain a compliance calendar for tax filings, regulatory reports, grant reporting, and audit milestones, and ensure deadlines are met.
Coordinate with legal counsel, university compliance offices, and external entities to mitigate risk and maintain regulatory compliance.
Review and recommend updates to the Investment Policy Statement and coordinate implementation through the Comptroller.
Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and oversee annual audit engagements from planning through final report, including review of schedules, work papers, and supporting documentation.
Ensure audited financial statements are completed and presented to the Board within 180 days after fiscal year-end or the applicable IHL deadline.
Review Form 990 and required state nonprofit filings prepared by the Comptroller before submission; manage material correspondence relating to IRS inquiries, state filings, and audit findings with legal counsel and the Executive Director.
Ensure compliance with requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations, including public support tests, UBIT considerations, and executive compensation disclosures.
Serve as staff liaison to investment advisors and custodians; monitor portfolio performance against Board-approved benchmarks and present quarterly results to committees and the Board.
Coordinate with the Investment Committee to implement the Investment Policy Statement, including asset allocation, spending policy, and investment manager evaluation criteria.
Review quarterly endowment performance schedules and fund reconciliations; present results and analysis to the Executive Director and Board.
Oversee endowment distribution calculations with the Comptroller and ensure accurate, timely disbursement in accordance with the Board-approved spending policy.
Lead periodic reviews and prepare recommended updates to the Investment Policy Statement for Executive Director and Board consideration.
Provide leadership oversight of gift processing, ensuring contributions are entered, receipted, and reconciled accurately and promptly.
Establish and strengthen gift acceptance, documentation, and reconciliation practices between the Foundation and university, including CRM Advance and Banner Finance reconciliation protocols.
Ensure data accuracy and consistent reporting across CRM and financial systems; review and approve monthly gift fund reconciliation reports.
Help establish and grow a Donor Relations and Stewardship program that supports exceptional donor experiences, transparency, and long-term engagement.
Oversee donor acknowledgments, endowed fund reports, impact reporting, and stewardship communications in collaboration with Institutional Advancement leadership.
Ensure compliance with donor agreements, endowment guidelines, and restricted-fund requirements; review fund reports and reconciliations before donor distribution.
Supervise the Comptroller and Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship; establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and provide coaching and professional development.
Review and approve major Comptroller deliverables before external distribution, including monthly and Board financial reports, audit schedules, and regulatory filings.
Direct the Comptroller on financial policy, compliance, and accounting standards and escalate material issues to the Executive Director.
Maintain continuity of accounting operations through adequate staffing and cross-training.
Evaluate and recommend upgrades to financial management systems, accounting software, CRM platforms, and stewardship technology with relevant Foundation leaders.
Advise the Executive Director and Board on financial strategy, risk management, resource allocation, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
Collaborate with Institutional Advancement, JSU Finance, and academic and administrative units to streamline financial, operational, and stewardship processes.
Contribute to Foundation policies, operational systems, and practices that enhance financial integrity, effectiveness, and donor confidence.
Support fundraising campaigns and planned giving initiatives with accurate financial data, projections, and compliance guidance.