Director of Finance and Operations

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center • Carnation, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center seeks a Director of Finance and Operations to lead financial stewardship and operational excellence across the organization. This role will strengthen the systems, structures, and culture that support Oxbow’s mission. As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Director reports to the Executive Director and serves as Oxbow’s operational hub—integrating financial management, human resources, technology, and facilities to ensure the organization operates with clarity, efficiency, and a focus on long-term sustainability. A strategic and collaborative leader, the Director oversees two core areas—Business Operations and Site Operations—and manages key relationships, including external accounting partners, the Senior Site Manager, and the Operations Manager. This role requires both big-picture thinking and hands-on execution, along with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. The Director fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and where colleagues and partners feel valued, supported, and empowered.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (advance degree preferred)
• Experience overseeing organizational or multi-department budgets and working with boards or governing bodies.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit financial management, including organizational budgeting, accounting oversight, compliance, financial reporting, and familiarity with employment best practices in support of organizational operations.
• Experience managing or overseeing operational functions such as facilities, site operations, or organizational infrastructure is strongly preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong management skills, balanced strategic and tactical focus, with a demonstrated ability to deliver program results while maximizing individual development and well-being.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with an ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Excellence in influence and leadership – a team player who can receive feedback and focuses on building a healthy and productive culture, is skilled at building trust and strong relationships, who models desired behaviors and nurtures them in others.
• Ability to participate, lead and foster a collaborative team culture. Proven ability to mobilize and motivate teams, set direction and approach, resolve conflict, coach performance, deliver tough messages with grace, and make decisions to advance the work with limited information or ambiguity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact at all levels of an organization and to provide excellent customer service.
• Patient, flexible, diplomatic, creative, resilient, pragmatic, with a sense of humor and an ability to stay grounded in diverse conditions and under pressure.
• This position requires use of various office equipment, including computers and software, such as Office 365, QuickBooks, HRIS software/BambooHR, and other systems as required.
• Must be able to operate a variety of automated office machines, including a computer, printer, and copier.
• Must be able to work safely at all times, participate in safety training courses, notify leadership of any safety concerns, and ability to recognize and notify leadership about any issues that pose a safety risk to staff, volunteers, or the general public.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

• Advance degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Work with the Leadership Team and Board of Directors to establish and implement reporting for key performance indicators to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead the creation of Oxbow’s annual budget in collaboration with all Departments. This includes working with the Leadership Team and Program Managers to set financial targets over a three-to-five-year time horizon and develop multi-year financial plans and cash flow strategies to support growth and sustainability.
• Prepare timely and detailed reports on financial performance on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis for the Leadership Team, the Board of Directors, and external auditors.
• Provide clear financial analysis and recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
• Oversee financial operations delivered in partnership with external accounting providers, including general ledger, payroll, receivables, payables, and reconciliations.
• Coordinate annual audits and 990 filings with external auditors.
• Ensure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles and all relevant financial laws and guidelines.
• Serve as a thought partner on operational strategy, financial and operational policy development, and risk management with the Executive Director and Leadership Team.
• Work in partnership with the Executive Director and the Operations Manager to support HR initiatives such as recruitment, compensation, benefits administration, and training.
• In partnership with the Operations Manager, develop IT policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Manage organizational risk and compliance.
• Create standardized procedures for operational processes as needed.
• Direct the Site Team to optimize efficiency and mission alignment, including strategic planning for equipment and physical infrastructure.
• Provide strategic oversight for the long-term development and stewardship of Oxbow’s physical site, ensuring that land use, infrastructure investments, and facilities planning align with organizational growth, program needs, and mission priorities.
• Work closely with Oxbow’s Senior Site Manager and the Operations Manager to ensure the safety of all employees and visitors to Oxbow throughout the year.
• In collaboration with the Leadership Team and Operations Manager, create and maintain systems and tools that optimize work efficiency across Oxbow, including both digital and physical infrastructure.
• Supervise and set professional development targets for all direct reports, ensuring support and leadership for them to supervise their teams and processes effectively.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment
• 100% employer-covered Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 100% employer-paid Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• 10–30 days of vacation time per year, based on tenure and role.
• Up to 10 days of sick time and 12 paid holidays per year, plus an end-of-year break
• Up to 5 floating holidays per year
• Additional paid and unpaid leave options, including jury duty, military service, emergency responder service, bereavement, and family or medical needs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees