Director of Finance & Operations | Washington State Academy of Sciences (Seattle, WA)

Washington State University • Seattle, WA

1d • $8,333 - $11,374 • Onsite

About The Position

Washington State University's Office of the Provost and the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS) is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations. This senior leadership role is crucial for advancing WSAS’s strategic priority of organizational sustainability and effectiveness, and enabling organizational scaling to increase impact. The Director will report to the Executive Director and be responsible for effective and efficient financial planning and management, compliance with applicable laws and requirements, and team productivity. The role involves designing, leading, and continuously improving WSAS’s internal machinery, including finance, personnel, operations, policies and procedures, and administrative infrastructure, all while ensuring compliance with non-profit organization requirements, WSU policies, organizational agreements, and applicable state law. The Director will also proactively identify opportunities and mitigate risks to improve organizational performance and accountability, and oversee implementation through supervision of WSAS’s implementation coordinator and oversight of part-time WSU administrative staff, contractors, and other vendors. This position is ideal for a seasoned leader with experience transforming finance and operations for a mission-driven organization during a period of growth, and is considered a capstone career opportunity or a role for mid-career nonprofit leaders ready for a broader mandate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least one (1) year of managerial experience.
• A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
• Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis.
• At least 8 years of progressively senior experience in finance, operations, business administration, or related roles — ideally including experience as a CFO, COO, Director of Finance & Operations, or similar senior nonprofit leadership role.
• Knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, operations, and employee management.
• Experience translating financial complexity into clear guidance for non-financial audiences.
• Experience managing grants and government or state contracts, including compliance and reporting requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience building or scaling operational infrastructure — systems, policies, HR practices.
• Expertise in financial management: budgeting, GAAP-compliant accounting, audit management, and financial reporting to boards and funders, with nonprofit experience preferred.
• Experience with budget and business plan development, including for grant applications and proposals.
• Working knowledge of business management, financial, and HR/payroll software; knowledge of Workday preferred.
• Proven ability to set priorities and guide investment in people and systems, and to plan and manage operational processes that support productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to support rapidly shifting business demands.
• Experience working with a nonprofit board, ideally supporting a Treasurer or Finance Committee.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and continuously improve the internal machinery of WSAS – finance, personnel, operations, policies and procedures, and administrative infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with requirements of non-profit organizations, WSU, organizational agreements, and applicable state law.
• Proactively identify opportunities and mitigate risks to improve organizational performance and accountability.
• Oversee implementation of work through supervision of WSAS’s implementation coordinator and oversight of part-time WSU administrative staff, contractors, and other vendors.
• Build the financial infrastructure, forecasting, and reporting systems needed to responsibly double WSAS's budget and diversify its revenue base over the next two to three years.
• Strengthen internal operations, Personnel practices, and systems so WSAS can scale from a small team to a larger, more complex organization.
• Provide clear, trusted financial reporting that gives the Board and funders the confidence to support continued growth.
• Build a smooth, well-understood working relationship with WSU as fiscal sponsor, so administrative and compliance functions run reliably.
• Fully own WSAS's internal operations so the Executive Director is freed to focus on fundraising, partnerships, and program growth.

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development
• Employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior