Director, Private Awards Center of Excellence (PACE)

The Nature Conservancy•Copenhagen, VA

22h•Remote

About The Position

The Private Awards Center of Excellence (PACE) supports The Nature Conservancy’s mission by providing business processes, training and subject matter expertise in accounting, financial systems, and all facets of private donor grant management. The Director of PACE provides strategic leadership for private award management by setting and advancing private award strategies, leading cross‑functional initiatives, and building strong partnerships with organizational leadership. The Director supervises a globally distributed team, including the PACE-Core, Private Awards Shared Services (PASS), Foundations, and Closeout sub‑teams. The Director, Private Awards Center of Excellence has overall responsibility for directing the activities and personnel of Private Awards Center of Excellence (PACE). They are a subject matter expert and serve as a resource to the entire organization or their organizational unit, as applicable, including as an advisor to senior level staff. The Director, Private Awards Center of Excellence establishes and maintains all contacts, professional services and outsourcing relationships necessary for the efficient and effective functioning of their program area. The Director is responsible for leading, understanding, and directing the systems used by the associated PACE teams and overseeing system‑related activities. They are the primary liaison to external advisors on matters pertaining to their program area. They work closely with functions in the Finance Business Unit and with other departments and organizational units as necessary for the effective functioning of their program area.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 7 years related work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience recruiting, supervising and developing staff.
Experience designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects.
Experience with financial management of an enterprise or sizable organizational unit.
Experience with US and international private and Foundational donor grant management including budgeting, audit, contract requirements, donor reporting, and closeout, and the related accounting.
Experience implementing or managing financial systems.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience strongly appreciated.
Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline.
Extensive management experience including the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth.
Experience using high levels of patience, perseverance and political savvy for managing inclusive processes in a highly decentralized environment.
Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects.
Superb communication and presentation skills.
Experience with government regulations and grants
MBA
Professional certification as a CPA or CIA, or candidacy for same.

Responsibilities

Manages strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders in order to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
Works toward meeting strategic priorities by developing and managing plans and strategies.
Focuses on long-range strategic priorities.
Plans and leads new programs/initiatives.
Directs implementation of multiple projects.
Manages the development and implementation of a strategic, integrated, and collaborative approach.
Assists with developing a budget, working within a budget, and negotiating and contracting with vendors.
Broad management for administrative and professional staff oversees day-to-day work.
Ensures programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards and legal requirements are met and managed for ethical compliance.
Participates in the formulation and evaluation of broad policies and standards.
May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
Reports to senior leadership on functional activities.