Summary
Description
The Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFO/COO) is a senior leader, strategic thinker and trusted partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), responsible for translating the organization’s ambitions into sound financial strategy and effective day-to-day operations. This role requires someone who brings both rigor and judgment — someone who can independently manage complex financial and operational responsibilities while also serving as a steady, candid thought partner to organizational leadership. The CFO/COO directly manages the Accounting and Systems Coordinator (part-time employee) and serves as the primary contact for the Conservancy’s HR and IT consultants.
In partnership with the CEO and leadership team, the CFO/COO turns strategy into action by aligning teams, improving systems, harnessing AI and ensuring the organization’s operations, finances, and cross-functional work run effectively.
Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
- Provide clear financial analysis and insights to support leadership and Board decision-making.
- Ensure accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting and internal controls.
- Monitor and forecast cash flow to ensure operational and capital needs are met.
- Complete or oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, account reconciliations, and grants accounting processes with support of Accounting & Systems Coordinator.
- Manage and oversee annual audit process and Form 990 preparation.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and nonprofit financial standards.
- Manage relationships with auditors, financial institutions, investment advisors, and other financial partners.
- Support the Finance and Investment Committees, including preparation of agendas, materials and presentations in collaboration with the Treasurer.
Operations and Administrative Leadership
The CFO/COO is responsible for ensuring effective execution across the organization by aligning teams, systems, and processes, harnessing AI and strengthening core operations. The CFO/COO works closely with the CEO as a key decision maker, acts as a proxy when needed, and leads the resolution of cross-functional challenges.
- Manage organizational planning and review processes (annual planning, budgeting, reviews and performance tracking).
- Oversee personnel, including payroll, benefits administration, HR compliance, and performance management systems, including management of third-party HR provider.
- Support hiring, onboarding, and development of staff in coordination with the leadership team.
- Manage third-party IT partner and oversee IT systems and infrastructure; identify opportunities for system improvements and automation.
- Manage organizational risk, including insurance coverage, contracts, and administrative compliance.
Qualifications
This is a full-time, exempt position with occasional evening commitments. The ideal candidate brings meaningful nonprofit financial leadership experience and has thrived in a role where the work required both technical depth and close collaboration with senior leadership. They are comfortable carrying independent credibility with boards, auditors, and external partners, and equally comfortable being a frank internal voice when it matters. Strong judgment, discretion, and genuine investment in the organization’s mission are essential.
Knowledge and Experience
- 10 years minimum experience in financial leadership and minimum 5 years in nonprofit finance, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CPA strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success managing operations and improving organizational systems.
- Experience in nonprofit organizations.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
$120,000 – $145,000 commensurate with experience. Includes a competitive benefits package with generous paid time off, medical, dental, HSA/FSA options,retirement plan, life and disability insurance.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by sending a resume with a cover letter addressing the applicant’s interest and qualifications for the position. Send both documents as one PDF attachment to employment@highlinecanal.org. No phone calls, please. All High Line Canal Conservancy employees are required to undergo a background check. This is an at-will position.
The Conservancy is dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity for all employees, applicants, volunteers, program and event participants, trail users and visitors, partners, and other organizational stakeholders. We prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, native language, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, gender, veteran status, political service, and affiliation or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes.
Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. This policy applies to all employees, including managers, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as customers, clients, vendors, consultants, etc.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At the Conservancy we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are interested in this role but your experience does not check all of the boxes, we encourage you to go ahead and apply. You may be the right candidate for this or another role in our organization.
