Chief Financial Officer - Interim

Scope of Work and Assignment Context

The Interim Chief Financial Officer will provide executive financial leadership and continuity during a period of leadership and organizational transition. The Interim CFO will maintain the integrity of the Foundation's financial operations, provide trusted counsel to the President, management team and Board, and ensure critical Finance and Grants Administration priorities remain on track until a permanent CFO is appointed.

The Interim CFO will lead a lean seven-person Finance and Grants team, with three direct reports—the Controller, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, and Director of Grants Management, and four indirect reports (two Staff Accountants, two Grant Coordinators). The role requires a leader who can operate at both strategic and hands-on levels.

Note: Investment management is not within the scope of the interim assignment.

Critical Outcomes & Milestones

Establish Leadership and Financial Continuity

Quickly assess the financial function, key priorities, and risks; establish credibility with the President, leadership team, Board, and Finance and Grants teams; and provide steady leadership through the transition.

Key deliverables : Clear priorities, stable operations, and confidence in the Interim CFO's leadership and judgment.

Deliver the FY2027 Budget

Lead development of the FY2027 operating budget, including forecasting, financial analysis, and recommendations to support leadership and Board decision-making.

Key deliverables : A timely, well-supported FY2027 budget and effective financial reporting and forecasting. Budget submission deadline: October 19

Maintain Strong Financial Stewardship and Audit Readiness

Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, sound internal controls, cash management, regulatory compliance, and preparation for the annual external audit.

Key deliverables : Financial operations remain accurate, well-controlled, compliant, and audit-ready.

Provide Strong Oversight of Grants Administration

Provide active leadership and oversight of grants administration, including financial due diligence, grant payments, compliance, controls, and priority process and systems improvements.

Key deliverables : Grants administration continues effectively and without disruption, with strong support and direction for the Grants Management team.

Lead the Team and Prepare for Transition

Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and direction to the Finance and Grants teams while maintaining momentum on critical priorities and preparing for the permanent CFO.

Key deliverables : The permanent CFO inherits a stable team, sound financial operations, clear priorities and risks, and an effective transition.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate combines executive-level financial judgment with a hands-on operating style. Given the lean team structure, the Interim CFO must be equally comfortable advising the President and Board and working directly with the team to deliver critical financial work.

The successful candidate will bring:

Significant senior financial leadership experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. Private foundation experience is strongly preferred, particularly experience with the financial, regulatory, tax, and governance requirements unique to private foundations.

Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, FP&A, accounting, financial reporting, controls, and audit.

Experience partnering effectively with a CEO/President, senior management team, Board and Finance Committee.

Experience leading through organizational or leadership transition and operating effectively in ambiguity.

Strong team leadership and coaching skills, particularly with small professional teams.

Familiarity with grants administration and nonprofit financial compliance.

Strong judgment, learning agility, and the ability to quickly understand a new organization and funding model.

A collaborative, pragmatic style and willingness to work at both the strategic and detailed execution levels, given the size of the team.