Senior Director of Finance

The Alpha-1 Foundation is seeking a mission-driven financial leader to serve as Senior Director of Finance.

The Senior Director of Finance will oversee the Foundation's financial management, reporting, planning, and governance processes while serving as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors. The role combines operational financial leadership with forward-looking financial strategy, ensuring the organization has the financial discipline, systems, and insights necessary to support mission growth.

This position will manage existing financial operations while strengthening financial planning capabilities, improving reporting and transparency, and building the financial infrastructure for the organization's next phase of growth.

The Senior Director of Finance will work closely with the Board Finance and Investment Committees to ensure the Foundation maintains strong financial stewardship and governance practices. This position has been structured to support growth into an executive leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Strategy

• Lead financial planning and analysis in support of the Foundation’s strategic priorities and mission initiatives.
• Develop multi-year financial models that support research investments, diagnostic initiatives, and program growth.
• Provide financial insight and recommendations to the CEO and Board regarding financial sustainability, investment decisions, and organizational priorities.
• Evaluate the financial implications of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and mission-aligned investments.

Financial Operations and Reporting

• Oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, the Black Baud Financial Edge Ledger & ERP and the monthly close process.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting for internal leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Maintain strong financial controls and governance processes consistent with nonprofit accounting standards.
• Lead the annual audit process and manage relationships with external auditors.
• Provide oversight for restricted funds, grant accounting, and philanthropic resources.

Governance and Board Partnership

• Prepare financial materials and analysis for Board meetings and Finance Committee meetings.
• Present financial updates and insights to Board leadership.
• Support the Finance and Audit Committees in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.
• Ensure financial transparency and clarity in reporting to governance bodies.

Mission and Program Finance

• Partner with program and research leadership to ensure financial alignment with mission priorities.
• Provide financial oversight of research grants and programmatic investments.
• Support financial evaluation of new initiatives, collaborations, and partnerships.
• Help develop financial frameworks that balance mission impact with financial sustainability.

Financial Infrastructure and Team Development

• Strengthen financial systems, reporting tools, and financial processes.
• Improve budgeting and forecasting capabilities across the organization.
• Support the development of finance team capabilities as the organization grows.
• Contribute to building a scalable financial infrastructure that can support continued organizational expansion.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience
• Experience overseeing financial operations, reporting, and planning
• Nonprofit financial leadership experience preferred
• Experience supporting healthcare, life sciences, research, or mission-driven organizations highly valued
• Experienced with Sophisticated GL/ERP tools;Strong Preference for a continuous improvement leadership using Black Baud Financial Edge
• Experience working with boards, finance committees, or governance bodies
• MBA in Finance or related field required
• CPA preferred.