Financial Director

Organization Overview

The West Region Wildfire Council (WRWC or the Council) is a nonprofit based in Ridgway, CO. Since 2007, WRWC has worked to increase wildfire resilience in our communities and forest ecosystems. The organization’s staff is dedicated to wildfire mitigation, community resilience, and collaboration with landowners, agencies, and stakeholders across Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties in Western Colorado. 

Position Summary

The Finance Director is responsible for ensuring sound financial management as well as grant and agreement oversight for the organization. The position manages the administrative/ finance functions of the organization’s grants and financial agreements and oversees the organization’s day-to-day bookkeeping/finance needs. The position works with the CEO and the Board of Directors to ensure financial sustainability for the organization. The position works closely with the Finance & Grant Specialist. The position also provides oversight related to Human Resource needs in coordination with the CEO and COO as necessary.

Position Details

Finance: The WRWC FINANCE DIRECTOR works both independently and collaboratively with the CEO, the FINANCE AND GRANT SPECIALIST, a third-party CPA, as well as through reporting mechanisms to the Board of Directors on WRWC financial matters. The position is heavily involved in financial transactions and management, including budgeting, analysis, deliverable and expense tracking, reporting, and documentation of the organization’s finances, grants, and agreements. Additionally, the position works with the CEO to represent the organization in annual audits and financial reviews. 

Grants and Agreements: The FINANCE DIRECTOR is responsible for detailed grant administrative and financial tracking, planning, reporting and reimbursement procedures. The position works with the COO and CEO to ensure activity alignment to meet grant and agreement deliverables and timelines. The FINANCE DIRECTOR also works with the FINANCE & GRANT SPECIALIST to allocate aggregated resources to specific projects while ensuring compliance & documentation. Because grant funding is central to WRWC’s mission and operations, this position requires experience and skill in grant administration, financial tracking, and compliance. The Finance Director plays a critical role in ensuring that all grant-funded activities meet federal, state, and partner requirements, and that WRWC maintains the highest standards of accountability and stewardship. 

Human Resources: The FINANCE DIRECTOR provides Human Resource support for the organization so that WRWC may operate as an employer that promotes a safe, equitable & positive work environment where our employees are our greatest asset. The FINANCE DIRECTOR in connection with the GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS SPECIALIST ensures that all benefits and record-keeping for all employees are maintained and awarded appropriately.

Organization Administration: The FINANCE DIRECTOR, in conjunction with the CEO and COO prepares and manages the organization’s budget. The FINANCE DIRECTOR also ensures that all corporate records are maintained appropriately and interfaces with the Board of Directors to provide timely information and analysis for the Board’s decision-making processes, including presenting quarterly financial statements and projections to the Board. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 6 years of combined education and experience in non-profit finance, grant and agreement administration.

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, non-profit management, or a related natural resource management field is preferred.

Ideal Attributes

• Enthusiasm for working in a small nonprofit, team-oriented environment.

• Personable and professional. Successful candidates will be enthusiastic about working in a wildfire mitigation organization.

• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and work objectives simultaneously. Strong time-management skills.

• Self-starter and self-motivated, independent, and committed to moving the organization forward. • Experience with Human Resources functions.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

Compensation Salary:

This is a full-time, exempt position with a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range for this position will be $75,000 - $85,000. Please note that the range describes the full salary range for the position. New hires typically start at the beginning of the range. Annual Salary Increase: All employees are eligible for an annual performance and budget dependent salary increase, typically in the range of 3% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): The Board of Directors evaluates cost of living adjustments on an annual basis.