Vice President of Finance and Administration

Reports to

Chief Executive Officer

Status

Full Time, Exempt

The Organization

Wild Salmon Center works to protect some of the most beautiful and productive rivers left on the planet. These “salmon strongholds” are home not only to the king of fish but grizzly bears, bald eagles, orcas, and more than 130 other species that depend on wild salmon. These rivers also support thriving coastal communities and Indigenous cultures. If these special places call to you and you want to help conserve them, then WSC is the right organization for you. Wild Salmon Center features excellent benefits competitive with major international organizations and offers room for professional growth.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Finance & Administration is the senior financial leader and a key collaborator and strategist on the Executive Management Team. This role oversees financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, grants and restricted funds management, audit readiness, and financial risk management. The VP provides oversight of outsourced Information Technology services to ensure secure, reliable systems that support data-driven decision making. This is a hands-on leadership role that pairs strategic finance with operational excellence.

The Team

The Finance and Administration team provides timely, accurate, decision-ready financial information, strong internal controls, and outstanding administrative and human resources support for the entire organization. We partner with the Conservation, Development, and Communications teams to align resources with our mission and long-term goals. The IT infrastructure is supported by outsourced providers, with the VP overseeing contracts and ensuring reliable, secure systems.

Responsibilities

1. Financial Strategy and Planning

• Lead multi-year financial planning that aligns budgets with the strategic plan and our 2032 conservation outcomes.
• Translate strategy into annual budget targets, quarterly re-forecasts, and clear financial KPIs for programs and shared services.
• Provide scenario modeling, cash flow forecasting, and sensitivity analysis to support executive and Board decisions.

2. Accounting, Controls, and Audit Readiness

• Own the integrity and timeliness of the monthly close, financial statements, and management reporting.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment, including segregation of duties, reconciliations, and documented procedures.
• Oversee annual independent audits, Form 990, and regulatory filings. Serve as primary contact for external auditors.
• Ensure GAAP-compliant accounting and high-quality fund accounting for restricted and unrestricted revenues.

3. Grants, Contracts, and Restricted Funds

• Establish clear practices for award budgeting, allowability, cost recovery, and timely reporting to funders.
• Partner with Conservation and Development to design budgets that meet donor requirements while advancing priority outcomes.
• Monitor restricted balances and ensure accurate release from restriction and documentation of donor intent.

4. Enterprise Performance and Decision Support

• Deliver concise, actionable monthly reporting, including budget-to-actuals, variance analysis, and forward-looking insights.
• Build dashboards that connect finance metrics to conservation, development, and communications outcomes.
• Coach colleagues to understand the financial implications of plans and to make data-informed tradeoffs.

5. Treasury and Risk Management

• Manage cash, investments, banking relationships, and credit facilities in line with policies approved by the Board.
• Maintain enterprise risk registers for financial risks. Recommend mitigation plans and insurance coverage.

6. Information Technology Oversight

• Manage outsourced IT providers to ensure reliable systems, cybersecurity, and efficient collaboration tools.
• Oversee IT vendor contracts and ensure technology investments meet organizational needs.

7. Governance and Board Partnership

• Staff the Audit & Finance Committee and present clear analyses and recommendations to the Board.
• Update the Board on key trends, risks, and opportunities. Support effective policy development and compliance.

8. Team Leadership and Culture

• Oversee administrative operations to ensure smooth, efficient support for staff and leadership, including facilities management, office logistics, and vendor contracts.
• Maintain clear, consistent policies and procedures that promote transparency and operational discipline.
• Provide leadership and oversight of Human Resources and people operations functions to ensure compliance and alignment with organizational values.
• Ensure recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development systems attract and retain talented, mission-driven staff.
• Champion a workplace culture grounded in WSC’s values.
• Model and reinforce effective communication practices and recognition programs that build trust, connection, and accountability across teams.
• Ensure that administrative and HR systems, policies, and reporting comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Team on organizational health, structure, and workforce planning, bringing both strategic perspective and hands-on problem-solving to cross-functional challenges.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive finance leadership with responsibility for accounting and FP&A in a complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting, including grants, restricted revenue, and cost allocation.
• Track record leading annual audits and timely, accurate external reporting.
• Experience building planning and forecasting processes and translating strategy into budgets and KPIs.
• Experience leading administrative and HR functions.
• Experience managing outsourced IT providers or close partnership with IT on systems, data, and security.
• Bachelor’s degree and CPA required.
• Experience working at an international non-profit organization is a plus.
• MBA or related advanced degree is a plus.
• Skilled communicator who can explain complex financial topics to non-financial audiences and coach leaders to own their numbers.
• Commitment to our vision, mission and values.

Core Competencies

• Strategic finance and analytical thinking
• Execution and operational rigor
• Systems and process improvement
• Collaborative partnership and service orientation
• Team leadership and talent development
• Judgment, discretion, and integrity

Work Environment and Location

• Hybrid schedule with an in-office expectation of 3 or more days per week.
• Occasional travel to program sites and Board meetings as needed.

Compensation

The pay for this full-time position starts at $175,000 / year or commensurate with experience.

Additionally, a comprehensive benefits package, designed to help our employees stay healthy and plan for their financial future, includes:

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (includes employee/spouse, employee/dependent(s), as well as a partial premium for full family coverage)
• Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) plan that matches at 125% for the first 6% of salary contributed (after 6 months)
• Four weeks of vacation (to start), two weeks of sick and 10 paid holidays
• Flexible Spending Account (health & dependent care)
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Support for continuing education
• Cell phone allowance & monthly stipend
• Flexible hybrid work schedule
• Outstanding work culture, including regular opportunities to visit and connect with salmon rivers

To Apply

Submit cover letter and CV to careers@wildsalmoncenter.org and include "Vice-President Finance & Administration" in the subject line. Please note in your cover letter where you learned of this position. This position will be open until filled.

Wild Salmon Center is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We will gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please reach out to our HR Manager at eellis@wildsalmoncenter.org in advance to request assistance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $170,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, OR 97209

Salary : $170,000 - $180,000