Director of Finance & Operations | Washington State Academy of Sciences (Seattle, WA)

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

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The Opportunity:

Washington State University's Office of the Provost and the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS) is now accepting applications for Director of Finance & Operations. The Director is a senior leadership role that advances WSAS’s strategic priority of organizational sustainability and effectiveness, and enables organizational scaling to increase impact. As the Director of Finance & Operations, you will report to the Executive Director and enable effective and efficient financial planning and management, compliance with applicable laws and requirements, and team productivity.

You will be responsible for designing, leading, and continuously improving the internal machinery of WSAS – finance, personnel, operations, policies and procedures, and administrative infrastructure; all while in compliance with requirements of non-profit organizations, WSU, organizational agreements, and applicable state law. You will also proactively identify opportunities and mitigate risks to improve organizational performance and accountability, and oversee implementation of this work through supervision of WSAS’s implementation coordinator and oversight of part-time WSU administrative staff, contractors, and other vendors.

This role is ideal for a seasoned leader who has experience transforming finance and operations for a mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of growth. We welcome candidates who see this as a capstone career opportunity and mid-career nonprofit leaders who are ready for a broader mandate.  

Goals for This Role:

In the first one to two years, success in this role looks like: 

Building the financial infrastructure, forecasting, and reporting systems needed to responsibly double WSAS's budget and diversify its revenue base over the next two to three years. 

Strengthening internal operations, Personnel practices, and systems so WSAS can scale from a small team to a larger, more complex organization.

Providing clear, trusted financial reporting that gives the Board and funders the confidence to support continued growth. 

Building a smooth, well-understood working relationship with WSU as fiscal sponsor, so administrative and compliance functions run reliably in the background. 

Fully owning WSAS's internal operations so the Executive Director is freed to focus on fundraising, partnerships, and program growth. 

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime exempt.

Monthly Salary: $8,333.00 to $11,374.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least one (1) year of managerial experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis. 

Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment. Positions may require applicable licensure and/or certification.

• At least 8 years of progressively senior experience in finance, operations, business administration, or related roles — ideally including experience as a CFO, COO, Director of Finance & Operations, or similar senior nonprofit leadership role. 
• Knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, operations, and employee management. 
• Experience translating financial complexity into clear guidance for non-financial audiences. 
• Experience managing grants and government or state contracts, including compliance and reporting requirements. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building or scaling operational infrastructure — systems, policies, HR practices. 
• Expertise in financial management: budgeting, GAAP-compliant accounting, audit management, and financial reporting to boards and funders, with nonprofit experience preferred. 
• Experience with budget and business plan development, including for grant applications and proposals. 
• Working knowledge of business management, financial, and HR/payroll software; knowledge of Workday preferred. 
• Proven ability to set priorities and guide investment in people and systems, and to plan and manage operational processes that support productivity. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to support rapidly shifting business demands. 
• Experience working with a nonprofit board, ideally supporting a Treasurer or Finance Committee. 

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

Area/College: Office of the Provost & Executive VP

Department Name: Washington State Academy of Sciences

Location: Seattle, WA

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

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Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected].

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More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/