Vice President of Finance and Administration

Reports to: President/CEO

Location: Beautiful downtown Sandusky, Ohio (Steps from Lake Erie)

Status: Full time, salaried, In-person

Position Introduction:

At Erie County Community Foundation, we are dedicated to a singular, powerful vision: fostering a thriving, vibrant Erie County, Ohio. Since our founding in 1995, our mission has remained steadfast—to enrich the lives of the people of Erie County, Ohio, by addressing community needs, providing leadership, and cultivating resources for a lasting impact. Whether we are breaking down barriers to transportation, empowering our local workforce, supporting families, advancing mental health and wellness, or preserving the natural beauty of Lake Erie and its waterways, our work touches every corner of our community, today, tomorrow, forever.

To continue driving this meaningful change, we are seeking a strategic, visionary, and compassionate Vice President of Finance and Administration to join our passionate team.

Based in our vibrant office in the heart of beautiful downtown Sandusky, just steps away from the shores of Lake Erie, this leadership role is much more than managing numbers; it is about securing the financial health and operational excellence that allow our community's promise to flourish. As a key partner on our executive leadership team, the VP of Finance and Administration will ensure our resources are expertly stewarded, governance is robust, and operational strategies align seamlessly with our philanthropic mission.

If you are a seasoned financial professional who wants your daily work to directly translate into educational enrichment, stronger families, and a resilient, flourishing Erie County, Ohio, we invite you to help us build a brighter future.

Job Content:

1. Purpose of this position:

As VP of Finance, this position is accountable for the entire range of financial activity including treasury and accounting functions for the Foundation.

As VP of Administration, this position also manages the Information Services, Building, Governance, and Human Resources functions for the Foundation.

2. Major activities, which must be performed in order to carry out the purpose of the position as described above:

A. Serve as a member of the President/CEO’s management staff participating in the development and implementation of Foundation’s strategic plan.

B. Direct and manage financial and office support staff: select, hire, train, coach, assure performance and morale and administer discipline.

C. Establish, develop and maintain the Foundation’s accounting systems in accordance with applicable accounting, legal and regulatory standards.

D. Develop and implement administrative and fiscal policies and systems: accounting, donor tracking, purchasing, billing, disbursements and inventory control. Ensure payroll, gift processing, bank deposits are maintained and recorded appropriately and regularly.

E. Develop Foundation budget and report progress vs budget. Submit to President/CEO and Board for approval.

F. Develop supplemental reporting systems to support strategic and financial planning.

G. Manage the selection process for and serve as the Foundation’s primary liaison with Money Managers and Financial Consultants. Monitor investment policy and performance.

H. Establish, monitor and perform internal audit function. Serve as the liaison with external auditors.

I. Assure operational compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

J. Work with the Executive Assistant and President/CEO to update and prepare Board and Committee agendas. Ensure minutes are completed expediently.

K. Develop, implement and manage the Foundation’s Human Resource policies and programs, including the maintenance of position descriptions.

L. Administer employee benefit and compensation programs. Select external vendors, negotiate contracts and make changes to keep benefits competitive and within budgetary guidelines.

M. Serve as the Foundation’s EEO officer.

N. Develop and oversee implementation of records management and retention program.

O. Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Foundation’s information systems. Including managing the firm’s relationships with key vendors (phone/software/copier/internet/managed services/security, etc.).

P. Manage the Foundation’s office facility and equipment, including monitoring repairs, maintaining safety and fire inspection requirements and acting as liaison with the property manager.

Q. Oversee the purchase of equipment and furnishings for the facilities.

R. Develop and implement Risk Management programs (financing and risk prevention).

S. Monitor and serve as Foundation’s liaison to Fiscal Sponsorships.

T. Research prepare and present required monthly and special reports for the President/CEO and Board regarding finances or operations.

U. Serve as staff liaison to existing or ad-hoc Board committees as assigned by President/CEO.

V. Serve as financial review function for the community grant cycles of the Grants Committee by reviewing grant applications for the purpose of making sure financial reports are adequate and grantees are following federal reporting standards and are financially viable for support.

Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of fund accounting, investments and endowments – CPA or MBA preferred.
• Broad, general knowledge of computer systems and software packages.
• Broad, general business know-how: purchasing, planning, budgeting.
• Broad, general understanding of human resource management principles and practices.
• Supervisory and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail; accountable for producing vital financial information for the Board and donors.
• In-depth interpersonal skills: demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with all types of people.
• Team leadership skills.
• In-depth written and oral communication skills; presentation skills.
• Demonstrated initiative.
• In-depth problem-solving and analytical skills.

List any previous positions that are necessary background experience to qualify for this

position:

Seasoned Controller/CPA/MBA level of public accounting experience or experience as a VP of Finance or CFO, with exposure to dealing with system wide issues. Five to seven years of experience, at minimum, is required.

Compensation

Salary range: $80,000 to $110,000

Health insurance, retirement contribution, work flexibility, summer hours.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. At the employee’s request, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.