• Job Description

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  DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE u00A0
  POSITION DESCRIPTION
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  JOB TITLE: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	SALARY: $258,000 - $322,000 FLSA: Exempt
  DEPARTMENT: Finance LOCATION: Washington, D.C REPORTS TO: President & CEO NUMBER OF DIRECT/INDIRECT REPORTS: 9
  LAST REVISED: May 2025
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  POSITION SUMMARY
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  The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees Defenders of Wildlifeu2019s financial operations, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance with regulations. The CFO is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management while supporting the organizationu2019s mission and strategic goals. The CFO reports to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vice Presidents of Marketing and Philanthropy, among other senior staff to provide accurate and timely financial counsel to the organization.u00A0u00A0
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  The CFO provides leadership and strategy for financial management and controls.u00A0 They identify and implement best practices; solve business challenges; strive for continual improvement; optimize relationships with banks and other external service providers; and are a strategic partner with the Presidentu2019s Office. They are also the primary support staff contact for the Audit and Finance committees of the Board of Directors.
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  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Acts as a key strategic advisor to the President and CEO on financial issues.u00A0
  • Serves as the leader in all areas of finance and implements financial strategies that align with the organizationu2019s mission and long-term goals.
  • Key member of the senior leadership team, and primary staff support contact to the Board of Directors' Audit and Finance Committees. Develops and implements internal controls and policies to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with donor requirements, audits, and applicable laws.
  • Prepares quarterly financial presentations for the Board of Directors.
  • Prepares monthly internal GAAP financial statements and monitors performance against the board-approved organizational budget.
  • Implement and maintain financial systems and use of technology that promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
  • Manages the development of the annual organizational budget process in coordination with department heads and ensures alignment with the organizationu2019s strategic plan.
  • Responsible for overall organizational cash management and stewardship of funds.
  • Oversees the annual financial statement audit, pension plan audit, and workers' compensation insurance audit.
  • Oversees the completion of annual Form 990 and related tax returns as well as Form 5500 and related pension filings.
  • Partners with Development staff to support grant and fundraising efforts, including tracking restricted funds and ensuring timely financial reporting to donors and funders.
  • Supervises the Finance team, which is responsible for accounts payable, payroll, cash receipts, and grant/restricted accounting functions.
  • Supervises the Compliance team, which is responsible for state solicitation registrations, state charitable gift annuity registrations, registrations to do business filings and contract management.
  • Oversee corporate insurance programs and risk mitigation strategies, ensuring adequate coverage for operational, financial, and legal exposures.
  • Monitors investment accounts and relationships in accordance with the organizationu2019s investment policy statement.
  • Provides leadership and performance management of the Finance and Compliance teams.
  • Assists with the implementation of the organizationu2019s strategic plan.
  • No travel is required for this position.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.
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  QUALIFICATIONS
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  Education: Bacheloru2019s degree
  Experience: 15 years; 7 years supervisory; 5 years managing 2+ layers. CPA required.u00A0
  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
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  Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
  https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities
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  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Chief Financial Officer u00A0
  • Proven track record of financial management and strategic planning.
  • Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting principles and financial regulations.
  • Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong leadership and team management abilities.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
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  PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS u00A0
  Physical Activitiesu00A0 Check all that applyu00A0	Frequencyu00A0 (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantlyu00A0
  Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.	u00A0N
  Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.	u00A0N
  Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.	u00A0C
  Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.	u00A0O
  Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.	u00A0O
  Communicating with others to exchange information.	u00A0C
  Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.	u00A0C
  Operating machinery and/or power tools.	u00A0N
  Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.	u00A0N
  Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.	u00A0C
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  Environmental Conditionsu00A0 Check all that applyu00A0	Frequencyu00A0 (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantlyu00A0
  Low temperatures.	u00A0
  High temperatures.	u00A0
  Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.	u00A0
  Noisy environments.	u00A0
  Hazardous conditions.	u00A0
  Poor ventilation.	u00A0
  Small and/or enclosed spaces.	u00A0
  No adverse environmental conditions expected.	X
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  Physical Demandsu00A0 Check only one	u00A0u00A0
  Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.	u00A0X
  Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.	u00A0
  Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.	u00A0
  Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.	u00A0
  Visit www.defenders.org to apply.u00A0
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  All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.u00A0
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  Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to theiru00A0race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.u00A0
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  Please be advised that this position is non-union eligible.u00A0

• About the company

  Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. For more than six decades, Defenders of Wildlife has been a leading force in the protection of wildlife and wild lands. We employ innovative, science-based approaches to protect imperiled wildlife, advocate for wildlife friendly climate and renewable energy policies and conserve and restore native habitat. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come.

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