Role Title: Director
Department: Finance
Reports to (Title): VP of Finance and Administration
Employment Classification: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Band: MIN $142,000 | MID $177,000 | MAX $212,000 (Candidate offers will start
between the minimum and midpoint of the range)
Grade: 3

About Borealis Philanthropy

Borealis Philanthropy is a powerhouse philanthropic intermediary dedicated to advancing justice—which, at its core, means building a truly inclusive, multiracial democracy. We partner with donors to funnel resources to grassroots movements led by historically under-resourced communities. Through responsive funding models, we support intersectional justice, narrative power, community safety and well-being, economic equity, and the infrastructure required to sustain them.

Role Overview

The Director of Finance provides strategic financial leadership and oversees the organization’s financial systems, fiscal management, and alignment of financial policy with organizational values. This role ensures compliance with GAAP and 501(c)(3) requirements, maintains financial stability and liquidity, and manages both cash flow and investment portfolios. Working with the Vice President of Finance & Administration, the Director of Finance solves complex problems, manages resources, and removes barriers to enable staff and departments to achieve organizational goals. They lead, supervise, and coach a small team of four additional staff to ensure accurate, timely, and values-aligned financial operations.

Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Strategy

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Finance:

• Serves as a visible and active member of the organization’s leadership team, contributing to cross-disciplinary planning, collaboration, and strategy.

• Advises leadership on financial matters and prepares talking points, presentations, and analyses to support business planning and financial performance, and attends all Management Team meetings and retreats.

• Communicates financial information in accessible, equity-centered ways that acknowledge differences in privilege, experience, and power.

• Represents Borealis Philanthropy with funders, partners, and key stakeholders as needed.

• Supports, along with the Vice President of Finance & Administration, the Board’s Finance & Investment Committee.

Financial Management

The Director of Finance provides stewardship of Borealis’s financial resources by:

• Managing day-to-day cash flow and overseeing the organization’s investment portfolio, including monitoring performance, risk, and alignment with organizational values.

• Providing oversight and strategic direction for all accounting and financial management systems, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

• Leading the development of the annual organizational budget and multi-year financial projections.

• Preparing and presenting quarterly financial reports and analysis to the Leadership Team; supporting the VP of Finance and Administration with Board and Finance Committee reporting.

• Ensuring compliance with GAAP, IRS regulations, and 501(c)(3) requirements in partnership with legal counsel.

• Overseeing purchasing, contracting, and vendor management processes to ensure consistency, transparency, and alignment with policy.

Financial Administration

The Director of Finance ensures strong financial operations by:

• Overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and monthly close procedures to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

• Maintaining and improving internal controls, approval workflows, and documentation standards to safeguard organizational assets.

• Managing financial audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting, including coordination with external auditors and consultants.

• Ensuring accurate fund accounting, grant tracking, and revenue recognition in alignment with donor intent and program needs.

• Overseeing financial data integrity across systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, Bill.com, Salesforce) and ensuring consistent coding, reconciliation, and reporting practices.

• Developing and maintaining financial policies, procedures, and manuals that support clarity, compliance, and operational efficiency.

• Partnering with HR and Operations on compensation, benefits, and financial components of organizational policies.

Department Vision, Leadership, and Oversight

The Director of Finance provides strategic oversight of people, policies, and systems:

• Develops and regularly reviews financial policies, procedures, and systems to ensure they meet organizational needs.

• Synthesizes complex financial, policy, and operational data to inform decision-making and integrated communications.

• Develops and manages the Finance Department’s annual work plan and budget.

• Supervises, coaches, and assesses Finance staff, in partnership with the Controller, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and values-aligned team culture.

Organizational Commitment

As a member of the Borealis staff, the Director of Finance:

• Submits and approves expense reports and timecards by stated deadlines.

• Attends all staff meetings, required trainings, and events.

• Participates in organizational development and change processes, including committees and special projects.

• Models Borealis’s culture and values in all practices and communications.

• Leads special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field required; MBA preferred.

• Must have experience managing investment portfolios, including performance monitoring and risk assessment.

• Ten (10) years of relevant accounting and financial management experience, preferably in nonprofit and/or philanthropic settings.

• Five (5) years of supervisory experience.

• Experience with cloud-based accounting systems; Sage Intacct and Bill.com strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.

• Experience with tools such as Salesforce, Zoom, Google Suite, Slack, and Asana.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, balance strategic and tactical responsibilities, and thrive in a fast-paced, inclusive environment.

Competencies

• Commitment to Borealis’s vision and values.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate financial information for diverse audiences.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to navigate conflict with tact and clarity.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

• Superior attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Ability to build trust and collaborate across a diverse, virtual work environment.

• Strong risk assessment and mitigation skills.

• Excellent project management skills, from visioning to execution.

• Ability to manage change, work under pressure, and balance multiple priorities.

Advancement Statement

Borealis Philanthropy is committed to supporting staff growth, development, and long-term success. While advancement opportunities vary by team and organizational needs, employees can expect to grow through increased responsibilities, skill-building, and leadership opportunities over time. Progression is based on demonstrated competencies, strong performance, and alignment with our values and strategic direction. As the organization evolves, new roles and pathways may emerge, and staff are encouraged to pursue development opportunities that prepare them for future advancement.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is between 142,000 and 177,000 annually. Borealis offers a robust benefits package and generous time off, in addition to remote work.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional, virtual environment with optional local or national travel. No in-person attendance is required. Accommodations will be made as needed to support health, safety, and accessibility. The role requires regular use of standard office equipment and extended periods of computer work.

Commitment to Disability, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Borealis is committed to full inclusion and equal opportunity. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected category. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ individuals, women, trans and gender-nonconforming people, people with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated people.