River Network Chief Operating Officer

This job description has been amended from a previous version. If you have already applied for this position, we are reviewing your materials and there is no need to reapply. No phone calls please.

Summary:

River Network is the only national conservation organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon. We are working to addresses the biggest environment challenges of our time: ensuring clean, plentiful and accessible water; conserving biodiversity, both in the water and on the land; preventing water-related public health problems; mitigating and adapting to climate change; and reconnecting people to the natural world. River Network has a powerful network of over 700 affiliated river and watershed protection organizations in all 50 states and a larger network of over 5,000 grassroots groups which benefit from our programs.

The Chief Operating Officer will join River Network at a pivotal time in its evolution. After 20 years of service to the water conservation community, we’ve embarked on our most ambitious strategic planning process to date. It aims to engage and unite our expansive grassroots network in creating a plan for the river and watershed protection movement at large. The Chief Operating Officer will help shape the plan’s goals, lead development of an accompanying staffing and business plan to position the organization for growth, and work to integrate the many divisions of River Network to capture new synergies and efficiencies across the entire organization.

Candidates for the position of Chief Operating Officer must be highly strategic in their thinking with a focus on realizing hidden potential; experienced in developing financial systems and accounting practices that build financial sustainability and strength; creative in identifying and seizing opportunities for boosting the bottom line; knowledgeable of advances in information technology that can help the organization run more efficiently while reaching a broader audience; and possess superior people skills that lead to a positive and rewarding work environment.

The Chief Operating Officer directs River Network’s financial, human resource, information technology, internal communication, facility, office and general administrative areas. S/he supervises the accountant, office manager, technology manager and grants manager. This position is full-time and based in Portland, Oregon.

Reports to: President/ Chief Executive Officer

Status: 1.0 FTE

Responsibilities:

Financial planning and management

• Develop and implement business and financial plans that strengthen the organization’s bottom line and position the organization for growth.
• Help pursue opportunities for new contributed revenue, expand recurring and earned revenue streams, and identify areas for expense reduction.
• Direct development of the annual budget, cash flow forecast, and financial statements, and oversee monthly reporting.
• Oversee continuous improvement in grants management and accounting systems working closely with staff responsible for these functions.
• Interpret our financial situation to help board and staff make effective and insightful decisions about how to best allocate resources.
• Develop, review and maintain appropriate internal controls and financial policies and procedures to safeguard River Network assets.
• Manage financial reporting to a wide array of foundation, corporate and government funders.
• Act as the final review for payroll, accounts payable and financial statements.
• Oversee the annual audit process and maintain a thorough knowledge of GAAP as it applies to nonprofit organizations.

Human Resources

• Oversee staff recruitment, orientation and retention, annual performance evaluations, compensation and fringe benefits issues, and staff development.
• Develop the annual organization-wide workplan to ensure integration and synergies across all departments.
• Oversee development of systems and policies to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Maintain an operational knowledge of all federal, state and local payroll and employment laws, and human resource best practices.
• Review and approve contracts and legal agreements.
• Liaison on any legal matters referred to counsel.
• Participate in review and maintenance the Employee Handbook.
• Assist with staff meetings and annual staff retreat.

Technology

• Oversee technology staff, budget and activities.
• Advance strategies to optimize organizational hardware, software, network, website and database to best serve the River Network board, staff, Partners and larger constituency.
• Oversee work to develop and maintain a central database(s) that meets the needs of the entire organization and its constituency.
• Work with staff to develop and utilize new technologies that help the organization run more efficiently and effectively.

Board

• Act as corporate secretary.
• Attend all board meetings.
• Staff the board Finance and Administration Committee and Program Committee.
• Act as backup for President/CEO as needed.
• Supervise the Office Manager in board support activities.
• Assist with special projects and assignments for CEO.

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years’ experience in accounting and financial management, human resources, technology and general administration, with 5 years in a nonprofit setting.
• Thorough knowledge of nonprofit organizational principles and practices and governing laws.
• High level of integrity and responsibility; commitment to values of mutual respect, team work, diversity and support for the individual.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and management skills.
• Collaborative in nature.
• Commitment to environmental protection and grassroots action.
• MBA preferred.

Competitive salary, depending on experience, and full benefits. Open until filled.