Build Brighter Futures in DC!
Job Description
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is seeking a strategic, mission-aligned, and growth-focused Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as a key thought partner to the President and CEO and to be an integral member of the Executive Leadership Team. This role is responsible not only for sound financial management and operational excellence but also for driving strategic innovation, financial sustainability, and long-term growth in service to the Y’s mission and community impact.
Qualifications
- Experienced Financial Leader: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred. At least 10 years of progressive financial leadership, including 5+ years in a senior role within a complex organization (preferably with a $50M+ budget).
- Nonprofit Finance Professional: Demonstrated experience in nonprofit financial management; prior experience with YMCA operations or multi-site environments is highly desirable.
- Operational and Technical Expert: Proven ability in cash flow management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Deep knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and internal controls. Experience managing operating reserves and driving efficiency in overhead and resource allocation.
- Strategic and Analytical Thinker: Adept at aligning financial strategy with organizational goals. Skilled at navigating complexity, solving problems, and supporting decision-making with data-driven insights.
- Collaborative Partner: Builds strong relationships across departments and locations, particularly with branch leadership, to support operational performance and strategic alignment.
- Clear and Engaging Communicator: Able to distill complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences, including board members and frontline staff.
- Technology-Oriented: Proficient in modern financial systems and reporting tools. Open to innovation and leveraging technology to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Team-Oriented and Mission-Driven: Leads with integrity and a deep commitment to the YMCA’s mission, values, and community impact.
Essential Functions
Strategic Financial Leadership and Innovation
- Serve as a primary strategic partner to the CEO, providing forward-looking financial analysis and insights that inform the YMCA’s direction and key strategic initiatives.
- Champion financial strategy in alignment with organizational priorities, including capital planning, program expansion, and long-term sustainability.
- Set and monitor financial benchmarks aligned with strategic goals; ensure these benchmarks support both stability and innovation across the association.
- Lead efforts to identify and implement financial models and systems that support mission growth, community impact, and organizational agility.
- Ensure the organization maintains an appropriate level of operating reserves, manages debt service effectively, and supports a healthy financial position.
Financial Oversight and Operational Excellence
- Oversee all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and compliance.
- Ensure timely, transparent financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, funders, and strategic partners.
- Modernize financial systems and processes to improve accuracy, accountability, and decision-making across all branches and departments.
- Establish and uphold strong internal controls and fiscal discipline to ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
- Provide financial insight and support to branch leadership, enabling data-driven decision-making across the association.
- Collaborate with the Development and Operations teams to ensure the financial strategy supports growth, fundraising, and programmatic impact.
Investment and Risk Management
- Provide leadership in investment portfolio management, ensuring alignment with the Y’s mission, values, and long-term financial objectives.
- Identify, assess, and manage financial risks while supporting a culture of responsible innovation and enterprise-wide accountability.
- Maintain healthy reserves and debt management strategies that safeguard operational resilience and long-term viability.
- Oversee and evaluate corporate insurance policies, ensuring comprehensive coverage that supports risk management practices and aligns with the Y’s mission, operational needs, and long-term sustainability.
Governance and Stewardship
- Lead comprehensive and insightful financial reporting to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee; translate complex financial information into actionable insights.
- Build strong relationships with external partners, including auditors, banks, investment advisors, and regulatory bodies.
- Ensure full regulatory and audit compliance, maintaining high standards of ethical financial management.
Leadership and Team Development
- Develop and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of service, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
- Promote a collaborative team culture that prioritizes responsiveness, transparency, and partnership with other departments, particularly with branch operations, ensuring the finance team is viewed as a trusted and accessible resource.
- Provide mentoring and professional development to staff, ensuring strong internal capabilities to support future growth.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
- Mission Advancement: Incorporates the Y's mission and values into the organization's vision and strategies.
- Collaboration: Initiates the development of relationships with influential leaders to impact and strengthen the community.
- Operational Effectiveness: Possesses penetrating insight and strong strategic and critical thinking skills.
- Personal Growth: Creates a learning organization. Effectively drives change by leveraging resources and creating alignment to expand organizational opportunities.
Required Certifications
Organizational leader, or multi-team or branch leader certification.
Benefits
The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee:
- Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in your community every day.
- Supportive Environment: Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven workplace.
- Competitive Compensation: Salary range of $220,000 to $250,000 reflective of your skill and experience.
- Relocation Support: Comprehensive relocation assistance to help ease your transition.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive plans to ensure you and your family can receive the care you need.
- Wellness Programs: Y membership for you and your family to support your physical and mental health.
- Retirement Plans to Secure your Financial Future: The Y will contribute 10% of your salary into the Y’s retirement savings plan. You also have the option to make additional contributions to the Y’s 403(b) and ROTH plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Opportunities for flexible scheduling.
- Training and Development: Access to professional development programs, workshops, and certifications.
- Welcoming Environment: A commitment to ensuring all employees feel valued.
