Operations and Finance Director

ABOUT US

Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance global change science and solutions. AGCI seeks to improve understanding of human and Earth systems, catalyze solutions at speed and scale, and nurture integrated communities across research and practice. We convene events, conduct research, provide advice to decision-makers, and develop innovative initiatives, including re-granting and fiscal sponsorships, for implementation through a wide network of partners. Running through AGCI’s DNA is a strong institutional commitment to excellence in science that is actionable and accessible. For more information visit agci.org.

AGCI was founded in 1989 and is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) organization that supports staff and partners working to implement a mission that is international in scope yet grounded in local contexts and problem domains. As an "Institute Without Walls," AGCI staff and consultants are based in a variety of locations across the United States.

AGCI is entering a new organizational chapter as it seeks to extend its impact during a critical period for the planet and people. The organization is seeking to deepen and expand longstanding program areas in interdisciplinary workshops and engaged research, while also building out newer capacities to provide direct assistance through re-granting and staffing. Notably, AGCI recently established the Crux Alliance as a disregarded entity, adding six new positions (increasing total staff by about 50%). With this growth comes new opportunities for operational innovation which our Operations & Finance Director will help lead.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Overview:

Full-time

Location: The position can be remote anywhere within the continental United States.

Travel Requirements: Will vary, but expect four trips per year, at a minimum.

Position Title: Operations & Finance Director (OFD):

AGCI is seeking a highly experienced and collaborative professional to lead its operations and financial functions during a period of transformation and growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit operations and financial management, particularly within organizations that receive both public and private funding.

The Operations & Finance Director (OFD) will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all financial and operational activities at AGCI. The OFD will bring exceptional project management and team leadership skills, with the ability to implement systems and strategies while fostering a highly collaborative work environment.

Reporting to the AGCI Executive Director, the OFD will manage the operations and finance staff (growing to four employees), as well as additional finance, HR, and IT vendors/consultants (currently three firms). This role will involve close collaboration with all AGCI teams and the Board of Directors to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Senior Leadership: Serve as a member of AGCI's senior leadership team (Director Team) to ensure smooth operation and collaboration across program teams.
• Liaison with Crux Alliance: Serve as the point of contact with Crux Alliance LLC, a disregarded entity of AGCI, and its Board of Managers.
• Board Coordination & Governance: Support Board coordination, governance activities, and prepare for meetings as needed.

Finance

• Financial Operations: In close collaboration with the AGCI Controller, oversee the day-to-day financial operations and drive continuous improvement in budgeting, finance, accounting, and related functions, ensuring the implementation of effective internal controls and risk mitigation strategies.
• Budget & Financial Planning: Lead the annual budget preparation process and provide scenario-based forecasting updates.
• Financial Reporting: Report financial information to AGCI's Board of Directors and senior management.
• Financial Sustainability: Collaborate with the Executive Director and program team leads to develop and maintain financial sustainability plans for AGCI and its programs.
• Endowment & Investments: Manage AGCI's endowment and reserve investments, working with the investment advisor to ensure strong performance.
• Financial Health Review: Regularly assess the financial health and return on investment for each program and operational area.
• Time & Effort Management: Proactively oversee time and effort budgeting and recordkeeping.

Grants Management

• Grants Management Process: Improve and streamline the grants management process, particularly for workshops.
• Funder Compliance: Develop, improve, and ensure compliance with all funder requirements.

IT

• IT Functions: Seamlessly oversee IT functions, ensuring operational efficiency with the support of third-party vendors/consultants.
• Data & Knowledge Management: Ensure proper organization, security, and storage of institutional data and knowledge, fostering efficient access and sharing across the organization.
• Cybersecurity: Oversee and implement cybersecurity measures to safeguard AGCI’s digital infrastructure and ensure compliance with industry standards for data protection.

HR

• HR Functions: In close collaboration with AGCI’s HR Lead, ensure continuity in HR functions, including managing personnel policies, procedures, and staffing needs.
• Labor Law Compliance: Ensure compliance with all state and federal labor policies in coordination with the HR Consultant/Lead and PEO vendor, TriNet.

Legal

• Legal Functions: Manage all legal functions, including compliance with applicable regulations and policies, with the support of internal staff and outside counsel.
• Policy & Compliance: Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and systems to improve efficiency. Ensure AGCI’s policies (e.g., procurement, travel, financial procedures, whistleblower, conflict of interest, fraud prevention, compensation, etc.) are maintained and compliant.
• Risk Management & Insurance: Oversee AGCI’s risk management and insurance needs, ensuring adequate protection against potential risks and liabilities.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in operations, with a strong financial knowledge base and operations management skills, including 3-5 years in a nonprofit setting
• Strong strategic leadership and team management abilities​. Demonstrated experience ​successfully directing complex operations across teams, including the coordination of clear work flows, team member responsibilities, and procedural training and accountability.
• A cooperative approach to teamwork, fostering strong working relationships across different expertise and experiences.
• Experience working and leading in a virtual work environment
• Proven experience in budget development, overseeing financial systems, and managing tax filings
• Experience with CRM software, preferably Salesforce, and financial software such as QuickBooks or similar
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial staff and Board members
• High level of integrity, ethics, and commitment to the organization’s mission and values
• Ability to thrive in a small, supportive team that values curiosity, attention to detail, flexibility, growth, humor, open communication, self-motivation, and the power of integrating different ways of knowing

Work Schedule & Compensation:

Start date is flexible but could begin as early as April 2025. AGCI operates a physical​, primary office in Basalt, Colorado, with staff working from other states as part of its “Institute Without Walls” approach. Remote work within the United States is permitted in this role.

Compensation: Anticipated salary range is $160,000-180,000. AGCI offers a generous benefits package, including organization-paid employee and dependent medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability, 401(k) with up to 10% employer contributions, PTO, paid parental leave, flexible scheduling, wellness benefits, and professional development opportunities.

TO APPLY

Please click on the blue button at the bottom of this page to submit your application via our Indeed ad. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a cover letter with their resume. For questions, you may contact hr@agci.org and include "Operations & Finance Director (OFD)" in the email subject line.

Applications received before March 31, 2025, may receive priority consideration. Additional applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter until a candidate is appointed.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Aspen Global Change Institute is committed to providing an equal employment opportunity for all applicants and to ensuring a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We welcome people of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences to apply.

If you feel you do not meet all the listed qualifications but are capable of accomplishing the aims of this position, we encourage your application. You will have the opportunity to share additional details about your work experience that are not reflected in a traditional resume. Our employment decisions are based on our organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, family or parental status, disability, age, national origin, or any other protected status.