Director of Operations and Finance

JOB OPPORTUNITY

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The mission of CuriOdyssey is to inspire love for science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future. Located in Coyote Point Park in San Mateo County, CuriOdyssey has undergone a major reinvention and full strategic planning process that has transformed the organization into a vital, kid-centric interactive science center and accredited California native animal wildlife zoo that provides up-close and personal experiences with the natural world. The organization is comprised of a strategic and engaged Board of Trustees, visionary executive leadership, and a talented, energetic and entrepreneurial staff.

For more information about CuriOdyssey, please visit http://www.curiodyssey.org/

POSITION OVERVIEW

CuriOdyssey is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations who is excited to inherit a robust and thriving organization which is recognized in the community as a leader in early science education.

The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative thinker, experienced in managing similar nonprofit entities such as museums, educational organizations, and science organizations. Prior experience as Director of Operations and Finance or Chief Operating Officer is essential.

CuriOdyssey is at an exciting juncture in its 67-year lifespan as it successfully completes a major capital campaign to replace its current 35-year old facility with a new campus concept. Construction is underway with a fully accessible ADA playground, scheduled for completion in Summer, 2021. CuriOdyssey will break ground this fiscal year on a second construction project as part of the campus. The Director of Finance & Operations will serve in a pivotal role, being the CuriOdyssey operational point person for the project. CuriOdyssey’s campus is being created and managed by highly respected partners Sares Regis, WRNS Studios, Butler Associates, and Whiting-Turner.

Safety at CuriOdyssey is of utmost importance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the duties for this position are fulfilled via a hybrid of remote and onsite work.

CANDIDATE QUALITIES

This role requires strategic leadership, effective management, and hands-on work to manage all the internal functions (fiscal and operational) of the organization. Oversee the operations and fiscal aspects of our existing campus and prepare us through the development and operations of our co-located new campus.

The Director manages a team that heads up the following departments: Wildlife, Finance, Volunteers, Exhibits, and Marketing/Guest Services. Education and Development will continue to report into the Executive Director. The Director is accountable for all operational & program activities, assuring appropriate expenditures, promoting efficient and responsible use of financial support received from individuals, corporations and foundations, and will report regularly to Executive Director on use of funds. Additionally, the Director is responsible for compliance with the IRS, EDD and DOJ.

The Director will conceptualize, develop, and execute programs that continuously improve our operations and financial systems as we prepare for significant growth with our new campus development. In this process, the Director is expected to be responsive, transparent, and creative. The Director must embody a collaborative leadership model, getting input from broad and diverse stakeholders and constituents—discovering interests and capabilities of staff, opportunities and challenges faced by departments.

The Director is expected to contribute to CuriOdyssey’s strategic planning, typically involving considerable ambiguity, complexity and scope. The Director may be assigned additional tasks.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall Organization Management & Leadership

·      The position manages organizational, administrative and operational functions.

·      Support CuriOdyssey’s efforts to create a workplace that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensure that DEI is a top-of-mind priority.

·      Participate as a member of the senior management team

·      Participates in long term strategic planning

·      The Director of Finance & Operations works with individual department heads to monitor their work, not only ensuring each function stays on track to meet its goals, but also making sure each department understands its role in relation to the other departments and our mission.

·      Work effectively internally with diverse constituencies within the organization, and externally with board members, advisory committee members, staff and volunteers.

·      The Director of Operations and Finance works closely with community and professional organizations, governmental and regulatory agencies, private vendors, benefits brokers, CuriOdyssey staff, the Board of Trustees, and affiliated Board Committees on the planning, implementation and/or evaluation of the organization’s strategic initiatives.

Reporting relationships

·      The Director of Finance & Operations reports to the Executive Director

·      Manage and develop seven (7) staff positions leading these departments: Finance, wildlife, marketing/communications, exhibits, volunteers, HR, and facilities. Note: Education & Development departments will report into the Executive Director.

• Safety Officer: Also functions as Chief Safety Officer: manages and schedules all Safety aspects of the organization including compliance, training, fire code, burglar/fire alarms, pump test, AED, and emergency evacuations. Directs personnel in charge of maintaining safety protocols and staff training.

Operations

·      Directs personnel in charge of overall facility maintenance of the museum and wildlife habitats.

·      Manages some construction projects in regards to the facility maintenance and/or upgrades.

·      Act as In-House Project Manager on the New Campus development project.

HR Responsibilities

·      Responsible for all human resource development, implementation and administration of policies and programs, preparation and processing of payroll documents.

·      Manage the employee 403 (b) plan and all other benefits.

Finance responsibilities

·      Liaison between Board Finance Committee and administration.

·      Responsible for the management of the accounting team, for all financial activity including the accuracy, integrity and security of all financial documents.

·      Manage accounting and operations team.

·      Oversee daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports ranging from overall daily receipts to development, budget, and income reports.

·      Oversight for the general ledger, A/R, A/R, cash and other accounts reconciliation, o year/month end closing including all journal entries, internal financial statements, the annual audit, and organizational financial analysis.

·      Ensure compliance with IRS, EDD and DOJ.

·      Advise the Executive Director on financial matters involving the budget, projections, accounting procedures and the endowment.

·      Oversee restricted contributions and grant funding and expenditures and ensure expenditures are according to donor stipulation.

·      Review and update financial procedures and systems yearly or as needed.

·      Manages the relationship with banks and other financial institutions.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

·      7-10 years of managerial experience operating a facility (museum, zoo, or school preferred)

·      Five years of experience working with computerized accounting packages, and solid understanding of systems and controls.

·      Five years of experience as a controller or Finance Director

·      Nonprofit accounting background preferred

·      Excellent communications skills, both oral and written, supported by ability to use technological tools.

·      Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team and with great energy and persistence. Experience working with diverse constituencies.

·      Proven organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and produce high quality results quickly and on time.

·      Critical thinking, problem solving, accuracy and attention to detail.

·      Access to own transportation, mileage is reimbursable.

·      Available for occasional work events on weekends and evenings.

·      Strong facility with Microsoft Office.

·      Familiarity with a science-based organization is a plus

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

·      Full-time, exempt

·      Salary: Competitive salary depending on experience

·      Benefits include: individual medical, dental, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, CuriOdyssey membership

·      Expected start date: March 2021

TO APPLY:

·      Apply online at Indeed.com here

·      This is a full-time position with generous benefits. Candidates are subject to background checks.

·      CuriOdyssey seeks to build a diverse work team and encourages applications from candidates who will add to that diversity. CuriOdyssey is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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