Senior Director, Finance

Nia Tero – a global organization that exists to support the self-determined needs of Indigenous Peoples who sustain thriving territories and cultures – is searching for a new Senior Director, Finance. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Senior Director, Finance will hold a pivotal role in ensuring the organization's fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.

Nia Tero provides funding, training, and access to networks for its partners, contributing to strengthening Indigenous Peoples' guardianship globally. In 2024, Nia Tero awarded 117 grants to individuals and organizations around the world, and more than $24 million in funding to protect more than 130 million hectares of lands and waters in 33 biocultural settings. The organization is entering the first year of a new five-year strategy and is seeking candidates who thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and seek to strengthen the impact of a mission-driven organization.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Senior Director, Finance will lead the financial management, budgeting, planning, and annual audit processes. As a member of senior leadership, the Senior Director, Finance will hold a pivotal role in ensuring the organization's fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.

In all areas of work, the role will be rooted in Indigenous Ways and Means (IWM) and model Nia Tero’s value of reciprocity which the organization views as the way of life that centers mutual exchange and sharing amongst all beings, past, present, and future, seen and unseen, and the Earth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management

• Collaborate with the Executive Team to set financial objectives and long-term financial planning.
• Prepare and present financial reports and forecasts to the Executive Team and senior leadership.
• Effectively communicate and present financial outlooks, statements, and budgets to the Board of Directors and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee all financial aspects of the organization, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to support decision-making. Manage cash flow, investments, and financial risk to safeguard the organization's financial health.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements, both nationally and internationally.
• Oversee annual audit process and 990 preparations in coordination with external CPAs.
• Collaborate with the Development team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to grantors and donors.
• Oversee financial aspects of grant applications, compliance, and reporting.
• Be accountable for the design of all financial board reports and analysis for relevant board committees.
• Supervise the development and implementation of Nia Tero’s investment portfolio.

Budgeting and Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with teams to align budgets with organizational and strategic priorities.
• Monitor budget and deliver financial reports, statements, and financial forecasts to the Executive Team and Leadership team, as needed.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to inform strategic decisions and organizational planning.
• Evaluate financial strategies and initiatives for their impact on Nia Tero's mission and sustainability.

People and Resource Management

• Lead and mentor a high-performing finance team focused on accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and creativity, focusing on optimizing the productivity and effectiveness of the team.
• Lead by example using a hands-on approach to management and an open-door policy.
• Direct, counsel, and coach team members, meeting regularly to discuss objectives, observations, progress, and results.
• Monitor work performance to ensure productivity and that the needs of the organization are met.
• Report and present financial updates to the Board of Directors.

In close consultation with senior leadership, this position has budget accountability in areas of key responsibilities. This role is expected to guide resource decisions and ensure efficient use of funding and staff time.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary for this position is USD$ 183,000- 203,000 annually, based on experience. Nia Tero’s compensation program is US-based, and pay ranges are representative of compensation in the US market. For positions outside of the US, pay rates are determined based on the applicable local regional market.

This is a full-time, permanent position, and qualifies for healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision), 401K, and paid time off (including vacation leave, sick leave, and personal days).

THE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate for this role will have the following:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor’s or associate degree in accounting or finance, or equivalent work experience*.
• Seven to 10 years’ experience in an accounting or finance-related position with increasing scope of responsibility. Strong written and verbal skills.
• Experience with nonprofit and GAAP accounting principles. Ability to model complex scenarios, create budgets, and analyze variances.
• Demonstrated ability to present complex financial information in clear, understandable terms, using visual models and other formats.
• CPA preferred.

A combination of education, training, and experience which has provided theoretical and practical knowledge will be evaluated for equivalency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong organizational, time management and project management skills, with the ability to manage diverse tasks in a dynamic, high-volume environment with a high level of proficiency and keen attention to detail.
• Possess strong analytical skills, with an ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and effectively and efficiently make decisions.
• Thrive in team settings, demonstrating patience and objectivity in challenging situations with diverse individuals and cultures.
• Have strong communication skills, including active listening, clear and confident articulation, and the ability to foster positive, timely, and appropriate communication amongst team members.
• Continue their own education by staying informed of industry trends, learning new skills, and sharing relevant information with others.
• Possess working knowledge of Sage Intacct or similar accounting software.
• Have advanced skills in Excel and other related reporting software. Be able to visualize and design charts, graphs, and other financial models.
• Have lived experience working directly with Indigenous Peoples and communities and demonstrated understanding about issues and challenges facing Indigenous Peoples and communities.
• Have demonstrated success working with nonprofit organizations, non-governmental or other mission driven entities, preferable within global, environmental, Indigenous rights sectors.
• Demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages (ideally).

WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL

This full-time position is ideally based in Seattle, WA, with the flexibility to work some evenings and weekend hours as needed. For the right candidate, the team is open to a teammate who works remotely from the West Coast of the United States. Occasional day and night domestic travel and some international travel is a potential (up to 10%).

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Be able to visually or otherwise identify, observe, and assess distance, color and depth.
• Be able to regularly communicate with others and exchange accurate information.
• Be able to operate a computer and other office productivity equipment and be able to remain stationary at a computer for extended periods of time and move around his/her assigned workspace.
• Be able to travel to developing countries or remote areas, which can be physically demanding. This includes travelling on small boats, hiking with a backpack, and staying in rustic accommodations.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Nia Tero is an Indigenous Peoples-serving global organization that strives to have an inclusive, equitable, and diverse work culture. The organization encourages people from historically excluded groups to apply.

To apply, please submit a Cover Letter and Resume, in PDF format, directly to Pathways Executive Search by 12:00 noon ET on Monday, June 30, 2025, outlining your interest, qualifications, and experience to applications@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com

For more details or questions, please contact:

Laurie Sterritt, Managing Partner

1. 838.4569

LaurieS@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com

Amelia Williams, Senior Consultant

1. 995.3148

AmeliaW@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com