Lead, Finance and Feasiblity

POSITION: Lead, Finance and Feasibility, Washington Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO)

TYPE: The annual compensation for this part-time, non-exempt position for 16 hours/ week with a potential to increase for WACEO projects is $40/hour.

LOCATION: Remote with preference for candidates located within Washington State.

REPORTS TO: Director, Washington Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO)

The Washington Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO) is part of a growing network of organizations across the country serving as statewide hubs for employee ownership (EO) resources and support, promoting EO as a valuable succession planning tool and helping business owners take advantage of the power of EO to keep their business operational while benefitting their workforce and the communities in which they operate.

Position Overview

We are seeking a finance and transaction-oriented professional to lead WACEO’s employee ownership feasibility and financial advisory work. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in business finance, accounting, valuation, or M&A - and is equally adept at communicating complex financial concepts clearly and persuasively to small business owners and partners.

This position will lead the assessment of financial feasibility for businesses exploring transitions to employee ownership, provide guidance to owners and their advisors on suitable EO structures, and collaborate with service providers to advance viable transactions. The role also serves as a shared resource across state employee ownership centers nationally, supporting cross-state feasibility and finance efforts as part of a coordinated network.

Organizational Context

WACEO is in startup mode, having launched in 2024. This role requires someone who understands this early stage of organizational development and is eager to help shape the organization and contribute to its success by “wearing many hats” to support the mission.

Travel:

Potential for occasional travel for internal and/ or client meetings

Responsibilities:

• Feasibility & Financial Assessment
  • Lead feasibility analyses for businesses exploring employee ownership, including ESOP, EOT, and worker cooperative models
  • Develop or review financial models, valuations, and cash flow analyses to assess viability of EO transactions
  • Translate complex financial outcomes into accessible insights for business owners and partners
  • Prepare feasibility reports and summaries that inform next-step decision-making and technical assistance
  • Support design and administration of feasibility grant programs statewide
• Business Owner Guidance & Education
  • Conduct consultations with business owners to assess goals, readiness, and alignment with EO structures
  • Guide owners through key financial, tax, and capital considerations associated with EO transitions
  • Maintain ongoing relationships with owners to provide trusted support throughout their exploration journey
  • Present educational sessions and develop resources to help owners and advisors understand EO finance fundamentals
• Partner & Ecosystem Engagement
  • Build and maintain relationships with financial, legal, and advisory partners engaged in EO transactions
  • Collaborate with other state centers and national partners to share expertise, align tools, and advance field standards
  • Represent WACEO in meetings with service providers, funders, and government agencies where financial expertise is relevant
  • Support professional advisor outreach and education initiatives, helping to expand the network of EO-ready practitioners
• Internal Development
  • Contribute to organizational systems for tracking feasibility data, outcomes, and pipelines
  • Assist the Director in developing financial and strategic insights for grants, partnerships, and field-building efforts
  • Collaborate on materials such as presentations, policy briefs, and case studies that communicate WACEO’s financial impact and results.

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

• 5–7 years of experience in finance, accounting, valuation, M&A advisory, corporate law, or related field
• Strong proficiency in financial modeling, business valuation, and capital structure analysis
• Understanding of or desire to learn Washington State tax and governing law as it pertains to employee ownership conversions and structures
• Exceptional ability to communicate financial concepts to non-financial audiences
• Demonstrated skill in relationship management and client consultation
• CPA, CFA, ASA, or similar professional designation preferred
• Experience or familiarity with employee ownership (ESOPs, EOTs, worker cooperatives)
• High comfort with small-business dynamics, entrepreneurship, or economic development.
• Demonstrated interest in mission-driven work and community wealth building

Personal Characteristics:

• Friendly, collaborative, and approachable
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while communicating consistently with team members
• Comfortable with startup environments; adaptable, innovative, and resilient through growth and change
• Ethical and accountable, maintaining high standards of professional integrity
• Strong analytical thinker with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset
• Excellent communicator able to earn trust with diverse stakeholders
• Detail-oriented while maintaining perspective on larger strategic goals
• Mission-driven and aligned with WACEO’s commitment to social and economic equity
• Commitment to continuous learning and personal mastery of new skills/ knowledge

Benefits:

• Sick leave accrued at the state-mandated rate
• Remote work (tech) stipend, if applicable
• Monthly phone stipend

Physical Demands/ Work Environment - The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions. While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee is frequently expected to move throughout the Foundation offices, move tables and chairs to set up for meetings, and use/operate office-related equipment. Currently, our team members are working a hybrid schedule, with a set schedule and various in-person meetings at the Community Foundation office in Bellingham.

Equal Opportunity Employer - The Washington Center for Employee Ownership, a program of the Whatcom Community Foundation, is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the Community Foundation ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.

Sick leave accrued at the state-mandated rate

Remote work (tech) stipend, if applicable

Monthly phone stipend