About the Role

Cascadia Conservation District is seeking a highly motivated, creative and skilled individual to join the District as our Finance and Operations Director. This full-time position is a key member of the District’s leadership team and responsible for providing the District’s fiscal and operations leadership. The successful applicant will perform a variety of complex professional, managerial, and technical financial and accounting functions. Additionally, they will be responsible for oversight of general operations such as human resources, information services, asset management, and internal administrative processes. The Finance and Operations Program coordinates with all staff, outside agencies, and other partners on these tasks and provides support to the Executive Director and the Board of Supervisors.

Cascadia’s programs have been steadily growing over the last two decades with increasing complexity and scope. Cascadia currently has over 40 grants with local, state and federal funding. The Finance and Operations Director is responsible for overseeing the accurate, accountable and transparent administration of the District’s finances.

Cascadia CD is located in Chelan County, Washington with physical office space located in the city of Wenatchee. This position is funded through grants from local, state and federal grant programs and relies on successful future grant applications to continue its funding. This position reports directly to Cascadia CD’s Executive Director and is eligible for partial remote work opportunities.

Typical Work

The Finance and Operations Program Director will work regularly with Conservation District staff, granting agency administrative staff and other partners to implement the financial and operational requirements of Cascadia CD.

On a daily basis a person in this position would process payments, payroll and benefits, and purchases. They would review expenditures and income, track cash flow and bank balances, and respond to staff requests for information on financial requirements. They would create and implement improved processes for administrative and operational functions, participate in leadership meetings, and develop and monitor budgets.

This position will require creativity, dedication to open government accountability and passion for working in public service.

For a full list of duties for this position, please see the job description posted at: Careers – Cascadia Conservation District (cascadiacd.org)

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s Degree with academic training in administration, accounting, finance or other relevant field.
• 5+ years of experience in a progressively responsible finance environment.
• Experience managing financial and operational activities in an organization.

Desired Qualifications

A well-qualified candidate will have some or all of the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with cash basis accounting within local governments and knowledge of modern government accounting principals and practices; internal control procedures and management information systems; office automation and computerized financial applications; public finance and fiscal planning; payroll and accounts payable functions; budgetary, accounting, and reporting systems; GAAFR, GAAP, and GASB.
• Experience with WA BARS accounting system.
• Achieved or on the path to achieving a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate or other certifications pertinent to government accounting.
• Demonstrated team coordination experience with an ability to support, direct, and motivate individuals, teams, and partners on project coordination and execution.
• Strong skills in multi-tasking and the ability to meet multiple deadlines with an exceptional standard of quality control.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication techniques, including strong meeting facilitation skills, the ability to write clearly and explain various plans, and create internal and external summary work reports.
• Advanced desktop computer literacy and computer software skills, with the ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Smartsheet, SharePoint, and QuickBase; and learn new technologies to efficiently and effectively create, track, execute, and provide oversight for finance and operations.
• Experience with the accounting software Springbrook Express.

Position responsibilities and pay scale will be based on the number of desired attributes the candidate meets. Those meeting 25% or more of the desired attributes are encouraged to apply.

Desired Attributes

Cascadia is seeking an applicant with the following attributes:

• Pragmatic
• Open-Minded
• Skilled at negotiation and compromise
• Able to adjust to changing circumstances and innovate when conventional methods fall short
• Comfortable with dynamic situations and knowledgeable enough to apply it in creative ways
• Deeply curious and care about how all people connect with the landscapes around them.
• Works well with diverse teams with differing backgrounds and approaches
• Dedicated to serving the public in an open, ethical and efficient way

Service Area

The quality of life in Chelan County is unsurpassed, evident by a steadily increasing population and a strong, diverse economy. The area’s natural beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities are two of the many reasons people come to Chelan County. It’s a place characterized by sparkling clear rivers, clean air, flowered hillsides, expansive views, spectacular mountains, brilliant skies, and productive orchards and farms.

From the ridge tops to the valley bottoms, Chelan County is a spectacular place to live, work and play.

About Us

Cascadia Conservation District’s mission is to encourage wise stewardship and conservation of all natural resources for current and future residents in Chelan County by:

• Being an active advocate for wise land use and water management decisions. Promoting a reasonable approach to environmental problems.
• Providing locally-led, voluntary, non-regulatory solutions to local environmental problems.
• Educating both adults and youth about natural resources stewardship.
• Monitoring and responding to future trends that affect the environment.

Cascadia CD consists of a team of dedicated staff focused on providing technical assistance, cost share and building programs that serve our community and the natural resources in Chelan County. We value building relationships with our constituents and each other. We value different opinions and perspectives and value creative, dedicated, pragmatic and open-minded staff.

Cascadia is a non-regulatory political sub-division of Washington State formed in 1948 to bridge the gap between local landowners and state and federal government. We work collaboratively with residents, land managers and landowners to conserve natural resources within Chelan County through technical and financial assistance for best management practices. Our work benefits the health and well-being of residents and visitors in our community. Cascadia is governed by a 5-member volunteer Board of Supervisors who provide the policy direction for our work.