Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations; Treasurer; Corporate Secretary

The Organization

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit, grant making institution founded on the belief that the tools to build a better world will come from a better understanding of that world. Established in 1934 and located in New York City, the Foundation helps scientists conduct research and field experiments, helps artists tell compelling stories about science and scientists, and helps educators work to ensure that the institutions of scientific training are diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations reports directly to the President and serves as the Foundation's chief financial, operating, and compliance officer. The incumbent also serves as Treasurer and Corporate Secretary. The position provides leadership for the organization's underlying business and financial policies and strategies, and oversight for operations, systems, controls, and administrative practices and procedures including business continuity.

 

The Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations manages the Foundation's Director, Human Resources and Administration; Director, Grants Management and Information Services; Controller; and Executive Assistant positions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Finance and Compliance

Provides strategic financial input and leadership on decisions and issues facing the organization. Establishes reporting systems and controls to ensure compliance with Foundation policies and legal and regulatory requirements. Oversees accounting and finance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service and other regulatory and advisory organizations, and the goals and objectives of the Foundation. Provides analysis of operating budgets and financial reports, and informs the President about the business implications of the Foundation's activities on a regular and timely basis. Provides technical advice and knowledge to subordinates and others in contact with the finance function.

 

Oversees the activities of the Foundation's external financial and legal consultants and service providers. Ensures legal compliance across all Foundation functions.

 

 

Corporate Secretary

Oversees communications to Trustees, prepares and maintains Board minutes and corporate governance documents, schedules Board meetings, and supervises all Board events. Prepares and presents documents and materials for Board meetings. Assures compliance with bylaws.

 

Grants Administration

Oversees the grants administration function, and is responsible for ensuring that grantmaking complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Establishes policies and supervises elements of the grantmaking process including tax issues and financial review. Ensures that regulations related to foundations are understood and implemented by all staff.

 

Human Resources

Provides strategic human resources leadership and oversees the development and implementation of human resources policies, benefits, compensation, and programs. Oversees the ongoing activities of the Foundation's external compensation and benefits consultants and service providers. As Chief Compliance Officer, investigates and evaluates employee and external complaints in an objective and timely manner.

 

Facilities and IT Management

Has overall responsibility for facility management including lessor relations, lease negotiations, planning renovations and managing all contracts. Oversees the ongoing provision of telecommunications and data systems and office and equipment maintenance. Oversees activities and services in the areas of safety, security, travel and records management.

Education and Experience

The Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations position requires a bachelor's degree. In addition, an advanced degree is strongly preferred, although this may be substituted by relevant professional experience including extensive financial and administrative management experience in a foundation or academic setting and significant supervisory responsibility.

 

The Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations position requires a high level of intellectual, analytic, problem-solving, leadership, and management ability. The position requires sound judgment; discretion; integrity; and the capacity to analyze novel situations based on available information, formulate and evaluate possible courses of action, and respond in an appropriate and decisive manner.

 

The incumbent must possess deep interest in and broad knowledge of finance and accounting, economic conditions, and the legal, tax, and accounting structures, procedures and issues that apply to the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.

 

The position requires a seasoned individual who is self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to understand external developments and to help guide the strategic direction of the organization. The incumbent must demonstrate flexibility, be able to interact effectively with Board members as well as staff at all levels of the organization and be able to both lead and serve as a member of a team. The position requires superior organizational and quantitative skills as well as strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

 

The position requires knowledge of and proficiency in human resources management and in information technology, including an understanding of their application to the Foundation's grantmaking mission.

how to Apply

While the Sloan offices are currently closed due to the pandemic, staff will be required to return to in-person work in New York when it has been determined that it is safe for the offices to reopen.

 

The Foundation maintains an emphatic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its grant programs and among its staff. Those whose backgrounds and experiences would diversify the staff, including women and people from groups underrepresented in philanthropy, are particularly encouraged to apply.

 

This position will be open on July 1, 2021.

 

Interested candidates must submit a personalized cover letter and resume as a single pdf attached and email to HR@sloan.org with “LAST NAME – SVP Finance and Operations” in the subject line. To assure full consideration, applications should be received by no later than May 31st. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.