ABOUT RAN

For more than 30 years, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned to preserve forests, protect the climate and uphold human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through research, education, partnerships, non-violent direct action, grassroots organizing, strategic campaigns and communications. We are committed to working with Indigenous communities and frontline communities directly impacted by profit-driven systems of injustice. In partnership with allies from around the world, RAN challenges corporations to stop destructive operations, respect human rights, and adopt comprehensive policies that reduce their contributions to climate change. RAN is committed to doing what is necessary, not only what is considered politically feasible.

RACIAL JUSTICE, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

RAN strives to integrate values of equity and fairness into our work, which includes bringing an intentional racial justice and cultural equity analysis to our programmatic work and organizational structure. We strive to create an internal culture built on mutual trust, collaboration, and respect where all staff feel supported, valued, and heard.

RAN values diversity in race, class, gender, culture, and religion, and implements programs internally to ensure that staff, board, and activists understand and adopt anti-oppression principles. For more information about RAN’s history, culture, and philosophy, please visit RAN’s website.

THE POSITION

The Chief Financial Officer will serve as the primary financial expert and advisor for RAN, which has a current budget of $12M with ~70 distributed staff. The CFO is part of the RAN Leadership and Executive teams, reports to the Executive Director, and manages the 6 person Admin team. In collaboration with the Executive and Leadership teams, the CFO will oversee all financial and operations matters for the organization, and in collaboration with Human Resources, will have high level oversight and thought partnership with HR.

To be successful in this role, candidates should have extensive finance experience that includes leading this function in a nonprofit setting. Additionally, ideal candidates will have experience overseeing HR and operations, and a demonstrated ability to provide strategic guidance on these areas in a distributed organization. RAN is committed to Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in our work and within our organization. This position will play a key role in ensuring those values are echoed in our finance, operations, and human resources matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management and Oversight

  • Advise ED, Deputy ED and department heads on financial planning, budget-related decision-making, cash flow, release of restricted assets and other financial policy matters.
  • Oversee all organization financial policies, procedures and accounting practices.
  • Establish and maintain a collaborative, service-oriented team to deliver efficient, professional, and accurate financial support and reporting.
    • Assign work and establish standards and priorities
    • Create, review and analyze financial reports
    • Ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and timely reporting on financial matters
    • Present timely financial data to Leadership and the Board
  • Supervise 2 full-time accounting and finance staff.
  • Support organizational budgeting process lead by the ED.
  • Serve as a finance liaison to board (audit and finance committees) effectively communicating and presenting financial information.
  • Facilitate yearly external audited financials with Sr. Staff Accountant and external accounting firm.
  • Create and upkeep organizational finance and accounting policies and internal controls by staying abreast of the latest developments in nonprofit accounting, audit and budgeting practices and policies.
  • Ensure effective integration and effectiveness of all financial systems, currently Financial Edge, Questica Budgeting, Expensify, etc.

Human Resources

  • Supervise and partner with the Sr. People and Culture Manager to maintain a collaborative, service-oriented team to deliver efficient, professional, and compassionate HR results.
  • Be available to consult on employee relations, stepping in on highly sensitive, complex, or confidential issues including conducting investigations, EEOC claims, and grievances, as needed.
  • Oversee that staff trainings are conducted to support inclusive and equitable HR practices, staff development, and management training plan for new and existing RAN managers.
  • Due to the anticipated growth of the organization, this area is expected to be moved under a Chief of Staff-type role within the next few years.

Business Technology and Operations

  • Ensure high-level oversight on RAN operations, office management and remote staff set up.
  • Supervise and partner with the Technology and Office Manager to update and keep the technology related policies current. This includes working with external tech security consultants and RAN’s technology provider (24Hourtek).
  • Provide high level assistance, as needed, for RAN’s physical office relationships, including the main office space in SF as well as any co-working spaces utilized by staff.
  • Due to the anticipated growth of the organization, this area is expected to be moved under a Chief of Staff-type role within the next few years.

Staff Management, Organizational Leadership and Planning

  • In collaboration with RAN leadership, HR, and staff, help build and maintain a culture that reflects RAN’s core values and aligns with our anti-oppression principles, serving as an organizational advocate for equity, inclusion, and justice.
  • Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to equity.
  • Ensure that RAN is delivering on the relevant priorities of the 5-yr strategic plan. Update the board of directors on these areas and respond to any requests from them.
  • Serve as an active support for Leadership and managers in areas of sensitive personnel and financial areas.
  • RAN is currently negotiating its first collective bargaining agreement; the CFO may serve as a member of the management bargaining team to represent the financial, HR, and operations position of the organization throughout this process.

Quarterly team meetings, currently in San Francisco, and a yearly staff retreat (location tbd) will require attendance in person. Other travel may be requested or required as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Extensive experience (7+ years) in senior management role focusing on finance is required; accounting knowledge of Blackbaud’s Financial Edge accounting software desired; human resources and operations experience highly desirable.
  • Experience with budgeting at non-profit organizations is required; knowledge of Questica Budgeting will be helpful.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing diverse teams, supervision and supporting staff development. RAN has staff in time zones across the world, and staff are expected to work flexibly in order to connect with colleagues.
  • Strong leadership capabilities, ability to see the big picture, and operate with perspective
  • Deep project management skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, pushing to meet deadlines; ideal candidates are skilled at remaining cool and calm under pressure.
  • Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including the ability to collaborate across teams
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, the board of directors, and staff.
  • Detail-oriented, proactive, excellent organization and time management skills
  • Ability to work autonomously with high-level direction.
  • Strong commitment to creating a workplace culture grounded in the values of equity, inclusion and justice is required, as are keen awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations, including comfort and flexibility in working with remote and international staff.
  • Experience in facilitating progressive organizational change and development.
  • Ideal candidates will be those who are naturally curious and interested in continuous learning and improvement, adopting new technologies and ways of doing things, and who are open to a variety of different perspectives, ideas, and inputs
  • Commitment to the environment and social change movements is desirable.
  • Sense of humor will be appreciated.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with an anticipated starting salary range of $160,000 – $180,000 commensurate with experience. Because of RAN’s governance structure and legal setup, and the financial responsibilities of this position, the finalist must be legally authorized to work in the US. Further, the incumbent should expect to overlap with the Pacific time zone for at least 4 hours each day.

Benefits include 100% RAN-paid health, dental and vision insurance for the staff person and their partner/family, four weeks PTO (increases to five weeks after two years) as well as a paid winter break, and a retirement plan with a 3% employer match. Additionally, after every five years of service, staff are eligible for a 12-week fully-paid sabbatical.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESS

RAN is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing all people with equal access to employment and volunteer opportunities. If you need assistance with accommodations during our interview or employment processes, please contact HR@ran.org. We encourage applicants of color, diverse identities, and from historically excluded identities to apply for this position.

TO APPLY

Please use the link below to submit a resume and cover letter.

APPLICATION LINK: https://rainforest-action-network.breezy.hr/p/7c133e1bec21-chief-financial-officer 

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