Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
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Starting Salary Range: $110-$120k
Hours/Benefits: Full time with competitive benefits
Reports to: President and CEO
Position: Open until filled; ongoing review of applications
PRBO BACKGROUND
PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO), based in Petaluma, California, is a growing and internationally renowned nonprofit with over 120 staff and seasonal biologists. PRBO advances conservation through bird and ecosystem research and science outreach, from Alaska to Antarctica, on land and at sea.
Working in partnership with wildlife and habitat management agencies, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and private interests, PRBO is helping to ensure that every dollar invested in conservation yields the most for biodiversity- benefiting our environment, our economy and our communities.
PRBO has quadrupled in size over the past decade in response to the ever–increasing demand for sound science to guide and evaluate conservation investments. Our FY 2008-2009 budget is $7 million.
Our vision is that over the next 10 years PRBO will become one of the world’s leading sources of avian and ecosystem data, analysis and applications to advance conservation effectiveness globally. PRBO will significantly increase the scope and scale of its bird ecology and ecosystem research and outreach to strategically address global ecological challenges including land use changes and climate change. PRBO will achieve this by conducting further research on how ecological processes are affected by global change and by developing and disseminating science-based solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of these changes.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PRBO’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) must be a strategic thinker and a team player who will perform a significant leadership role in initiating, developing and implementing PRBO’s financial and administrative strategies, policies and programs.
The successful candidate should be a forward-looking, proactive team-player with proven success in non-profit accounting and reporting, federal contract management, budget formulation and management, financial audit activities, and cash management within an operating budget of at least $7-10 million annually. S/he should have expertise in managing complex budgets with multiple public and private funding sources as well as the ability to help assess and guide effective use of 21st century information technology to advance PRBO’s financial and administrative capacity.
The CFO, reports to and works in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors, and plans, directs, manages, and oversees the complex activities and operations of PRBO’s Finance and Administration Department including general accounting and management accounting, budgets, grants and contracts, insurance, information technology, risk management, and human resources.
There are currently 5 direct reports to the CFO: Controller, Contracts and Revenue Manager, Human Resources /AP/Payroll Manager, Office/Facilities Manager, and IT Director.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Direct, coordinate and implement all PRBO fiscal activities including:
• Work with Board of Directors, Executive Director and senior staff to develop and achieve financial management goals;
• Evaluate, develop and implement effective and efficient financial systems and processes;
• Manage the internal accounting and reporting functions;
• Provide monthly, quarterly, annual financial reports to senior program staff, Executive Director and Board;
• Evaluate, develop and implement an effective annual budget process working closely with the Executive Director and senior staff;
• Manage cash flow and banking, including negotiating loans and managing all loan covenants;
• Manage federal, state and local contracts including contract review, negotiations, billing oversight and report management;
• Administer insurance and risk management;
• Manage annual audit process;
• Assist in preparing grant and contract proposal budgets and reports as appropriate;
• Manage accounting and other staff or contractors; and,
• Conduct other related activities including managing endowment funds.
2. Direct, coordinate and implement all PRBO administrative functions including:
• Evaluate, develop and implement effective, efficient and up-to-date administrative systems and processes to best serve the organization’s needs;
• Supervise implementation of PRBO’s benefits program including 401k retirement plan;
• Maintain and update employee personnel policies incorporating current legal requirements and organizational goals
• Work with other leadership staff as appropriate to implement annual work plan development and evaluations, and to carry out other related HR functions;
• Manage administrative staff including Office/Facilities Manager and Information Technologies staff/contractors to ensure all computer and office equipment and systems are meeting organizational needs;
• Oversee management of facilities to comply with lease agreements and other legal requirements and to ensure a pleasant, clean and safe working environment for staff and visitors; and,
• Other related activities.
3. Participate in the leadership of PRBO as a member of the Management Team and as a partner with the Board of Directors.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, Board Chair, Board Finance Committee Chair and Board Finance Committee to guide the financial and administrative development of the organization to help ensure healthy and responsible fiscal activities within the context of the organization’s goals;
• Work closely with senior staff to assist them in being as effective as possible in program financial management, program budgeting, and related activities.
4. Carry out other related responsibilities as determined in consultation with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of non-profit financial and administration functions;
• Advanced principles, practices and standards of non-profit accounting, cost accounting, revenue administration, budgetary accounting, auditing, accounts receivable, and accounts payable;
• Application of Generally Accepted Governmental Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and other financial accounting and contract management standards, including OMB federal contracting guidelines;
• Principles, practices, and laws concerning Human Resources management;
• Risk management and loss prevention including claims handling, worker's compensation, litigation, negotiation, and asset protection programs;
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations;
• Business mathematics and statistics;
• Financial analysis and research procedures; and,
• Principles of supervi¬sion, training, and performance evaluation.
Skills to:
• Utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing, spreadsheet, database and specialized functions.
• Assess software needs and to guide implementation of new information technology.
Familiarity with Sage MIP Fund Accounting software a plus.
Ability to:
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for administrative functions; delegate authority and responsibili¬ty;
• Develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient administrative services; participate in strategic planning to align department goals with the organization’s vision, mission and values;
• Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, delegate and evaluate the work of staff;
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommenda¬tions;
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets from multiple public and private funding sources; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner;
• Assess and guide the use of information technology to enhance effectiveness of finance and administration functions;
• Prepare, examine and verify the full range of financial documents and reports;
• Research, collect, compile, and analyze information and data;
• Perform accurate mathematical and statistical computations;
• Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to non-profit administrative programs and functions;
• Continuously monitor and ensure effective and efficient service delivery;
• Exercise excellent judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; prepare and deliver effective oral presentations;
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Represent PRBO internally and externally with excellence and professionalism to further enhance PRBO’s reputation for the highest quality science and outreach; and,
• Laugh with others and sometimes at yourself!
Experience preferred:
• Ten (10) years of professional and accounting experience including five years of management and supervisory experience as well as non-profit and federal contracts management experience;
• Masters in Accounting/Finance, Business or related degree;
• Working knowledge of GAAP, FASB, and other financial accounting and contract management standards, including OMB federal contracting guidelines.
Personal interest in:
• Conservation and the natural world.
To Apply
E-mail (1) cover letter describing qualifications for this position and interest in PRBO, (2) complete CV/resume, and (3) contact information (including phone numbers and e-mail addresses) for 4 references to prbo@prbo.org with “CFO Search” in the subject line. Applicants may be subject to background checks. We will contact applicants prior to contacting their references.
Position is opened until filled. Ongoing review of applications. PRBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Title: Director of Development
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Starting Salary Range: Very competitive, based on experience
Hours/Benefits: Full time with excellent benefits
Reports to: President and CEO
Position: Open until filled; ongoing review of applications
PRBO BACKGROUND
PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO), based in Petaluma, California, is a growing and internationally renowned nonprofit with over 120 staff and seasonal biologists. PRBO advances conservation through bird and ecosystem research as well as science outreach, from Alaska to Antarctica, on land and at sea.
Working in partnership with wildlife and habitat management agencies, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and private interests, PRBO is helping to ensure that every dollar invested in conservation yields the most for biodiversity- benefiting our environment, our economy and our communities.
PRBO has quadrupled in size over the past decade in response to the ever–increasing demand for sound science to guide and evaluate conservation investments. The fiscal year 2008-2009 budget is $7 million.
Our vision is that over the next 10 years PRBO will become one of the world’s leading sources of avian and ecosystem data, analysis and applications to advance conservation effectiveness globally. PRBO will significantly increase the scope and scale of its bird ecology and ecosystem research as well as outreach to strategically address global ecological challenges including land use changes and climate change. PRBO will achieve this by conducting further research on how ecological processes are affected by global change and by developing and disseminating science-based solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of these changes.
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
PRBO’s Director of Development (DOD) must be a pro-active, strategic team player and leader with a record of significant and consistent fundraising success. S/he will lead the planning, development and implementation of diversified fundraising and related marketing strategies to achieve PRBO’s vision and goals.
The successful DOD candidate will have expertise in securing major gifts from individuals of at least $100,000, experience in managing a team to secure foundation, corporate, and/or government grants, as well as a thorough understanding of membership development and events management. S/he should be able to demonstrate a history of positive working relations with board and staff members. The successful candidate should also have the ability to assess and guide the implementation and use of cutting edge information technologies to advance PRBO’s development strategies and goals.
Half of PRBO’s current $7 million budget is secured through individual, foundation, corporate and membership giving. Development goals priorities include increasing annual programmatic and unrestricted income, growing reserve and endowment funds, and expanding the pool of potential major donors.
The DOD reports to and works in close partnership with the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Board of Directors, development staff and other leadership staff. There are currently 4 direct reports to the DOD: Director of Individual Giving, Director Foundation and Corporate Relations, Membership and Events Manager and Development Assistant.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Summary: The DOD is responsible for the implementation and management of a diversified fund development program including individual, foundation, corporation and government proposal development and solicitation, membership development, direct mail, and special events.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year Fund Development and Marketing Plan as well as annual plans and goals, working with the staff development team, the CEO, the Board of Directors as well as other PRBO staff.
• Direct and participate in major donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop and grow PRBO’s planned giving program.
• Oversee maintenance of, and contribute regularly to, a computerized data base of donors, including donor histories, reporting, solicitation and acknowledgment of gifts.
• Research potential individual, foundation and corporate sponsors.
• Supervise (including providing regular support and feedback and annual staff reviews) the Director of Individual Giving, the Membership & Events Manager, Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations and the Development Assistant, as well as other development staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate and manage the Development Committee of the Board of Directors to identify and coordinate development opportunities; work in close partnership with the Development Committee Chair and other board members.
• Serve as Development liaison to the staff Management Team and the Board of Directors. Attend meetings as necessary to communicate progress of goals and objectives of the program and to understand top priorities and needs for science and outreach programs.
• Oversee the Annual Fund Campaign.
• Develop and implement a major campaign to build reserve and endowment funds, including unrestricted funds.
• Write and/or manage the writing of member solicitation appeals, annual fund appeals, donor proposals, on-line appeals and other written development and marketing materials.
• Oversee and grow the membership program.
• Ensure regular, highest-quality communications with Board members, other major donors, members, foundations, government agencies and other supporters to consistently reflect the quality and excellence of PRBO’s science.
• Develop and implement annual Development budget as part of annual organization-wide process.
• Oversee planning and implementation of donor events including donor recognition and appreciation events.
• Attend PRBO events, PRBO field sites, and meet with science and outreach staff on a regular basis
• Attend community networking events on behalf of PRBO Conservation Science when needed and/or as requested by the CEO.
• Perform other functions as directed by the CEO.
QUALIFICATIONS
• B.A. in related field or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years experience in comparable position(s) for a not for profit organization.
• Success in securing multiple major gifts ($100,000+) from individuals, foundations and corporations.
• Knowledge of the fundraising principals and philanthropic community. Knowledge of conservation community a plus.
• Proven success in developing and implementing a comprehensive giving program including major gifts, annual giving, grants and membership.
• Exemplary relationship building skills.
• Excellent communications skills including verbal, writing and presentation skills; experience in public speaking and promotional writing a plus.
• Excellent time management, organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record with successful staff, Board member and volunteer management.
• Skilled at strategic planning.
• Ability to develop and manage a budget.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and quality.
• Expertise in managing multiple projects, motivating groups of volunteers, and working with diverse populations.
• Proven ability to manage others to achieve specific short term and long term goals.
• Proven track record in exceeding fundraising goals.
• Able to multi-task well without losing attention to details.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals and populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others to further PRBO’s mission, vision and goals.
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts to motivate and inspire donors.
• Proven computer skills including ability to produce professional documents using Word and Excel; some understanding of and experience with fundraising database programs desired.
• Thrives in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to laugh with others and at oneself.
• Passion for conservation and the natural world.
Workload: This is a full-time, exempt position based in Petaluma, CA that requires flexibility with work hours including some work on evenings and weekends, as well as some travel.
Work environment: We recognize the value of diversity in our workforce, and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We offer a dynamic, friendly, fast-paced environment. PRBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by e-mail to: prbo@pamelacook.com. We will respond to all applications.
Candidates may be subject to background checks.
For more information on PRBO visit www.prbo.org.
Job Title: Avian Forest Ecologist
Starting Salary Range: $45,000-$50,000
Hours/Benefits: Full time with competitive benefits
Application deadline: 10/31/2008
PRBO Background
PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO) advances conservation through avian ecology and ecosystem research. PRBO is a rapidly growing, internationally-recognized non-profit with expertise in avian ecology, population biology, spatial ecology, ecosystem science, conservation applications (including endangered species recovery, land and ocean management, ecological restoration, invasive species, inventory and monitoring, and policy) as well as public education. PRBO plays a lead role nationally and internationally in applying bird and ecosystem studies to address critical conservation issues. For additional information, see www.prbo.org.
Avian Forest Ecologist
PRBO’s Avian Forest Ecologist, working with PRBO scientists, will oversee the design and initial implementation of a new avian monitoring program on ten National Forests in the Sierra Nevada of California. The responsibilities of this position will include 1) collaborating with the US Forest Service to design a Management Indicator Species monitoring program, 2) hiring and supervising a field crew for the pilot year of the program, and 3) conducting preliminary analyses of these data to evaluate the study design and make recommendations for long-term monitoring. The successful candidate will work well with people, have strong quantitative skills, a background in avian ecology, and have experience managing field crews. Ph.D. preferred, but MS with applicable work experience will also be considered.
Responsibilities
Program Design
The Avian Forest Ecologist will be a co-principal investigator on the project and will be responsible for designing a monitoring plan for five avian Management Indicator Species that will extend across 10 National Forests in the Sierra Nevada of California. This will require extensive communication with the other principal investigators, possible sub-contractors/collaborators, and Forest Service personnel at the regional and local levels. This task will also require an understanding of statistical sampling. The final result will be a scientifically sound plan that is logistically feasible.
Program management
The Avian Forest Ecologist will oversee and manage the implementation of this monitoring program. This will include hiring a full-time project leader, a seasonal crew leader, and 10-12 seasonal field technicians. The Avian Forest Ecologist will supervise the project and crew leaders. The Avian Forest Ecologist will be responsible for working with the crew leaders to ensure the logistical needs of the field crews (e.g., housing and transportation) are met and will have primary responsibility for quality control of the data that are collected.
Data analysis and synthesis
After the initial year of data collection, the Avian Forest Ecologist will be responsible for completing a report of work accomplished and a final long-term monitoring plan based on analysis of pilot year data. Additionally, the Avian Forest Ecologist is expected to author one or more peer-reviewed publications that discuss the monitoring program. Additional opportunities to collaborate on manuscripts with other PRBO ecologists will be possible.
Qualifications
• Ph.D. in ecology, natural resource sciences, conservation biology, ornithology, wildlife management, landscape ecology, or MS and significant work experience
• Experience working with partners including government agencies
• Excellent quantitative skills, including familiarity with occupancy modeling, power analyses, and spatial analyses
• Experience hiring, supervising, and managing large field crews
• Outstanding communication skills
• Excellent understanding of biological indicators, habitat management, and ecological monitoring
• Avian research experience
• Knowledge of western North America forest ecosystems
Salary, Benefits, Working Conditions and Funding
Starting salary range is $45,000-$50,000 annually. PRBO offers 100% health care coverage, full dental care, and partial coverage of dependents including domestic partners, per the conditions stated in PRBO’s Personnel Manual. This position requires some travel, involves some evenings and weekends, and is based out of Petaluma, California. Funding is secured through March 2010. Longer term employment is possible through this position and will be based on continuation of funding and employees performance.
To Apply
E-mail (1) cover letter describing qualifications for this position and interest in PRBO, (2) complete CV/resume, and (3) contact information (including phone numbers and e-mail addresses) for 3 references to rburnett@prbo.org with “Avian Forest Ecologist” in the subject line. Applicants may be subject to background checks. Application deadline is October 31, 2008, though position will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified. PRBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
