Chief Operations and Finance Officer - Council of Foundations : Job Details

Chief Operations and Finance Officer (COFO)

Reports to: President & CEO

Position Status: Exempt, Salaried; 40 hours/week

Salary: $160,000-$180,000 with robust employee benefits package detailed below

Location: Based in Charlottesville, VA. Four days per week in the office expected. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in or are willing to relocate to the service area of the city of Charlottesville or the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Orange.

To apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Target start date is late Fall 2025. Submit the following to jobs at opriesconsulting dot com:

• Résumé highlighting experience and qualifications
• Three references (we will not contact references until later in the hiring process)

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTESVILLE AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Community Foundation was established in 1967 with a mission to improve the quality of life in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Orange. This region of more than 310,000 people includes a variety of rural and urban environments, and is home to a complex and deeply painful American history.

The region's changing demographics present opportunities for greater inclusion, and the Community Foundation is committed to being a community-centered, equity-forward organization that ensures our region is one where everyone can belong, contribute, and thrive. As a tax-exempt, nonprofit public charity, the Foundation works with local residents, nonprofits, and public and private organizations to facilitate philanthropy through donor funds and scholarships while making local investments through its own discretionary resources.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

Rooted in our values of Curiosity, Proximity, Truth, Repair, and Solidarity, we strive to create an environment where all voices are valued and differences are embraced as strengths. We seek candidates whose lived experiences and professional journeys reflect the communities we serve, including those impacted by inequitable systems. We value empathy, humility, and a willingness to sit with discomfort as part of building trust and advancing justice. We value a growth mindset — a readiness to listen, learn, and expand cultural competency.

• Curiosity – We listen and learn with openness, inviting deeper exploration. We value a growth mindset.
• Proximity – We work closely with those who have lived experience of the challenges we seek to change.
• Truth – We tell the truth about our past and shared futures. Honest hindsight informs our present and future.
• Repair – We help communities heal from past harm and move toward a regenerative future.
• Solidarity – We align with those who have been excluded to create a more equitable place for all.

POSITION SUMMARY & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Chief Operations and Finance Officer (COFO) is a critical member of the Foundation's executive leadership team, responsible for stewarding both the financial and operational infrastructure of the organization. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the COFO leads with strategy and integrity to ensure operational excellence, financial sustainability, and alignment with the Foundation's values and long-term goals.

The COFO oversees Finance, Operations, Administration, Human Resources, IT, and Facilities, ensuring that these core functions support mission delivery and foster an organizational culture of learning, belonging, and high performance.

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as the Foundation's top financial strategist, providing clear and timely financial reporting, forecasting, analysis, and guidance to the CEO, Board, and leadership team.
• Lead all accounting, audit, compliance, investment, and financial planning activities.
• Oversee budget development and long-term financial planning, aligning resources with strategic priorities.
• Manage cash flow and investment portfolios, in line with Board-approved investment policies.
• Partner with investment managers, auditors, and financial institutions to steward assets and manage risk.

Operational & Administrative Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations, building systems and practices that ensure compliance, efficiency, and resilience across administrative functions.
• Oversee and modernize HR practices, including payroll, benefits, performance management, and professional development, fostering a culture of trust and equity.
• Manage the Foundation's physical infrastructure, including IT systems and facilities, ensuring tools and spaces are aligned with team needs and organizational values.
• Implement and improve internal controls, policies, and systems to support transparent and effective operations.

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment

• Work with the CEO and leadership team to shape and execute strategic plans, integrating operational and financial perspectives to enable bold, sustainable impact.
• Advance innovation and operational excellence, identifying and implementing opportunities for process improvement and technology adoption.
• Build alignment across departments to ensure mission, values, and systems are fully integrated.

Board & External Relations

• Serve as a key liaison to the Finance and Investment Committees of the Board.
• Provide clear and accessible financial and operational information to support governance and decision-making.
• Represent the Foundation to external partners, including banks, auditors, investment advisors, and regulatory agencies.

Team Leadership & Culture Building

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team, including finance and operations staff.
• Create a culture of accountability, professional growth, innovation, and equity.
• Actively contribute to organization-wide initiatives and improvements.

TOTAL BENEFITS PACKAGE

The Community Foundation offers a robust employee benefits package, including:

• Flexible work hours and hybrid schedule
• Institutionalized ½ day Fridays that don't require PTO
• Paid parking
• 100% of employee health insurance paid
• The opportunity to participate in a 401(k) with up to 6% employer match
• 25 days of personal time off in the first year of employment, plus 16 paid holidays
• $100 per month maximum telecommunications reimbursement
• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave (16 weeks for multiples)
• 60% Short Term Disability and 60% Long Term Disability plus 100K life insurance
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

The Community Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and professional training.

The Community Foundation is conducting the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation's search for this position. O-Pries Consulting offers consulting services to help mission-driven organizations thrive by focusing on people operations, organizational development, and strategic frameworks.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, CPA, or advanced degree in finance, accounting, or management preferred.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably in mission-aligned or nonprofit organizations, with responsibility across both finance and operations.
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, audits, investment management, and financial reporting for nonprofits.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and align operations across HR, technology, and administration.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in modern finance and operations systems; experience with Foundant CSuite or similar platforms is a plus.
• Deep commitment to racial and economic equity, continuous learning, and servant leadership.

Attributes for Success:

• Authentic, values-driven leader who thrives in dynamic, purpose-driven environments.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate big-picture goals into sustainable operations and systems.
• Collaborative team player with a strong service mentality, curiosity, and flexibility.
• Exceptional communicator with the ability to translate complex financial and operational concepts clearly.
• Skilled coach and mentor committed to growing people and teams.