Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Reports to: CEO

FMLA Status: Full Time, Exempt

South Salem, NY

Position Overview

The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is a 501c3 non-profit environmental education organization in South Salem, NY that advances the survival of wolves by inspiring a global community through education, advocacy, research, and recovery.

The CFO is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Center’s $3M business operations, including HR, finance, and operational administration. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CFO will play a crucial role in developing and implementing strategic plans, policies, and procedures to optimize WCC’s capabilities as it grows during a full campus renovation in 2026 and 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities

Business Management

The CFO is responsible for the operational and financial responsibilities associated with running the Center. This includes management of:

• All financial planning, accounting, budgeting, and forecasting to optimize resource allocation and utilization, secure necessary Board approvals, and manage the organization to the Budget.
• Regular reports and updates to CEO and senior management on business performance, market trends, and strategic initiatives.
• Business operating systems, such as those for accounting, data management, fundraising, etc. that are fully deployed, updated, and operational to efficiently meet the needs of all functions.
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Initiatives to enhance employee productivity, engagement, and development.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization.
• Foster and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including volunteers, suppliers, and business partners.
• Staying informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape to inform business decisions.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks to safeguard the Center’s assets and reputation.
• Contribute to the development of the WCC strategic planning.
• Develop and implement all operational strategies aligned with the Center’s annual and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure cross-functional alignment and effective communication.

Functional Oversight and Management

The CFO provides oversight of many functional areas of the Center as well as being a key liaison to the Board. This includes oversight of:

• Day-to-day operations, including the people and vendors managing IT, Finance, HR, and Facilities.
• Completion of 990 and Audit processes in a timely manner, working with CEO, Accountant, Auditors, and Board, as needed.
• Board of Directors (BOD) Committees for Facilities and Finance.
• Deposit of all fundraised and earned income.
• Support of CEO in carrying out their duties vis-à-vis the Board, including Board meetings, BOD Committee meetings, and other interactions.
• Direct management responsibilities for an accountant, Director of Operations, Director of Innovation and Technology and an HR consultant.

Operations & Facilities Management

At the core of the CFO’s responsibilities is the operation, maintenance and oversight of the Center’s sprawling campus, including the build of a brand-new state-of-the-art facility, which broke ground in August 2026. The following responsibilities will support the CFO in overseeing this initiative:

• Manage the team for the new campus build, including project management and budgetary oversight.
• Act as the primary contact for the Facilities and Grounds committee of the Board.
• Ensure safe, efficient operation of all facilities in accordance with OSHA and other regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with and support Animal Care in their use of the campus to maintain the WCC’s wolf population.

Qualifications

• Interest in advancing the mission, vision, and values of the Wolf Conservation Center.
• 10+ years of professional experience in operations, accounting, business administration, or other related work.
• Demonstrated experience managing team(s) as well as outsourced vendors.
• Ability to lead and inspire action in others; strong sense of personal responsibility and the ability to hold others accountable.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to operate with a high degree of professionalism.
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills.
• A conscious and capable communicator with an eye for written and visual communication.
• Ability to multi-task and work well independently and as a team.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks and Office 365, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge preferred.

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in Accounting or Business Administration from a four-year college or university, advance degree preferred.

Compensation

The salary for this role is $100 - $125K per year based on experience. Salary ranges at WCC are standardized based on role level and function. The Wolf Conservation Center has a robust benefits package including health, dental and vision coverage, a 401K match, and generous vacation time.

Applications

Please submit a resume and cover letter to: