Chief Financial & Operating Officer

Job Title: Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO)
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Lake George, New York
Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000 (commensurate with experience)
Status: Full-time, exempt
Benefits: Health, dental, vision; 403b with employer contributions; generous PTO; professional development.
Managing: Administrative & Facilities Manager
To Apply: Please include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references to: hiring@lakegeorgeassociation.org.

Please write the email subject line as: "Job Position First Name Last Name"

For example: "Chief Financial and Operating Officer Jane Doe"

No phone calls, please. Any applications missing materials, not emailed to this address or without the correct subject line will not be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Position Overview
The Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO) is a senior leader overseeing all financial, administrative and operational functions at the Lake George Association. This role guides financial strategy, ensures compliance and transparency, manages HR and IT systems and supports long-term sustainability. By strengthening the organizations financial and operational backbone, the CFOO enables the LGA to maximize its impact in protecting Lake George.

What You'll Do

• Lead all financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and audits.
• Develop and implement long-term financial strategies to ensure sustainability.
• Oversee operations, facilities, IT, risk management, and compliance.
• Support HR functions, including compensation, benefits, recruitment, and professional development.
• Partner with the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and Board of Directors to align financial and operational priorities with organizational strategy.
• Provide timely, clear, and accurate financial reporting for decision-making.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelors degree in finance, accounting, or related field (CPA strongly preferred).
• 710+ years of senior financial leadership experience; nonprofit background preferred.
• Strong track record in budgeting, forecasting, audits, and compliance.
• Experience managing HR, IT, and operational systems.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to guide both staff and Board committees.
• Passion for environmental protection and LGAs mission.

Full Chief Financial & Operating Officer Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Lake George Association (LGA) seeks a strategic and detail-oriented leader to serve as its Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO). This position is part of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Executive Director, and plays a critical role in advancing LGAs mission to protect Lake George through science, advocacy, and action. The CFOO will oversee all financial and administrative functions, including accounting, budgeting, long-range strategic financial planning, scenario planning, identifying innovative and alternative funding models, investments, human resources administration, information technology, facilities, and general operations. They will ensure that the LGA operates efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

As a key advisor to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, the CFOO will proactively guide financial strategy to align with organizational priorities, anticipate potential challenges, and develop adaptive response that ensure long-term sustainability. The CFOOs scope includes financial management, operational infrastructure, human resources administration, compliance, facilities, and IT systems. Strategic project coordination, board process management, and direct Executive Director scheduling/communications fall under the Chief of Staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Financial Management
  • Serve as LGAs chief financial officer, ensuring operations adhere to generally accepted accounting principles and all applicable laws.
  • Maintain accurate and complete financial records, including accounting, payroll, insurance, grants, gifts, and investments.
  • Provide timely, clear, and accurate financial reporting to the Executive Director, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors to support strategic decision-making.
  • Maintain robust internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and ensure transparency.
  • Lead the development, analysis, and forecasting of LGAs annual budget.
  • Integrate multi-year financial scenario planning into budgeting processes to prepare for different economic and funding environments.
  • Produce quarterly financial reports and dashboards for the Board, funders, and other stakeholders.
  • Manage the annual audit, ensuring compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, and coordinate with the Finance Committee.
  • Oversee cash flow, accounts payable, and receivables, ensuring efficient and accurate processing.
  • Facilitate and process gifts of stock, securities, and wires in coordination with development staff.
  • Develop long-term financial forecasts and strategies to ensure sustainability and mission delivery.
  • Research, evaluate, and propose alternative funding models, such as mission-related investments, earned revenue strategies, grant support, and impact financing to diversify revenue streams.
  • Support the Executive Director on special projects and serve as acting senior leader when needed.

• Investments
  • Support the Finance Committee in managing LGAs investments to maximize returns while safeguarding assets.
  • Maintain relationships with investment consultants and produce performance reports for Board review.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant investment regulations and policies.

• Operations
  • Serve as chief operating officer for the organization, overseeing and ensuring effectiveness of all operational systems in partnership with the Chief of Staff for implementation of strategic initiatives.
  • Oversee risk management, insurance, and disaster preparedness plans.
  • Regularly review and update organizational processes and policies to ensure efficiency and compliance in coordination with the Chief of Staff when related to cross-departmental strategic priorities.
  • Oversee IT systems and improvements to ensure staff have the tools and technology needed to work effectively, both in-office and remotely.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable lobbying registration, reporting, and expenditure requirements at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Responsible for the development and administration of all organizational agreements, memorandums of understanding, and contracts.
  • Serve as acting senior leader in the Executive Directors absence on financial, operations, and compliance matters, while the Chief of Staff acts on strategic, board, and stakeholder engagement matters.

• Facilities
  • Manage LGAs facilities to ensure they are safe, functional, and aligned with organizational needs.
  • Develop capital improvement and maintenance plans for long-term viability.

• Human Resources
  • Lead HR functions primarily in an administrative and support capacity, including personnel policy implementation, maintenance of employee record, and coordination with LGAs professional employment organization partner. Partner with the Chief of Staff to ensure onboarding of senior hires and alignment of culture initiatives.
  • Serve as a coach and advisor to supervisors on performance planning, goal-setting, and professional development, while sharing responsibility for direct staff management with other senior leaders. Culture and performance alignment responsibilities are shared with the Chief of Staff.
  • Manage payroll, benefits, and compensation structures to ensure fairness, competitiveness, and fiscal responsibility.
  • Oversee and administer LGAs employer-sponsored retirement plan, ensuring compliance, prudent investment, and competitive employee benefits.
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development to build a high-performing team.
  • Ensure performance evaluation systems are consistent, equitable, and tied to organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field; CPA or equivalent credential strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 710 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and overseeing audits.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Experience managing financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with a Chief of Staff and other senior leaders to ensure seamless integration of operational systems with strategic initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills with experience overseeing support staff to ensure their roles align with the organization's strategic priorities.
• Proficiency with financial software, Microsoft Office Suite, and cloud-based systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing endowments or investment portfolios for mission-driven organizations.
• Previous experience in nonprofit financial management, particularly in organizations with complex funding streams.
• Expressed passion for and commitment to environmental conservation and LGAs mission to protect Lake George.
• Familiarity with federal and state grant compliance and reporting requirements.
• Experience working closely with a Board of Directors and Finance/Investment Committees.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The anticipated salary range is $140,000 - $170,000, commensurate with experience, along with a health benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, 403b retirement savings with employer contributions after six months, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate office equipment and keyboards. Some work (less than 5%) may require the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items, to walk short distances, and drive a vehicle.

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

The Lake George Association is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Why Work at the LGA?

At the LGA, you dont just have a job. You have a mission. For 140 years, weve been the leader in lake protection, combining world-class science, advocacy and community action to protect Lake George.

Working here means:

• Making a measurable difference in freshwater protection.
• Joining a team thats collaborative, passionate, science-informed and solutions-driven.
• Building your career in an organization respected for conservation leadership across the Adirondacks and New York State.

LGA Culture
Were guided by science and powered by people. Our team is small but mighty. We support each other, we're proud of our impact and always learning. Our work is rooted in:

• Respect for the Lake Every decision we make starts with protecting Lake George.
• Collaboration We work side by side with community members, businesses and government.
• Courage & Conviction We speak up for the lake, even when its hard.
• Innovation From water quality research to stormwater solutions, we pursue bold ideas.
• Accountability & Performance We hold ourselves to the highest standards, measuring progress, delivering results and continuously improving.

LGA Benefits
We value our people and their well-being. LGA offers:

• Competitive salaries.
• Health benefits including health, dental and vision coverage.
• 403b retirement savings with employer contributions after six months.
• Paid time off, holidays and flexible schedules.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Outdoor industry gear discounts (Pro Deals).
• The chance to work outdoors and in the community as part of your role.
• The unique reward of knowing your career protects clean water for future generations.

Lake George Regional Life
Choosing the LGA means more than a workplace. Its a lifestyle and the chance to live and work where others vacation. Here in the Lake George region, youll find:

• Adventure at your doorstep. Paddle, hike, ski and explore the Adirondacks.
• A vibrant community. Small-town warmth with year-round arts, culture and local flavor.
• Proximity to opportunity. Just a few hours from New York City, Boston, Burlington and Montreal.
• A place to put down roots. Safe, family-friendly communities with a deep connection to nature.

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