Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Department: Executive

Reports To: President & Chief Executive Officer

Location: Washington, D.C. Highly Preferred, Remote Considered

FLSA Category: Exempt

Post Date: April 9, 2025

Close Date: April 23, 2025

About Us

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to wilderness, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for nearly 150 years. 

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member. 

Position Summary

The Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO) plays a critical leadership role in driving the strategic financial and operational direction of the organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CFOO oversees the multiple departments, including Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications, and Operations, and facilities with an annual budget of approximately $40 million. This role requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader with a “can do” attitude who excels in cross-functional collaboration, creating and implementing scalable systems and processes, and driving organizational growth. The CFOO also serves as a key liaison to the Board of Directors, staffing the Finance & Audit and Governance Committees to support robust governance and fiduciary oversight. Candidates with experience in climate change mitigation, environmental justice, or sustainability-focused initiatives are strongly encouraged to apply, as the organization is deeply committed to combating the climate crisis and advancing environmental equity. The CFOO partners with leaders across the organization to promote sustainability, operational excellence, and mission impact.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to shape and execute organizational strategy.
• Collaborate across departments to align financial and operational goals with organizational objectives.
• Serve as a thought partner to department heads, offering insights to strengthen decision-making and drive growth.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, and policy matters.
• Represent the organization in external engagements, including banking and lease negotiations.
• Board Engagement & Governance Support
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board’s Finance & Audit, and Governance Committees.
• Prepare and present financial updates, analysis, and key insights to the Board of Directors.
• Work closely with Board leadership to support governance practices, policy development, and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Financial Management:
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to support data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure accurate, timely financial statements and oversee the annual audit and tax filings.
• Implement financial controls, compliance systems, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and mitigate risks.
• Operations & Systems Development
• Develop and optimize internal systems and processes across finance, HR, IT, and operations to support scalability and efficiency.
• Oversee the implementation of technology solutions that streamline operations and improve cross-team collaboration.
• Lead operational planning to support the organization’s growth, resource allocation, and infrastructure needs.
• Manage administrative functions such as human resources, IT, logistics, program operations and facilities.
• Oversee risk management and ensure compliance with relevant laws and best practices.
• Organizational Growth & Capacity Building
• Identify operational bottlenecks and opportunities for expansion to strengthen organizational capacity.
• Oversee the philanthropy and marketing departments to ensure strategic alignment and focus on increasing the organization's financial resources and visibility.
• Build organizational infrastructure to support program expansion, strategic initiatives, and increased impact.
• Design and implement processes that support sustainability, efficiency, and long-term planning.
• Drive strategic initiatives that support innovation and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead cross-functional projects that increase efficiency, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead and develop finance, HR, and operations teams, fostering a high-performing and inclusive work environment.
• Promote professional growth and succession planning through coaching and mentorship.
• Set performance standards and manage team effectiveness across all operational domains.
• Promote cross-functional team alignment to advance organizational goals.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the philanthropy and marketing teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and a focus on sustainable revenue growth and brand visibility.
  

Qualifications

While we do not expect any one candidate to possess all of these qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal skills and qualities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business , Accounting, or a related field required. A Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of senior operational and financial leadership, ideally in a nonprofit, managing a budget of $25M+; experience with budgets of $45M or greater is preferred.
• Direct experience working with and supporting Boards of Directors and Board committees.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration and leading systems development across teams.
• Proven ability to build organizational infrastructure, manage change, and support long-term strategic growth.
• Strong financial acumen, including audit, compliance, investment, and cash flow management.
• Knowledge of governance, risk management, and nonprofit regulatory compliance.
• Experience in the climate, sustainability, or environmental sector is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Proven track record of success in strategic planning and execution, financial management, and organizational development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions based on financial data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in managing human resources, information technology, and facilities.
  
  

This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance strategic vision with operational execution, ensuring the organization's financial health and operational effectiveness align with its mission-driven objectives.

LOCATION & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a remote position with preference given to candidates in the Washington, DC area. Frequent travel to American Forests’ headquarters in downtown Washington, DC is required to engage in meetings with the President & CEO, members of the leadership team, and other stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

The individual must be comfortable with prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.

Supervisory Requirements

This position supervises between 5-10 individuals.

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+

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In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.