Chief Financial Officer

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained to assist our client, The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), in their search for a Chief Financial Officer to join their team in Richmond, VA. POSITION OVERVIEWThe Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership for the organization. Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CFO will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors, helping guide organizational strategy, resource allocation, financial planning, and executive decision-making. VEDP is the Commonwealth's lead economic development organization, responsible for promoting business growth, investment, workforce development, international trade, and economic opportunity throughout Virginia. As a quasi-independent state authority, VEDP combines operational flexibility with the public accountability and stewardship expected of an organization supported by Commonwealth resources. VEDP manages approximately $60 million in annual operating funds, employs approximately 240 professionals, and provides certain shared services support to the Virginia Tourism Corporation. This role extends beyond traditional accounting and financial reporting responsibilities. The CFO will help leadership communicate the financial story of the organization, demonstrate effective stewardship of public resources, and articulate the impact VEDP's investments generate across the Commonwealth. The CFO will lead finance modernization efforts, strengthen reporting and analytics capabilities, and regularly present financial information, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to the Board and other key stakeholders. The successful candidate will combine strategic financial leadership, operational discipline, executive presence, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills. The CFO must be capable of operating effectively in a highly visible, mission-oriented, and collaborative environment while leading the finance team through continued growth and operational maturity. CORE RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Leadership & Organizational PartnershipServe as a trusted advisor to the President and CEO.Partner with executive leadership on strategy, long-term planning, and resource allocation.Translate financial data and complex issues into clear, actionable insights.Advise on financial priorities, risks, opportunities, and investments.Build collaborative partnerships across VEDP.Support accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.Financial Planning, Management & StewardshipLead budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, fiscal management, and performance reporting.Ensure effective stewardship of approximately $60 million in annual public funding.Develop financial strategies supporting VEDP's mission, growth, and sustainability.Monitor financial performance, resource utilization, and emerging risks.Support funding requests and budget advocacy through analysis and business cases.Oversee VEDP's financial relationship with the Virginia Tourism Corporation through applicable shared services.Board, Executive & Stakeholder CommunicationPrepare and present financial information to the Board and executive leadership.Build credibility with Board members, administration officials, and senior government stakeholders.Clearly communicate financial performance, trends, opportunities, risks, and resource needs.Develop reporting that connects resource investments to organizational outcomes.Help articulate VEDP's financial story and public value.Finance Operations & Team LeadershipLead VEDP's finance and fiscal functions.Directly manage the Controller and provide leadership across the finance organization.Provide coaching, performance management, professional development, and organizational support.Strengthen financial capabilities and partnership between finance and operating divisions.Ensure appropriate allocation of staff resources, workloads, and priorities.Financial Reporting, Analytics & Performance MeasurementStrengthen financial reporting, dashboards, and analytics.Develop metrics connecting investments and resource decisions to outcomes.Support measurement of ROI, public value, and progress against strategic priorities.Help leaders develop clear, replicable ROI analysis.Ensure reporting is accurate, timely, accessible, and tailored to its audience.Process Improvement, Systems & Finance TransformationLead improvements to financial processes, controls, service delivery, and organizational effectiveness.Increase automation and reduce manual workflows while maintaining appropriate controls.Lead implementation of electronic payment capabilities.Optimize financial systems and evaluate new technology where appropriate.Translate business needs into effective financial processes, reporting, and technology solutions.Foster continuous improvement within finance.Compliance, Controls & GovernanceEnsure compliance with applicable state regulations, policies, reporting requirements, and generally accepted financial practices.Serve as VEDP's primary financial liaison for reviews by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts.Maintain effective financial controls, governance, documentation, and accountability.Promote transparency, integrity, and responsible stewardship. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED10+ years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, FP&A, fiscal management, or related fields, including significant senior financial leadership.Experience leading budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, reporting, and financial operations.Experience serving as a strategic advisor to a CEO, executive leadership team, governing board, or comparable senior stakeholders.Strong strategic thinking, financial analysis, problem-solving, and organizational judgment.Ability to translate complex financial information into clear recommendations and executive-level communications.Significant people-management experience, including coaching, performance management, team development, and organizational leadership.Experience leading organizational change, process improvement, finance modernization, or systems optimization.Strong knowledge of financial controls, compliance, governance, and audit requirements.Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to balance strategy with operational execution in a fast-paced, high-profile, mission-oriented environment.Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or related field. PREFERRED EXPERIENCECPA, MBA, MPA, or related advanced credential.Experience in government, a quasi-governmental authority, higher education, nonprofit, public-sector, or other mission-driven environment.Experience supporting a board-governed organization and communicating with senior government stakeholders.Exposure to economic development, workforce development, public policy, or complex public-private initiatives.Experience optimizing ERP systems and financial technologies.Experience connecting financial investments to organizational outcomes, performance measures, and public value. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTESStrategic, systems-oriented thinker with strong analytical capabilities and sound judgment.High integrity, accountability, and commitment to public stewardship.Executive presence and credibility with Boards and senior stakeholders.Strong political and organizational savvy while remaining appropriately nonpartisan.Clear, persuasive communicator who can simplify complex financial issues.Collaborative, authentic, and relationship-oriented leadership style.Process-improvement mindset with an interest in practical technology and automation.Ability to maintain composure and responsiveness under pressure.Commitment to team development, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement. WITHIN 12-18 MONTHS, SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE...Strong, trusting relationships with the CEO, executive leadership, Board, finance team, and key stakeholders.Leadership and the Board receive clear, accurate, timely financial reporting and view the CFO as a credible strategic advisor.Budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning are aligned with organizational strategy and priorities.The finance team operates with clear priorities, accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to high-quality service.Dashboards, reporting, and performance measures provide improved visibility into resource utilization, outcomes, and public value.Meaningful progress has been made in automating workflows, implementing electronic payments, and optimizing ERP and financial systems.Financial controls, governance, compliance, and audit readiness remain strong.The CFO effectively balances strategic leadership, operational management, team development, and hands-on engagement. EDUCATIONBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or related field required. CPA, MBA, MPA, or related advanced credential preferred. COMPENSATIONThe anticipated salary range is $200,000-$225,000, with an annual performance incentive opportunity. VEDP offers a comprehensive Virginia state employee benefits package and a hybrid work schedule, generally three days in the office and two days of teleworking.