Director, Foundation Finance and Operations

About the role

Under the direction of the CEO of the MATC Foundation & Executive Director of College Advancement, the Director, Foundation Finance and Operations plays a pivotal role in overseeing the financial functions and day-to-day operations of the MATC Foundation. This multifaceted role involves strategic financial management, operational leadership, and collaborative engagement with key stakeholders, including the MATC Business Office and leadership team. With assets exceeding $40 million under the Foundation’s administration, the Finance and Operations Director ensures prudent financial management and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Oversight: Develop and maintain strategic financial plans and operational objectives aligned with the Foundation’s mission and goals; provide leadership on long-term financial sustainability and growth initiatives; conduct strategic financial analysis including forecasting and performance evaluation; collaborate with key stakeholders to align financial strategies with organizational priorities.
• Financial and Revenue Management: Oversee all financial functions including budgeting, accounts payable, sponsored programs, and maintenance of financial records to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations for 501(c)(3) status; manage bank and investment accounts, deposits, online banking activity, and monthly reconciliations; support fundraising initiatives through financial analysis and forecasting.
• Scholarship Program Oversight: Maintain infrastructure for donor-directed scholarships, awards, and grants; guide the Manager of MATC Scholarship Programs to ensure effective administration, compliance, and reporting; review scholarship criteria and monitoring requirements to align with donor agreements and Foundation policies.
• Policy Creation and Management: Develop, maintain, and adjust financial standard operating processes and procedures; implement process improvements and operational efficiencies across Foundation operations.
• Monitoring, Auditing, and Regulatory Compliance: Oversee internal monitoring of program outcomes and financial spending; serve as liaison to internal and external auditors; design and track annual compliance and performance management systems; review external reports for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Committee Participation and Community Engagement: Serve as lead liaison to the MATC Business Office; build and maintain relationships with donors, partners, and vendors; support Foundation initiatives and enhance community engagement.
• Cross-Functional Relationships and Collaborative Teamwork: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, faculty, administrators, and departments including financial aid, student accounts, grant implementation leads, and Milwaukee PBS leadership to coordinate scholarship and programmatic support.
• Budget Planning and Administration: Prepare and present financial information including the annual budget to the MATC Foundation Board and committees; collaborate with the MATC Controller and CFO to ensure strategic alignment; manage all payments to MATC for support of Milwaukee PBS.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Demonstrate consistent adherence to strong moral and ethical principles; maintain confidentiality and respect in all student and employee interactions.
• Leadership and Supervision: Develop and manage high-performing teams; allocate cross-functional responsibilities; oversee hiring, coaching, performance management, and progressive discipline as needed.
• Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Stay current with federal and state regulatory updates, industry trends, and professional publications; participate in workgroups, trainings, workshops, and conferences to promote continuous learning.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of non-profit accounting and financial compliance including foundation accounting for permanently and temporarily restricted funds.
• Ability to interpret and analyze financial reports and conduct financial research.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate future trends and incorporate them into financial plans.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service to students and staff.
• Ability to foster creativity and respond to innovative ideas.
• Capacity to multitask, manage multiple projects, prioritize high-priority assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to create, structure, and deliver public presentations to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with financial software such as Financial Edge and the Google Office Suite.
• Effective written and oral communication across all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to establish, collaborate, and maintain effective work relationships with peers, students, faculty, staff, external agencies, and the public.
• Professionalism and dedication in all work activities.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse student and employee populations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible financial management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, managing investment accounts, and non-profit financial management including 501(c)(3) compliance.
• Three (3) years of management or supervisory experience of professional staff.
• Compliance with all state, federal, and accreditation standards/requirements, as well as all MATC policies and procedures.

Preferred: Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Nonprofit Management; more than seven (7) years of relevant experience including collaboration with boards of directors and finance committees; four (4) years or more of management or supervisory experience; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Core Competencies

• Business insight
• Decision quality
• Resourcefulness
• Plans and aligns
• Drives results
• Manages conflict
• Develops talent
• Builds effective teams
• Demonstrates self-awareness
• Instills trust
• Customer focus
• Action oriented
• Values differences
• Self-development
• Compassion

This position supports the MATC Foundation and is available to start immediately. The role is full-time, in-person, requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, and must be performed in the state of Wisconsin.