Director of Finance and Operations
About the role
NAMI McHenry County is a rapidly growing organization providing mental health support, education, advocacy, and services to individuals and families in McHenry County. Recent expansions include the Living Room Program, Drop-In Center, youth services, and a growing portfolio of grants.
Position Summary
The Director of Finance & Operations serves as a key member of the leadership team, overseeing financial management, operational infrastructure, compliance systems, and administrative functions. This role supports continued growth and long-term sustainability through strategic planning, financial stewardship, and operational excellence.
Essential Responsibilities
Lead the organization's financial management functions in partnership with outsourced accounting and bookkeeping providers.
Develop, monitor, and manage the agency's annual operating budget.
Prepare monthly financial reports, forecasts, and financial analyses for leadership and the Board of Directors.
Monitor cash flow, revenue projections, and organizational financial health.
Support annual audit, tax filing, and financial review processes.
Develop financial models and projections to support strategic planning and decision-making.
Monitor grant budgets and expenditures to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate action.
Oversee day-to-day administrative and operational functions across the organization.
Supervise and support the Office Manager, and work closely with them to oversee facilities operations, maintenance coordination, safety planning, and vendor relationships.
Develop and improve systems, workflows, policies, and procedures that increase organizational effectiveness.
Ensure organizational infrastructure keeps pace with agency growth.
Manage contracts and relationships with key service providers, including accounting, payroll, HR, IT, insurance, and facility vendors.
Lead operational planning for agency growth and expansion initiatives.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and grant-related requirements.
Oversee grant administration systems and reporting processes.
Manage organizational compliance activities within GATA, CSA, CRV, SAM.gov, and other required grant management systems.
Care for contract execution, reporting requirements, and grant monitoring activities.
Maintain organizational policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Support insurance administration, risk mitigation efforts, and organizational safety initiatives.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance, employment, and regulatory requirements.
Partner with the Executive Director on strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
Research and evaluate long-term sustainability strategies for major programs and grants.
Research and pursue national accreditation of NAMI McHenry County's programs.
Assist in evaluating future funding models, reimbursement opportunities, and revenue diversification strategies.
Support exploration of opportunities such as Medicaid billing, insurance reimbursement, and other sustainable funding mechanisms.
Lead or support special projects that strengthen organizational capacity and long-term impact.
Develop business processes and infrastructure that position the organization for future growth.
Serve as the primary liaison with the outsourced HR provider.
Assist leadership with employee relations, performance management processes, and HR compliance matters.
Support workforce planning and organizational development initiatives.
Serve as a member of the agency leadership team.
Participate in Board and committee meetings as assigned.
Provide leadership and support across departments.
Contribute ideas and recommendations that strengthen organizational performance and sustainability.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in finance, operations, administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and organizational operations.
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial management systems.
Ability to pass required background screenings.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Nonprofit Management, Finance, or a related field.
Experience in nonprofit leadership or nonprofit financial management.
Experience supervising staff or managing teams.
Experience managing government grants and grant compliance requirements.
Experience with GATA, CSA, CRV, SAM.gov, or other grant management systems.
Experience overseeing outsourced accounting, HR, IT, or operational vendors.
Experience supporting organizational growth, expansion, or change management initiatives.
Familiarity with behavioral health, healthcare, or human services organizations.
Desired Attributes
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
Highly organized and detail-oriented.
Comfortable balancing big-picture planning with day-to-day execution.
Strong analytical and financial management skills.
Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build strong relationships across departments.
Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort working within a growing organization.
Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and build systems in a dynamic environment.
Physical Requirements
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
Ability to occasionally travel within McHenry County for meetings and organizational activities.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.