Director of Finance & Operations | Washington State Academy of Sciences (Seattle, WA)

Washington State University's Office of the Provost and the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS) is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations. This senior leadership role advances WSAS’s strategic priority of organizational sustainability and effectiveness, enabling organizational scaling to increase impact.

About the role

The Director of Finance & Operations reports to the Executive Director and enables effective and efficient financial planning and management, compliance with applicable laws and requirements, and team productivity. Responsibilities include designing, leading, and continuously improving WSAS’s internal operations—finance, personnel, policies, procedures, and administrative infrastructure—while ensuring compliance with non-profit, WSU, organizational agreements, and state law requirements.

This role proactively identifies opportunities and mitigates risks to improve organizational performance and accountability. The Director oversees implementation through supervision of WSAS’s implementation coordinator and part-time WSU administrative staff, contractors, and vendors.

This position is ideal for a seasoned leader with experience transforming finance and operations for a mission-driven organization at a pivotal growth moment. We welcome candidates seeking a capstone career opportunity as well as mid-career nonprofit leaders ready for a broader mandate.

Goals

• Build financial infrastructure, forecasting, and reporting systems to responsibly double WSAS's budget and diversify its revenue base over the next two to three years.
• Strengthen internal operations, personnel practices, and systems to scale from a small team to a larger, more complex organization.
• Provide clear, trusted financial reporting to give the Board and funders confidence in supporting continued growth.
• Establish a smooth, well-understood working relationship with WSU as fiscal sponsor to ensure reliable administrative and compliance functions.
• Fully own WSAS's internal operations, freeing the Executive Director to focus on fundraising, partnerships, and program growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including at least one (1) year of managerial experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• At least 8 years of progressively senior experience in finance, operations, business administration, or related roles—ideally including experience as a CFO, COO, Director of Finance & Operations, or similar senior nonprofit leadership role.
• Knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, operations, and employee management.
• Experience translating financial complexity into clear guidance for non-financial audiences.
• Experience managing grants and government or state contracts, including compliance and reporting requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building or scaling operational infrastructure—systems, policies, and HR practices.
• Expertise in financial management: budgeting, GAAP-compliant accounting, audit management, and financial reporting to boards and funders, with nonprofit experience preferred.
• Experience with budget and business plan development, including for grant applications and proposals.
• Working knowledge of business management, financial, and HR/payroll software; knowledge of Workday preferred.
• Proven ability to set priorities, guide investment in people and systems, and manage operational processes that support productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions for rapidly shifting business demands.
• Experience working with a nonprofit board, ideally supporting a Treasurer or Finance Committee.

Pay

Monthly Salary: $8,333.00 to $11,374.00. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance for employees and dependents
• Retirement and deferred compensation options
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee tuition waiver

Schedule

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent, overtime-exempt position with a 12-month term.