Chief Financial Officer

Are you a strategic financial leader with a passion for driving positive change? The North Carolina Arboretum (TNCA) is seeking an innovative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead our financial operations and support our mission of cultivating connections between people, plants, and places.

This role presents a rare opportunity to work within two distinct yet interconnected sectors: the nonprofit realm and a state-supported entity. As part of our team, you will have the chance to contribute meaningfully to both sectors, leveraging your skills and expertise to drive positive outcomes through financial leadership.

Primary Purpose of this Position:

This position is primarily responsible for managing, coordinating, overseeing, and planning the financial resources of The North Carolina Arboretum and The North Carolina Arboretum Society, and will serve as liaison with the university, Society, and state for legal and risk management matters. Additionally, this role will incorporate facility management responsibilities including directing all capital and renovation projects and managing all reporting to the University of North Carolina System Office and the State Construction office. The CFO will also oversee physical operations and other aspects of Arboretum operations when necessary to balance the workload among senior leadership and may assume complete or shared responsibility for assigned special projects.

Hiring Salary and Classification:

Classified within the University of North Carolina System as a Finance & Budget Manager II, this is an exempt role that will report directly to the Executive Director. The hiring salary will is between $70,000 and $90,000 and include benefits provided by the State of North Carolina and the UNC System.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement creative financial strategies to support organizational goals. Because TNCA is state-supported but focuses on earning revenue to execute mission programming, this role will contribute meaningfully to both the public and nonprofit sectors. Strategies will focus on navigating government regulations, managing grants and contracts, and upholding financial transparency and accountability while also collaborating with departments and leadership to advance TNCA's mission.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management initiatives

• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP) and government regulations

• Manage financial audits and reporting processes efficiently

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation

• Provide management of capital projects and facilities including oversight of the facility maintenance team.

• Provide institutional Leadership by consulting with Executive Leadership consisting of the Executive Director and other Directors on matters directly related to finance or maintenance. Represent the Arboretum as the financial liaison to the Arboretum Board of Directors and the Arboretum Society Board, serve as a primary contact for the US Forest Service and lead the Arboretum Society Finance Committee.

• Oversee Facilities Management

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required or helpful in this Position

• Financial Expertise: Strong financial acumen is fundamental, including budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, and compliance with nonprofit and governmental regulations.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align financial strategies with the mission and goals of the organization, considering both short-term financial health and long-term sustainability.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying and mitigating financial risks inherent in nonprofit and government sectors, such as funding fluctuations and regulatory changes.

• Compliance and Governance: In-depth knowledge of nonprofit and government regulations, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.

• Team Leadership and Supervision: Ability to lead and motivate finance teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Effective supervision ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance, and efficient operations within the finance department.

• Resource Allocation: Skill in optimizing resource allocation to support organizational priorities, balancing budget constraints with program effectiveness.

• Grant Management: Experience in managing grants and funding from various sources, understanding grant compliance requirements and reporting.

• Financial Planning and Analysis: Ability to conduct financial forecasting and scenario analysis, supporting decision-making and organizational planning.

• Change Management: Capability to adapt financial strategies in response to evolving organizational needs and external factors.

• Communication Skills: Effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including board members, donors, government agencies, and internal teams.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Capacity to think innovatively about revenue generation, cost efficiencies, and program development within nonprofit constraints.

• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with financial systems and software for accurate reporting and efficient operations.

• Ethical Integrity: Commitment to ethical behavior and transparency in financial management, critical in the nonprofit and government sectors.

• Organizational sensitivity: A comprehensive knowledge of the institution and its history, mission, vision, values and goals is critical in selecting suitable strategic initiatives that will benefit the institution and gain endorsement from stakeholders.

Why Join Us:

• Make a meaningful impact in the community and contribute to positive change

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values creativity and innovation

• Competitive compensation and benefits package

About the Team

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden affiliated with the University of North Carolina featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational activities, and plant-centered research and economic development programs. The North Carolina Arboretum Society is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation that supports the Arboretum's mission of cultivating connections between people and plants through the membership program, individual and corporate giving programs, retail operations, sponsored research activities and fee-based educational program and exhibits and green events. The Administrative Office performs and oversees a variety of professional, financial, Human Resources, and administrative work.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

A bachelor's degree in business, finance or public administration or another relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. More than 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial or business management, with a supervisory or leadership capacity is needed.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

• Advanced experience in Business, Accounting or Public Administration. • Management experience in revenue-generating activities is desirable. • Experience in higher education, state agencies or not-for-profit administration is preferred. A leadership role at an Arboretum, public garden or museum venue is desirable. • Knowledge of North Carolina state capital budget processes is advantageous. • Construction and capital project budget management experience is desirable. • Licensed Architect, Professional Engineer License or Licensed General Contractor would be advantageous.

• Classification: Finance & Budget Manager II

• Appointment Type: Permanent

• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

• Employment Type: EHRA

• Recruitment Salary Range: 70000-90000

• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA

• Position Number: UNCSO-A19120

EEO

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.