Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Position Profile
ABOUT NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN
Naples Botanical Garden conserves the plants and habitats of the tropics, cultivates beauty, offers knowledge, and inspires the protection of nature.
Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre non-profit destination featuring some of the world's most diverse plant communities and interesting cultures between the 26th latitude north where Naples, FL is situated, and the 26th latitude south. Their subtropical location gives them the opportunity to showcase gardens that represent countries and regions from between these latitudes as they encircle the globe.
The beautiful botanical collection and sprawling natural areas of the Garden inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. They aspire to be a global leader in environmental education for all ages and audiences by offering engaging activities, accurate information, and impactful experiences that illuminate plants’ critical role in supporting all life on Earth.
Naples Botanical Garden is the youngest garden in history to receive the American Public Gardens Association’s prestigious Award for Garden Excellence in 2017.
ABOUT NAPLES, FLORIDA
Naples, Florida Once Again Ranked as #1 Best Place to Live in the United States
Naples, Florida, is an idyllic destination that seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty with an abundance of outdoor activities and a close-knit community spirit. Known for its nearly 9-mile stretch of pristine white sand beaches and year-round sunshine, Naples offers a perfect retreat for those who love the outdoors. The city's strong job market and excellent quality of life make it a highly desirable place to live. The vibrant local culture, with events like the Chubb Classic and the Naples Winter Wine Festival, along with a supportive and engaged community, makes Naples not just a place to live but a place to love. It's no wonder that once people experience the southwest Florida lifestyle, they often choose to stay for good.
IN THE NEWS
POSITION OVERVIEW
Naples Botanical Garden is in search of a dynamic Chief Financial & Administrative Officer who will be a key member of the Executive Management Team, providing strategic leadership and comprehensive management across all financial, operational, and administrative functions. As the Garden continues its expansion, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing finance, accounting, information technology, legal, risk management, planning, and operational functions. This role demands a proactive leader who can drive efficiency, innovation, and strategic initiatives to support the Garden’s mission and growth.
In addition to managing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer will play a critical role in optimizing revenue streams and enhancing operational processes. This individual will work closely with the Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors to ensure robust financial oversight and build confidence among stakeholders. The ideal candidate will also effectively communicate with donors and executive committees, fostering trust in the Garden's financial management. By providing insightful analysis and informed decision support, the successful candidate will contribute significantly to the overall strategic direction of the Garden, ensuring its long-term sustainability and success.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide sound decision-making in alignment with Naples Botanical Garden's strategic objectives and mission.
- Ensure alignment of financial strategies with the Garden’s mission and growth opportunities.
- Participate as a core member of the Executive Management Team to instill visionary thinking, prioritize efforts, and operationalize the Garden’s master plan and strategic initiatives.
- Develop and evaluate short and long-term strategic financial objectives, ensuring alignment with the overall strategy and mission of the Garden.
- Partners with the peer leader accountable for this revenue to oversee construction management, ensuring projects align with the Garden's botanical mission and contribute to its growth and sustainability.
- Manage financial complexity of both unrestricted and restricted revenue streams.
- Oversee and manage capital projects, ensuring proper allocation and utilization of resources to support the Garden’s growth and sustainability.
- Ensure accurate and timely accounting processes and reporting in compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
- Financial analysis capabilities to create proactive financial reporting and analysis for Management, Board of Directors and the Finance Committee.
- Contribute to the development and execution of strategic goals and objectives, ensuring the overall management of the organization is efficient and effective.
- Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Staff informed of all critical issues and developments.
- Lead and manage the budget, financial forecasting, and internal control processes. Oversee risk management policies, including insurance coverage.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
- Maintain records in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and prepare audit information to ensure transparency.
- Oversee facilities operations, including maintenance and security.
- Initiate and manage capital expenditures, develop implementation strategies, and oversee construction management projects to ensure alignment with the Garden’s botanical mission.
- Enhance operational functions for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversee information technology department and drive technology-based initiatives.
- Represent the Garden at fundraising events, engaging with donors to build relationships and foster confidence in the Garden's financial health and mission.
- Champion organization-wide initiatives to foster a more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant organizational culture.
- Enhance, develop, recommend, and implement policies, procedures, and systems that improve the overall culture, value, and internal operations of Naples Botanical Garden.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Strong interest in the mission and programs of Naples Botanical Garden, with a deep appreciation for conservation and innovative environmental research.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- MBA or CPA preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
- Understanding of the culture and structure of the nonprofit sector is beneficial.
- Strong operational finance and accounting background, with a heavy FP&A skillset.
- Experience in managing ticketed venues and seasonal organizations.
- Proven track record in facilities operations and management, including exposure to security and construction management.
- Experience managing contracts related to construction projects, ensuring compliance with terms, alignment with strategic goals, and effective coordination with contractors and stakeholders.
- Prior experience in contract management related to construction projects.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic goals and drive organizational growth and innovation.
- Experience in fundraising, alliance building, and community engagement.
- Experience in fund and capital projects management.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with Board Members and the Finance Committee.
- Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Proven experience in managing capital projects and developing implementation strategies.
- Strong understanding of risk management policies and procedures, including insurance coverage.
- Experience with information technology systems and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build confidence and trust among stakeholders.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS
Results-Oriented
The successful candidate must be performance-driven and able to provide measurable results. This individual will be resourceful, action-oriented, as well as a flexible and decisive manager who establishes clarity during distractions to produce results in a timely fashion. They will provide clear direction and establish achievable goals.
Communication
This individual should possess very strong communication, collaboration, listening, and persuasion skills, in order to truly partner with the leadership team, employees, volunteers and vendors. They must be comfortable, dynamic, and an effective presenter in front of both external and internal audiences.
Strategic Agility
This individual must be intellectually sharp and clearly capable of thinking on their feet while demonstrating outstanding business judgment. The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer will possess the analytical skills to improve overall productivity and elevate the organization’s processes. Today’s vision may change drastically in the future. This person must not only embrace change, but be entrepreneurial in nature, creating and altering this road map along the way.
Leadership Acumen & Team Orientation
The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer will be charged with working harmoniously as a member of close-knit program and administrative teams, creating effective collaboration while being sensitive to diverse opinions, backgrounds, and personal styles. Through the development of improved processes, this individual will work to foster a culture of accountability and results. This position requires a hands-on, team-oriented executive who has broad-based credibility and is capable of consistently motivating people to act. An exceptional leader, who builds, inspires, and coaches teams with a passion for the business, while forging close working relationships with other senior leaders throughout the organization.
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