Director of Finance & Operations

Location: Athens, GA
Reports To: Executive Director
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance | Paid time off and holidays | Retirement plan | Professional development support

About Athens Land Trust
Athens Land Trust (ALT) is a nonprofit organization connecting people, land, and opportunity. We protect and steward land for affordable housing, community agriculture, and conservation across Georgia—building stronger, more equitable communities.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Finance & Operations is a senior leader responsible for the financial integrity and operational effectiveness of Athens Land Trust. This position partners closely with the Executive Director and serves as the organization’s principal resource for financial management, systems development, and administrative oversight. The DFO ensures strong internal controls, efficient operations, and alignment with ALT’s mission and values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy & Management

• Lead all accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices.
• Develop annual and multi-year budgets aligned with ALT’s strategic plan and program goals.
• Manage federal, state, and foundation grant compliance, reimbursements, and audits.
• Monitor cash flow, investments, and financial performance; provide actionable insights to the Executive Director and Finance Committee.
• Maintain sound internal controls and policies to safeguard organizational assets.
• Oversee audit preparation, 990 fi ling, and financial monitoring reviews.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee human resources, payroll, benefits, and performance systems that support a positive, accountable culture.
• Manage facilities, IT systems, insurance, vendor contracts, and administrative workflows.
• Implement operational improvements to increase efficiency, transparency, and data integrity across departments.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and reporting obligations.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Executive Director and Board leadership.
• Supervise and mentor finance, operations, and administrative staff or consultants.
• Lead organization-wide process improvement and systems integration initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on excellence, equity, and results.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Finance Committee and support other Board committees as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive nonprofit financial management and operations experience.
• Proven expertise in grants management, audit preparation, and compliance.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks, Excel, and cloud-based systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through collaboration, clarity, and accountability.

Preferred

• CPA, MBA, or related advanced degree.
• Experience in land conservation, affordable housing, or community development sectors.
• Experience providing HR oversight in collaboration with internal or external HR resources.
• Familiarity with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) or similar management frameworks.

The Ideal Candidate
You are a mission-driven financial and operational leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. You can build systems, lead people, and translate complexity into clarity. You balance rigor with empathy, and you’re energized by the opportunity to help shape the next era of growth for one of Georgia’s most innovative nonprofits.