ABOUT SEATTLE FOUNDATION
Seattle Foundation is a community foundation that works to advance equity, shared prosperity, and belonging throughout the region while strengthening the impact of the philanthropists it serves. Founded in 1946, they continue to evolve to be the organization our community needs. With more than $1.2 billion in assets, they work with partners to provide effective advising, education, and experiential learning for philanthropists interested in making a difference both at home here in Seattle and around the world. Since 2016, their grantmaking, advocacy, and policy work have helped drive over $5 billion in public investments across the Greater Seattle region for children, housing, transit, and climate justice. Learn more at www.seattlefoundation.org.
Seattle Foundation believes that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day they work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.
POSITION SUMMARY
Seattle Foundation is moving from stabilization to defined growth, innovation and impact. Having taken meaningful steps to strengthen financial discipline, modernize operations, and reinvest in community, the organization is positioning itself to align strategy, revenue generation, and community impact more intentionally. This moment calls for a sophisticated Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who will serve as a strategic business partner to the President & CEO, helping to shape Seattle Foundation's next chapter. More than a steward of financial integrity, the CFO will contribute to stronger board and stakeholder confidence, improved decision-making through forward-looking insights, more resilient financial systems, and an operating model that enables organizational effectiveness and mission-driven growth.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned financial leader who understands that a community foundation’s most important asset is trust—with fundholders, the community, staff and the board. They recognize that in philanthropy, governance and mission are inseparable and this CFO will bring that understanding into every financial decision they make. The position requires analytical rigor, strategic vision, and foresight in equal measure, while being a people leader who is comfortable communicating with diverse customers and stakeholders, and building capable, collaborative and proud teams.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY
- Proven experience as a strategic partner to the CEO and board – providing clear analysis, strong organizational leadership, executive perspective, and effective communication across diverse stakeholders.
- Track record of driving business and financial strategy, evolution and growth, and long-term planning in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment (e.g., operating budgets of $15 million or above).
- At least 15 years of experience in finance or accounting roles with several years of experience in senior leadership positions (VP or higher).
- Financial risk management, with the ability to anticipate and navigate financial, operational, and reputational risks in a dynamic internal and external environment.
- Demonstrated success operating in high-accountability environments subject to scrutiny from external partners including auditors, investment committees, funders, and regulatory bodies.
- Has a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration; MBA or similar advanced degree and/or CPA highly desired.
- Experience working with non-profit Board of Directors and Board committees.
- Deep knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, cash-flow management, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Experience leading complex financial and technology systems implementations end-to-end, including change management.
- Builds, manages, coaches and develops high performing teams.
- Some experience with asset allocation, risk management, capital markets, and alternative investments.
ABOUT CFO SELECTIONS
CFO Selections provides finance and accounting interim consulting and executive search services to a wide range of organizations in the Northwest. Established in 2002, the company focuses on locating and recruiting the highest caliber senior-level talent available. Its team of consulting CFOs and Controllers work in a collaborative and problem-solving way to generate maximum results.
