Director of Finance & Operations

Chippewa Nature Center; Midland (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental education organization in Midland is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations to oversee financial management and provide leadership in financial matters. The ideal candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting, at least 5 years of experience in accounting and human resource management, and excellent communication skills. Join a dedicated team committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Health insurance

403(b) annuity plan

20% discount in Nature Center Store

10% discount on registered programs

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience with accounting, payroll, cash management, and human resource management.
• Preference for experience in a nonprofit setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Manage payroll and accounts payable, monitor accounts receivable.
• Assist in preparing annual budgets and financial forecasting.

Skills

Accounting and financial management

Excellent communication skills

Staff management

Data analysis

Strong computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Director of Finance & Operations role at Chippewa Nature Center.

Join a staff of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect all people with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The Director of Finance & Operations will provide leadership and oversight in the financial matters of Chippewa Nature Center and join a mission-based team dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Job Summary: The Director of Finance & Operations is responsible for the financial management and reporting of the financial position and activity for this environmental education, non-profit organization. Responsibilities include day-to-day financial operations, receipts, disbursements, payroll, accounting, insurance, banking, financial records, capital expenditure accounting, managing the human resource requirements as related to personnel information and benefits, planning and preparing budgets, maintaining all legal documents for the Nature Center and tracking the organization’s capital assets. This person also serves as a key member of the Leadership Team and plays a key role in helping to manage an operating budget of over $3 million.

Objective: To provide guidance and insight into the financial management of Chippewa Nature Center, an environmental education, non-profit organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

Department Director:

• Serve as an active, cooperative member of CNC’s leadership team promoting the mission and vision of the organization
• Provide input to and implement CNC’s strategic direction as it relates to finance, compliance and operations
• Assure CNC compliance with IRS 501(c)3 regulations and all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations
• Maintain all financial records and documentation and oversee and process receipts and disbursements
• Manage the payroll and accounts payable activities, including adequate internal controls
• Monitor status of accounts receivable and follow-up with past due invoices
• Complete bank reconciliations and monthly financial statement and reports
• Coordinate the annual audit, working with contract auditor, executive director, staff and board; take actions to improve business practices on audit recommendations
• Assist with grants management and financial reporting to donors
• Serve as secretary for Board of Directors Finance/Endowment Committee
• Attend monthly Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings
• Work with Executive Director and Leadership Team in preparing annual budgets
• Make arrangements for completion of 990 and other government reports, including 941 Q.
• Federal withholding, 5500 Annual Retirement Plan, Michigan Tax withholding and Sales Tax
• Prepare periodic reporting and payment of payroll withholding taxes, unemployment taxes, and sales taxes
• Review general insurance package to ensure adequate and cost-effective coverage
• Prepare monthly financial reporting as required by the Board of Directors, Executive Director and Leadership Team
• Assist Executive Director and Board with financial forecasting and planning

Personnel:

• Supervise Visitor Engagement Coordinator and Visitor Services staff
• Assist Executive Director in monitoring and maintaining Human Resource compliance, including CNC’s personnel policy
• Assist Executive Director and Leadership Team in maintaining employment records
• Maintain/update personnel procedures handbook as needed with Personnel Committee

IT and Computer Network:

• With outside provider, maintain computer and phone network and inform staff of changes and updates
• Maintain computers and software (including licensing)

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting
• 5 years’ experience with accounting, payroll, cash management, governmental reporting, and human resource management including the use of financial software. Preference for experience in nonprofit setting
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience managing staff
• Ability to analyze data and problems in a systematic and thoughtful manner
• Ability to communicate, support, and cooperate with others to achieve organization’s goals
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn and teach new software systems
• Commitment to integrity and confidentiality as it relates to human resources and organizational financial matters
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative problem-solving, ability to adapt to changing priorities and commitment to remaining focused in stressful situations
• Commitment to the mission and activities of Chippewa Nature Center

Status: Full time, permanent, exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm with occasional early morning, weekend and evening hours

Start Date: December 1, 2025

Compensation & Benefits: $65,000-70,000/year based on experience and education; paid vacation, holidays, and sick time; health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability insurance; 403(b) annuity plan with voluntary additional contribution; voluntary participation in flexible spending and dependent care accounts; staff uniform; CNC membership; 20% discount in Nature Center Store and 10% discount on registered program member fee

Application procedure: Send cover letter and resume to Dennis Pilaske, Executive Director,

[e-mail] or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640

Application Deadline: September 28, 2025

Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 2,000-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; a late 1800s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. Visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.

Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Equal Opportunity Employer: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.