Chief Financial Officer

About the position:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports directly to the President and is a key member of the executive leadership team, working within all levels of the organization to help shape the organization’s direction. This role calls for a strategic partner who is able to move well beyond the numbers. The successful candidate will possess sharp business acumen, demonstrate clear financial insight, and show a willingness to engage directly in high-level discussions with agencies, international partners, and key stakeholders. The CFO serves as a critical advisor by translating complex financial data into practical guidance and supporting sound decision-making throughout the organization.

The CFO’s impact reaches every corner of the organization and the role acts as the trusted voice interpreting financial performance for both lay leaders and professional staff, while fostering a climate of confidence and transparency. Responsibilities extend across asset management, audits, budgeting, legal matters, risk management, and business operations. The CFO will ensure the organization remains not only compliant, but also ahead of the curve. Collaboration is fundamental, as the CFO builds strong partnerships with every department, leads a talented Finance team of six direct reports with a span of control of 27, and maintains a visible presence among national non-profit financial leaders and beneficiary agencies.

This is a rare opportunity for a CFO to join a large, multifaceted organization that is making a significant difference across communities and continents. Through visionary financial leadership, the CFO will help advance a bold mission that touches countless lives. The role offers a dynamic, impactful environment where each day brings new opportunities for leadership and service.

Key Responsibilities:

Beyond the specific responsibilities outlined below, the CFO will not only ensure financial integrity, strategic vision, and long-term sustainability for the organization, but will also bring strong problem-solving skills, a talent for navigating uncertainty, and a solutions-oriented mindset that drives progress even in ambiguous situations.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides high-level financial leadership and strategic direction across the organization. Key areas of responsibility include:

• Investment Oversight: Leads all investment activities, collaborates with the Managing Director of Finance and external advisors, supports investment committees, and maintains strong relationships with investment partners including the Outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO), Partners Capital.
• Asset and Risk Management: Oversees the management and security of physical assets and properties, directs risk management and insurance strategies, and participates in property and cemetery initiatives.
• Financial Reporting: Directs accounting teams, ensures transparent and accurate financial reporting, oversees endowment and foundation reporting, and presents financial results to stakeholders.
• Budgeting: Manages the annual budget process, aligns resources with organizational priorities, and communicates budget details to the Board and committees.
• Audit and Compliance: Oversees external and internal audit processes, maintains relationships with auditors, and ensures robust fiscal policies and internal controls.
• Cash Management and Payroll: Guides finance staff on collections, oversees payroll and benefit administration, and leads negotiations on insurance and employee benefits.
• Committee Leadership: Supports and staffs key committees, including compensation and administrative, ensuring decisions are informed and well-documented.

Leadership Attributes:

• Strategic Visionary: Able to see the big picture and help shape the future direction of the organization.
• Trusted Advisor: Earns confidence at every level, providing senior management, staff, and lay leaders with clear and actionable financial insights. Builds trust within the broader community by offering transparent guidance and fostering open communication about financial matters.
• Collaborative Leader: Fosters strong, effective partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders, championing teamwork and transparency.
• Analytical Decision-Maker: Excels at translating complex financial data into meaningful strategies and solutions.
• Exceptional Communicator: Comfortable engaging with everyone from board members to donors, and skilled at making the complex simple.
• Change Catalyst: Along with the senior leadership team, embraces innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring the organization stays agile and ahead of challenges.
• Mission-Driven: Deeply committed to advancing the organization’s purpose and making a meaningful impact through leadership and service.

Qualifications & Key Attributes:

• Demonstrated excellence in both written and verbal communication, with the ability to engage a range of audiences from internal teams to external stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, complemented by advanced analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate and build professional relationships with colleagues, advisors, donors, and volunteers at all levels.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration required; master’s degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
• CPA credential is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Extensive technical expertise with financial systems, including ERP platforms (ideally Oracle NetSuite), FP&A tools, and Microsoft 365.
• Significant leadership experience in finance, with a track record of driving business transformation and managing treasury functions.
• At least 10 years in progressively senior finance roles, including direct partnership with executive leadership and Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and presenting to diverse stakeholder groups, including board members.
• Previous involvement in fundraising initiatives or a willingness to contribute to fundraising efforts.

About the Federation:

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is the only organization in Cleveland that focuses on the health and vitality of the entire Jewish community. For more than 120 years, the Federation has created the critical scale necessary to drive meaningful social change and provide relief in times of crisis in ways no one person or organization could do alone. As Jewish Cleveland’s hub for innovative solutions and collaborative services, the Federation is able to change and improve lives in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world.

If you are an exceptional leader with the qualifications, attributes, mission connection, drive and determination required to be extraordinary, we are very interested in speaking with you. Please submit your interest in confidence to:

Stacy Urbanic, Sr. Executive Search Consultant: surbanic@ratliffandtaylor.com