Position Description

WSAS was established by state law to serve as an independent science advisory body and to put science and engineering in service to the state. WSAS provides multidisciplinary assessments, expert briefings, and interactive programs to support evidence-informed decision making and collaborative action. Its work draws upon the expertise and networks of over 500 members that includes top researchers and innovators in Washington.

WSAS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives grants and donations directly and also receives state funding and employs staff through a memorandum of agreement with Washington State University (WSU). The organization is entering a period of review, reorganization, and program expansion that will require roughly doubling the organization’s budget, diversifying its revenue base, and establishing new organizational processes over the next few years — making this a rare opportunity to help build the operational and financial foundation of an organization at an inflection point.

The Director of Finance & Operations is a senior leadership role that advances WSAS’s strategic priority of organizational sustainability and effectiveness, and enables organizational scaling to increase impact. This person will report to the Executive Director and enable effective and efficient financial planning and management, compliance with applicable laws and requirements, and team productivity.

They will be responsible for designing, leading, and continuously improving the internal machinery of WSAS – finance, personnel, operations, policies and procedures, and administrative infrastructure; all while in compliance with requirements of non-profit organizations, WSU, organizational agreements, and applicable state law. They will also proactively identify opportunities and mitigate risks to improve organizational performance and accountability, and oversee implementation of this work through supervision of WSAS’s implementation coordinator and oversight of part-time WSU administrative staff, contractors, and other vendors.

This role is ideal for a seasoned leader who has experience transforming finance and operations for a mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of growth. We welcome candidates who see this as a capstone career opportunity and mid-career nonprofit leaders who are ready for a broader mandate.