Director of Finance and Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

Hawthornden Foundation is a U.S. private charitable foundation supporting contemporary writers and the literary arts. Established by Drue Heinz, the noted philanthropist and patron of the arts, the Foundation is named after Hawthornden Castle in Midlothian, Scotland, where an international residential program provides month-long retreats for creative writers from all disciplines to work in peaceful surroundings. Hawthornden also supports a residential program at Casa Ecco, on Lake Como in Italy, the site of “Conversazioni,” private conferences attended by many celebrated writers and others in the arts, and a retreat for invited authors to complete a literary work in progress. In 2024, Hawthornden Foundation opened a new non-residential retreat – Hawthornden Brooklyn – in New York. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the annual Hawthornden Prize, one of Britain’s oldest and foremost literary awards, and provides grant support to other literary programs. Hawthornden has rapidly expanded its global operations in the last three years.

Director of Finance and Operations

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance and Operations will be responsible for advancing Hawthornden Foundation’s financial management strategy and supporting the organization’s strategic goals. The Director will develop and implement policies and procedures for finance and operations across the Foundation’s international locations. The Director will supervise two international site staff members focused on finance, budgeting, and business planning.  This is an outstanding opportunity for a finance executive with operational experience and a proven track record in problem-solving and change management to contribute to a dynamic, mission-driven organization. This role will require in-person work at the Foundation’s Union Square headquarters for a minimum of three days per week, at the discretion of the Foundation.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Oversee financial policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor financial plans in close collaboration with the Executive Director and outside accounting team.
• Manage cash flow, forecasting, and all organizational bank accounts (including international accounts).
• Supervise operational accounting, including grants payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing.
• Maintain contracts management and financial reporting systems to support operational needs.
• Update business policies and accounting practices as needed.
• Communicate key financial matters and status reports to the Board.
• Coordinate with external accountants and ensure compliance with budgeting procedures.
• Manage compensation planning and administration.

Investments

Operations

Qualifications

Salary Range : $200,000-$220,000, dependent on experience

Benefits

Full-time staff members enjoy vacation and sick time; comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; and a 401(k) with generous company match.

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We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all staff. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age; ethnicity; gender; gender identity and expression; nationality; parental status; physical, mental, and developmental abilities; race; religion; sexual orientation; skin color; socioeconomic status; and human styles.

Employment at Hawthornden Foundation is contingent upon successful completion of references and a background check, which may include verification of employment history, education, criminal record, and other relevant screenings as permitted by law. Background checks are conducted after a conditional offer of employment and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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