Careers at Groundwork are life-changing opportunities to create a better Michigan. We improve people's lives by creating and implementing local-based solutions that improve the environment, economy, and community. Become a part of creating bright, optimistic tomorrows in our challenging and rewarding work environment.
(Above photo by Scot Laing.)
career opportunities
Groundwork Finance Director
Salary Range: $85,000 to $90,000
Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Location: Remote within Michigan, with occasional travel to Traverse City, Michigan
Reports to: Deputy Director
Deadline to Apply: 11:59pm on 09/30/2023
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced financial professional to maximize and strengthen the organization’s financial operations. The ideal candidate will have a passion for Groundwork principles and have experience in managing finances in for-profit or non-profit capacities, and has a proven ability to improve systems for financial management.
The ideal candidate will oversee Groundwork’s finance department; manage Groundwork’s $3 million annual budget and financial activities; provide external and internal financial reporting; and help the team build new tools for financial tracking and analysis.
The Finance Director will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- Providing day-to-day oversight of Finance department;
- Supervising, coaching and supporting other members of the finance department;
- Managing process for developing and updating Groundwork’s annual budget;
- Serving as staff liaison for the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors;
- Preparing external and internal financial reports;
- Overseeing contracts, agreements and fiscal sponsorship arrangements;
- Managing annual audit process with external audit firm;
- Developing new tools to help Groundwork staff manage individual program budgets;
- Assisting in preparation of grant budget proposals and reports;
- Maximizing the potential of cash reserve, endowment, or other special funds;
- Administering financial policies, including cash and investment policies;
- Analyzing financial data to help teams make informed decisions about spending and fundraising;
- Training staff on financial analysis and budgeting;
- Filing appropriate lobbying reports with appropriate state and federal agencies;
- And, assisting the development program teams in goal setting, financial tracking, and creating financial targets
Qualifications
- Minimum five years of financial management experience, senior leadership experience a plus;
- A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound financial decision-making;
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a diverse variety of staff and Board of Directors;
- Experience in financial stewardship and/or management of tax-deductible contributions;
- Background and training on Quickbooks software;
- Knowledge of 501c3 financial guidelines and regulations;
- A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment;
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of Groundwork.
General Expectations:
Groundwork staff members are expected to demonstrate a:
- Strong commitment to Groundwork’s mission and programs;
- Passion for building livable communities, propelling clean energy, and expanding the local food economy;
- Growing understanding of and enthusiasm for resiliency principles;
- And, a self-directed working approach and ability to take initiative;
At Groundwork, the candidate will join a team of driven individuals who work hard to provide funding for the organization so that it can fulfill its goals of advancing policy solutions and projects that are pragmatic, practical, caring and visionary. We strive to create a positive, collaborative, healthy and inspired working environment that gives the staff support and opportunities for growth and to become leaders.
We are optimistic about Michigan’s future and believe in a thriving local farm and food economy; stronger, more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly towns and villages; cleaner sources of energy, and climate solutions that support a more equitable future for all. The researchers, writers, advocates, system-changemakers and coalition-builders that make up the Groundwork program staff are passionately committed to realizing this vision.
Compensation, Benefits, and Application Procedure
This is a full-time position, with flexible hours, generous vacation and health benefits, retirement contribution matching and a competitive salary range. This is a director-level position, with a starting salary range of $85,000-$90,000. The position is based in Traverse City, Michigan, and allows for remote work from home.
Please send a one-page cover letter, résumé, and at least three references to jobs@groundworkcenter.org with the subject line: Finance Director. Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on September 30, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
Groundwork is committed to creating a diverse workplace and seeks a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. People of color, persons with disabilities, veterans and LGBTQ+ candidates are encouraged to apply. Groundwork is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process.
REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
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FELLOWSHIPS
FoodCorps is a national organization and partners with sites like Groundwork to work with schools and communities to nourish kids’ health, education, and sense of belonging. We are currently accepting applications for our next cohort (August 2023 thru July '24) of Service Members. The deadline is March 27, 2023. Please be sure to select the state and site as a preferred location on your application.
Each year, Public Health AmeriCorps Service Members partner with K-12 schools for a full school year teaching kids to grow, cook, and love the nourishing foods that celebrate their cultures and communities—and help schools serve more of those foods, too. FoodCorps recruits talented leaders into full-time, paid public service, where they grow healthy school food environments in diverse communities through hands-on, experiential food education.
There are two tracks of service:
- Food Educators work in one to two specific schools alongside educators to provide kids (pre K - 8) with food education and culturally affirming experiences in the classroom and gardens. This includes hands-on lessons, working in the gardens, doing taste tests to get kids excited about fruits and vegetables and trying new foods, and supporting a school-wide movement around nourishing food by building strong, collaborative relationships with teachers, families, and school administrators.
- School Nutrition Service Members work at a district level (preK - 12) with school nutrition departments to promote nourishing school food environments. This can include establishing and supporting feedback loops, coordinating student-led advisory groups and collaborating with other service members on school meals related projects. School Nutrition Service Members may contribute to the operational aspect of local procurement efforts, marketing and promotion of these items or support menu development. This type of service might be a good fit for those interested in gaining experience with and learning about school nutrition leadership, public health nutrition, and marketing & communications.
Benefits of service in Michigan include a $33,000 stipend paid bi-weekly (this is a full-time, 11 month commitment), a $6,895 Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service, health, dental and vision insurance, as well as student loan forbearance. Please see the attached flyer with more details.
The Groundwork Center Food Education service members will serve East Jordan and Alanson Public Schools, while the School Nutrition service member will support the Char-Em Intermediate School District. The service member(s) will collaborate with schools, food service staff, farmers and students to help …
- Learn why healthy food matters
- Grow, cook and try new things
- Eat healthy food every day
- Build a foundation for a bright future
To be considered for a FoodCorps service member position, you must
- Be 18 years or older by the start of your service term
- Be a legal, permanent resident of the United States
- Hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with hoophouses and season extension is useful for our short growing season. Gardening experience is a must!
- Able to jump into a fast-paced school environment and connect with youth, staff, and community partners, attend wellness committee meetings, family nights, and other community activities
- MUST have access to reliable transportation, and an appreciation of outdoor recreation and seasonality (especially winter) is useful for connecting with the region
- Must have excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Must be reliable, accountable, and a team player.
- Knowledge of Anishinaabe history and culture is a bonus
- Passionate about strategic systems change in food systems, with interest in Groundwork’s other program areas
Here is the link with more details and to apply: https://foodcorps.org/apply/.
Questions can be directed to erin.wenk@foodcorps.org.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer opportunities are available here.