Director of Finance

The Fund for Science and Technology is a new private foundation that is part of the Paul G. Allen philanthropic ecosystem.

Founded in 2022 and launched in 2025, we enable accelerated discovery and catalyze progress for people and the planet through transformational science and technology. The foundation works to advance bioscience, accelerate solutions for the environment, and leverage the power of AI for the benefit of Earth and humanity, supporting work in the lab and across the ecosystem of scientific research, collaboration, and innovation.  

Together, we strive to advance the frontiers of science and maximize the benefits it offers the world. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO), the Director of Finance
will be responsible for advancing the Fund for Science and Technology’s (FFST) financial management strategy and supporting the organization’s strategic goals. The Director will develop and implement policies and procedures for finance across the organization, focused on finance, budgeting, and business planning.  This is an outstanding opportunity for a finance executive with foundation experience and a proven track record in problem-solving and change management to contribute to a dynamic, mission-driven organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Partner closely with the CFOO to execute the Foundation’s financial strategy and long-term planning.


• Provide analytical insights, scenario modeling, and financial recommendations to support decision‑making.


• Coordinate and prepare financial materials and analysis for presentation to the Board and Committees.


• Manage and develop accounting and finance staff


• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration and customer service


• Work cross-functionally with other teams to support organizational goals

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee financial policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures in compliance with state and federal regulations and GAAP.


• Lead the annual budgeting process, monitor financial plans, and conduct variance analysis in close collaboration with the CFOO and outside accounting team.


• Manage cash flow, forecasting, and all organizational bank accounts.


• Supervise operational accounting, including grants payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing.


• Maintain financial reporting and planning systems to support operational needs, including developing reporting capabilities to monitor business performance. Ensure financial systems are effective, accurate, and scalable.


• Update business policies and accounting practices as needed.


• Communicate key financial matters and status reports to the Board.


• Oversee the annual audit; manage relationships with external auditors.


• In collaboration with Human Resources, manage compensation budgeting and administration.

Investment Operations & Reporting

• Oversee investment accounting, transaction reconciliation and reporting processes


• Oversee relationships with external investment advisors and ensure timely, accurate investment reporting.


• Support the CFOO and Investment Committee in reviewing investment policies and monitoring portfolio performance.


• Coordinate the preparation of investment reports and related materials for Board and Committee meetings.


• Assist in the transition of investment operations to an investment team as it is built out

Tax

• Coordinate the preparation of Form 990-PF and other regulatory filings; manage relationship with external advisors


• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations including, but not limited to minimum distribution requirements, excess business holdings, excise tax calculations, self-dealing and jeopardizing investment rules

Grants Finance & Operational Support

• Support the grants management team with financial due diligence, budget review and risk assessment, as needed


• Coordinate with grants management team to ensure grant disbursements align with budgets, restrictions and documentation requirements


• Monitor muti-year commitments and cash flow implications


• Oversee reconciliation between grants management system and financial systems, ensuring accuracy of grant balances, payment status, and financial reporting for management, auditors, and the board reporting.


• Contribute to the development and refinement of grants-related financial policies and controls, including payment approval workflows, segregation of duties, and internal review thresholds as the foundation scales

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Experience, Skill, and/or Ability Required

• Proven experience overseeing financial data, reporting, and audit coordination for a division or organization.


• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit/private foundation financial practices


• Experience managing grants and compliance.


• Demonstrated experience working with multi-national organizations and managing international operations.

• Background working with private foundations and nonprofit organizations.

• Comfort and familiarity with IT systems and data security is a plus.


• Strong ability to communicate financial concepts and collaborate with non-financial colleagues.


• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities with internal and external stakeholders.


• Excellent analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills.


• Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with the ability to manage complexity and drive results.


• High integrity, credibility, and dedication to the Foundation’s mission.

Management Responsibilities

The Director of Finance will initially operate within a shared services model, serving as the primary point of accountability for finance operations supported by Vale Group Financial Shared Services. This role carries the expectation of building and leading a high‑performing internal finance organization over time, including direct people management and talent development.

Required Computer Skills

• Proficient in the use of MS Office and financial management software


• Experience with Sage Intacct desirable

Education/Experience/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, CPA, or related) preferred.


• Minimum 10 years of senior management experience, with at least 6 years in financial and operations leadership.

Special remarks regarding the work environment

• FFST as an organization is Monday – Thursday in the office, and Friday are remote days each week. The hybrid work environment is an organizational decision that benefits employees, may differ from job to job, and is subject to change as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is expected to be $264,494 to $357,845 per year. The upper portion of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who have demonstrated strong performance over time, or for candidates who exceed our experience and skill set expectations.

We personalize offers for each selected candidate, carefully considering various factors in our review. These factors include experience, professional achievements, education, individual backgrounds, and internal equity, any of which could affect the compensation offer.

The total compensation package for this position will also include reasonable and customary benefits. This includes Foundation-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and their eligible dependents. To help secure your financial future, you may also participate in a retirement savings plan, which includes a generous 15% employer contribution each year, up to IRS limits, and is subject to a vesting schedule.  For more information on our benefits, please visit our FFST Benefits summary.

We’re committed to inclusion and equal opportunity. 

FFST is an equal-opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, disability, political ideology, veteran status, or other protected class.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you need accommodation during the application or hiring process, don't hesitate to contact [email protected].