Director of Finance

About Boreal Waters Community Foundation

Boreal Waters Community Foundation, located in Duluth, Minnesota, is a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to serving northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Established in 1982 as the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, it has been instrumental in collaborating with donors and community leaders to strengthen the region through support for local nonprofits, scholarships, and community-driven initiatives, returning over $52.9 million to the community.

In 2025, it adopted its current name reflecting its expanded reach while upholding its core mission: to unite people and resources, driving bold actions for lasting impact and a brighter future. The foundation operates on a mission-driven ethos and promotes transparency, accountability, and excellence.

The Director of Finance at Boreal Waters Community Foundation plays a crucial role in managing the foundation’s financial stewardship, audit readiness, and impact investing financial design. This senior leadership position is responsible for ensuring robust and reliable day-to-day financial operations, while developing systems to manage increasing complexity. Key collaborations include working closely with the CEO, Director of Strategy & Operations, and other leadership team members to ensure financial discipline and forward-looking strategies.

The role also involves partnering with external advisors to maintain a disciplined, structured, and adaptable financial framework.

• Oversee fund management, compliance, accounting, and financial operations.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reports.
• Supervise and lead accounting staff, including finance assistant and accounting associate.
• Lead annual audit planning and ensure GAAP compliance.
• Partner with leadership on impact investing financial architecture.
• Implement recommendations from external financial assessments and improve systems.
• Provide oversight of payroll, benefits, employment policies, and workforce compliance.

• Significant experience in nonprofit finance and GAAP.
• Proven knowledge of accounting and financial systems.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance or relevant experience.
• Minimum five years of senior-level fund accounting experience.
• Experience with impact investing and complex investment structures preferred.

• Employee and family health insurance (shared cost).
• Dental and vision insurance (employee paid).
• Short term and long term disability insurance.
• Parental leave up to 12 weeks.
• 401k with employer contributions.
• Life insurance (employer paid).
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and collaborative work environment.