Finance and Operations Director

The Director of Finance and Operations serves as a key member of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) leadership team and is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the organization's financial and operational functions. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director provides leadership in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, risk management, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness. This position serves as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and Finance Committee, ensuring the financial health, sustainability, and operational efficiency of the organization.

This position plays a critical role in supporting ASF's mission by developing financial strategies, implementing sound business practices, maintaining strong internal controls, and providing data-driven insights that support strategic decision-making and long-term organizational growth.

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President & CEO and leadership team in advancing ASF's mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and recommendations to support organizational planning and decision-making.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of ASF's strategic plan and organizational goals.
• Maintain open communication with the President & CEO regarding critical financial, operational, and organizational matters.
• Represent ASF externally as needed with financial institutions, vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Participate in and support ASF's signature events, including the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction and the Innovators Symposium and Gala.

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of all financial management strategies and processes.
• Advise the President & CEO and leadership team on budgeting, cash flow management, investment priorities, financial planning, and fiscal policies.
• Ensure the organization's financial resources are managed responsibly and strategically to support mission delivery and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and maintain accurate financial forecasting models and reporting tools.
• Monitor organizational financial performance and recommend proactive strategies to address opportunities and risks.
• Oversee treasury management, banking relationships, investments, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, grants processing, and other financial operations.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee on financial and operational matters.
• Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, budgets, and strategic analyses to the Board and Finance Committee.
• Communicate complex financial information in a clear and actionable manner to support informed governance and decision-making.
• Provide regular updates on financial performance, organizational risks, strategic initiatives, and operational effectiveness.

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the ASF team.
• Ensure budgets align with strategic priorities, organizational goals, and available resources
• Monitor budget performance throughout the year and recommend adjustments as necessary.
• Provide ongoing financial analysis to support program investments and organizational growth.
• Assess financial performance against budget and strategic objectives and communicate findings to leadership and the Board.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, procedures, and internal controls to strengthen operational effectiveness and financial accountability.
• Evaluate and enhance accounting systems, financial technologies, and operational processes to improve efficiency and reporting capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, financial regulations, grant requirements, and organizational policies.
• Develop and maintain dashboard reporting to monitor organizational health, operational effectiveness, and financial performance.
• Ensure ASF remains aligned with its strategic plan by tracking progress, reporting outcomes, and recommending corrective actions when necessary.

• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and…