Finance Director

UIDP seeks an experienced, strategic, and hands‑on Finance Director to lead and strengthen the organization’s financial management and long‑term financial strategy. As a key member of the leadership team, this role is responsible for ensuring the organization’s financial health, sustainability, and integrity while remaining actively engaged in day‑to‑day financial operations.

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and advance financial strategy within a growing, mission‑driven organization at the forefront of global university‑industry collaboration. The Finance Director combines high‑level strategic leadership with operational execution, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, compliance, and grants management.

Working in close partnership with the President & CEO and senior leadership team, the Finance Director provides critical financial insight to inform decision‑making and support organizational growth. The role also includes direct supervision of the Accounting & Grants Manager, with responsibility for leadership, oversight, and professional development, ensuring the effective and accurate execution of daily financial and grants operations.

• Develop and implement long‑term financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and growth objectives.
• Partner with the Treasurer, President & CEO, and Board to support investment strategy, including oversight of reserves and short‑ and long‑term investment approaches.
• Evaluate financial institutions, investment vehicles, and advisory partners to ensure alignment with organizational goals and risk tolerance.
• Lead annual budgeting and multi‑year financial forecasting processes.
• Establish financial policies, systems, and controls that support scalability and sustainability.
• Provide financial insights and scenario modeling to support strategic initiatives.

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and reconciliations.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
• Maintain and enhance financial dashboards and reporting tools for leadership and board use.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting systems (e.g., Quick Books or equivalent).
• Provide executive oversight of the annual audit process, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timely completion.
• Oversee organizational banking relationships, ensuring optimal account structures, competitive rates, and cost‑effective fee arrangements.
• Monitor cash management practices and liquidity to support operational needs and strategic initiatives.

• Provide strategic oversight of grant budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and private funding requirements.
• Review and approve grant‑related financial reports and sub‑awardee activities.
• Strengthen internal controls and compliance frameworks.

• Maintain direct, hands‑on involvement in financial processes as needed, particularly in a lean team environment.
• Lead financial process improvement and system enhancements, including identifying inefficiencies, implementing scalable solutions, and managing change across the organization.
• Supervise and mentor finance staff.
• Continuously improve financial systems, workflows, and efficiencies.

• General administrative functions, clerical support, document preparation, data entry, scheduling assistance, meeting coordination, filing, supply management, and other office‑related activities as needed.
• Responsibility may evolve based on organizational needs, requiring flexibility and a collaborative approach.

The successful candidate is both a strategic thinker and a practical executor, someone who can operate at a high level while remaining comfortable managing detailed financial work. You are proactive, analytical, and adaptable, with strong judgment and a commitment to accuracy and accountability. You thrive in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment and are motivated to build and improve systems that support…