James River Association - Vice President of Finance and Operations

Location: Richmond, Virginia (primary office)

Telework: Hybrid and flexible

Experience: 8-10 years in nonprofit finance and human resources

Number of Openings: 1

Job Status: Full time, Exempt

Salary Range: $110,000-$120,000

Reports to: President and Chief Executive Officer

The James River Association is a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. With the upcoming retirement of our long-serving Vice President of Finance and Operations, we are beginning the search for our next financial and operational leader. This is a meaningful opportunity to join a values-driven team that cares deeply about our people, our river, and the communities we serve.

We are seeking a seasoned, steady, and relationship-centered executive who can guide the financial health of the organization, nurture a positive operational and cultural environment, and serve as a trusted partner to our leadership team. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience in nonprofit finance, strategic budgeting, operational excellence, human resources, and people-centered leadership. This person will help shape JRA’s next chapter and ensure a strong foundation for our mission now and into the future.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of JRA’s finances and operations.
• Key liaison responsible for the annual “Single” Audit and Form 990
• Manage and mentor the Administration team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance to provide steady and meaningful support for all of JRA’s activities
• Identify opportunities and oversee development of ways to improve operational systems and organizational efficiency 
• Ensure accuracy of financial records and best practices in cash management
• Create and prepare the annual budget in collaboration with other staff and leadership, as well as prepare regular financial reports for each program area 
• With the Director of People and Culture annually review, maintain and modernize benefits offerings 
• Lead quarterly finance committee meetings, presenting salient financial data
• Work closely with the Development team, including tracking of long-term pledges and providing year to date revenue data for comparison and reporting to the board 
• Serve as a key member of JRA’s executive leadership team, contributing to organization-wide decision making and strategic planning.

Qualifications:
 

• Proven success in nonprofit budgeting, audit and cash management as well as an understanding of restricted funds and endowments.  
• Executive presence with strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with human resources functions including benefits, staff culture and support, and maintaining operational excellence
• Firm commitment to the ethical standards expected of accounting professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and inspire a team.

Requirements:
 

• Minimum of 8-10+ years of experience in finance and HR, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; CPA license preferred
• Proficiency in QuickBooks (desktop) and superior Excel skills

Preferred Skills & Experience:
 

• Ability to present data in understandable and impactful way to board and staff
• Perseverance in achieving efficiencies, savings, and improving processes and work flow 
• Capacity to work collaboratively across departments to maintain a deep understanding of the operations and financial activity of the organization
• Self-starter who is naturally intuitive with excellent listening skills 

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package: Includes fully paid employee-only health and dental coverage, life and LTD insurance, generous paid time off (starting at four weeks/year), twelve paid holidays, and 401(k) matched contributions. Professional development and growth opportunities. Dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment.

The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $110,000 – $120,000 annually, depending on education and work experience.

APPLY by submitting your resume and cover letter through this link. This position will remain open until filled, with an anticipated hire date in early February 2026.

Why Work for the James River Association? 

We are OPTIMISTS.

We believe through individual and collective action, the James River can be

preserved and improved, enriching all communities in the watershed.

We are CATALYSTS.

We are proactive change-makers, not bystanders. We take initiative, bring creativity

and passion, and enlist the broader community to drive positive change for the

James River.

CREDIBILITY is our currency.

Our success depends on the trust we build. We operate with integrity and can be

relied on as a true, steady, dependable resource grounded in science.

COMMUNITY drives everything we do.

We believe in the power of community to achieve common goals, honoring a full

range of voices in the process. Our efforts consider the varied needs and interests of

our watershed communities.

We are proud to be an EEO employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace. At JRA, we believe in community, conservation, and driving change. We encourage applications from all backgrounds—if you're excited about working with us, we want to hear from you!