THE SITUATION

The Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation is seeking an executive director, foundation finance to oversee all financial operations of the Foundation, which includes its five institutions and related organizations.

The Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation (PECF), chartered by Congress in 1893, is the corporate entity that owns and operates the Washington National Cathedral, St. Albans School for Boys, National Cathedral School for Girls, Beauvoir Elementary School, All Hallows Guild (care and maintenance of the grounds of the Close), and the College of Preachers, a continuing education center for clergy and laity.

The combined operating budgets of all PECF institutions is about $50 million, with total PECF assets, including property and investments, at approximately $300 million.

ATTRACTIONS

The Washington National Cathedral is the world’s sixth largest cathedral and the leading protestant cathedral in the United States. As the premier place of Christian worship in our nation’s capital, the National Cathedral asserts its theological and moral mission in a city traditionally dominated by politics. The opportunity to participate in and contribute to this faith-based mission through programmatic and endowment-raising endeavors is tremendous.

The executive director, foundation finance has the opportunity to help shape and bring financial stability to a dynamic, changing organization. Having gone through an extensive master planning process, the Foundation is poised to ascend to the next level of success.

The reputation of the institutions affiliated with the PECF is one of excellence in programming, faculty, staff, and facilities. Being affiliated with one Foundation unit is an honor; being part of the senior staff that provides oversight for the entire Foundation is a privilege.

The caliber of staff in the Foundation is high. Three executive directors (facilities, finance, and human resources) report to the general manager; each is a senior professional with outstanding support in critical areas.

The quality of trustees and volunteers is high. Since its founding in 1893, the Foundation has attracted talented, skilled, and dedicated individuals to serve on its governance committees: people of national stature from business, finance, legal, and government entities are drawn to the missions and excellent reputations of the Foundation institutions. The people who donate their time and expertise make an awesome contribution to the organization.

The uniquely beautiful environment of the Close is inspiring. Occupying 59 acres in northwest Washington, DC, the Foundation’s campus is a pastoral environment featuring formal gardens, a restored woodland, and beautiful architecture.

CRITICAL ISSUES

The business of each institution is directed by a business manager. The executive director, Foundation finance must coordinate the financial activities of each institution within the framework of the Foundation.

The efficacy of shared services is hotly debated. Institutions look to the general manager and executive director, Foundation finance to develop a workable model for shared services.

The governance and committee structure of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation is layered. The executive director, Foundation finance will be called upon to provide key financial information for the Treasurer and many committees.

Each institution board represents its own constituency. The executive director, Foundation finance must support the general manager who will need to convince people to do things because they want to, not because, "I said so."

The moral and religious leadership role of the Cathedral and schools is a primary consideration for the Foundation in the 21^st century.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Direct the Foundation’s financial management and accounting practices, including managing relationships with lending institutions and the financial community. Assist the Foundation Treasurer, a volunteer, in the overall execution of responsibilities. Insure that all responsibilities are accomplished so as to make optimum use of the time and energy of the Bishops, General Manager, Treasurer, business officers, and volunteer board and committee members.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the General Manager

Provides general supervision to:
            Controller
            Treasury Operations Specialists (2)
            Financial Administrative Assistant

Works closely with the Foundation Treasurer and other governance volunteers; business officers of Foundation institutions.

COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION

Member of Foundation Management Committee; Foundation Executive Group; Finance Committee; Investment Sub-committee; and Audit Sub-Committee; attend Board of Trustee meetings.

RESPONSIBILITIES SUMMARY

1. Provide technical oversight on financial services provided to and by Foundation institutions. Oversight includes budget preparation and execution, management of outsourced financial functions, quality of effort, appropriateness and timeliness of services provided, efficient use of resources, and establishment of standard operating policies and procedures where appropriate.
   
   
2. Provide direction and oversight of all financial and accounting operations within the Foundation to insure that a sufficient amount of accurate and timely financial data is provided to Foundation institutions for information and decision-making purposes. Direct the Controller in providing and managing procedures and systems necessary to maintain proper records and afford adequate accounting controls and services. Assure effective use of external business partners for outsourced contracts. Working with the Foundation institution business officers, coordinate policies and procedures and perform operational activities as appropriate.
   
   
3. Provide treasury related services to the Treasurer and Foundation institutions to include:
           Banking relationships
           Investment related services
           Stock gifts, bequests, trusts and gifts of real estate administration
           Contract review and administration
           Technical assistance to the Treasurer in the overall execution of his responsibilities
   
    
4. Monitor and appraise the institutions’ financial health and issue periodic reports on financial stability, liquidity, and growth.
   
   
5. Direct and analyze studies of general economic, business, and financial conditions and their impact on the Foundation’s policies and operations.
   
   
6. Analyze operational issues that have a potential impact upon functional groups and the entire Foundation, and determine their financial impact.
   
   
7. Provide technical and administrative assistance to the Foundation Finance Committee, the Investment Sub-Committee, and the Audit Sub-Committee.
   
   
8. Provide project management assistance to include:
           Cash Analysis
           Budget preparation
           Expense tracking
           Financial analysis of project data
           Other financial assistance as needed
    
9. Manage outsourced relationships with external auditors and accounting vendors.
   
   
10. Assist the General Manager in all aspects of Foundation management as needed. Help insure that all Foundation activities that have been centralized to better serve the institutions are accomplished smoothly and in accordance with established policy and procedures, and in an efficient and cost effective manner.

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY