Vice President of Operations & Finance

Vice President of Operations & Finance

Position Description

Heartland Forward's Vice President of Operations & Finance is a strategic, results-driven leader responsible for ensuring the organization operates with excellence, efficiency and financial strength. This role oversees all operational and financial functions-serving as both a chief operator and chief financial steward-to support the organization's growth and impact.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President will lead day-to-day operations while driving long-term operational and financial strategy. This includes overseeing core business functions such as finance, accounting, budgeting, compliance, HR coordination, administrative systems, IT, legal and internal policies. The role is responsible for building and optimizing systems, ensuring financial integrity and aligning resources to advance Heartland Forward's mission while directing the accounting team and Sr. Manager of operations.

The Vice President will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, partnering closely with the President and senior leaders to translate strategy into execution, strengthen organizational infrastructure and ensure Heartland Forward is positioned for continued scale and leadership.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and operator with strong financial acumen, exceptional judgment and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Executive & Operational Leadership

Partner with the President and executive leadership team to develop and execute organizational strategy, ensuring operational and financial alignment with mission and growth goals.
• Lead and oversee all operational functions, driving efficiency, scalability and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess organizational health and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure strong cross-functional coordination and alignment across teams.

Financial Leadership (CFO Responsibilities)

• Serve as the organization's financial leader, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and long-term financial strategy.
• Ensure the integrity of all financial operations, including accounting, payroll, benefits administration, and financial reporting.
• Monitor organizational financial performance, manage cash flow and provide strategic financial insights to leadership, Heartland Forward Board of Directors and donors.
• Oversee compliance with all financial, regulatory and grant requirements - ensuring accuracy and transparency.
• Lead the development and management of annual budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and funding requirements along with ongoing vendor management.

Administrative & Business Operations

• Oversee core business functions, including accounting, HR coordination, vendor management and organizational reporting.
• Ensure effective systems, policies and procedures are in place to support organizational operations and compliance.
• Lead operational planning and execution for organizational initiatives and growth.

People & Culture

• Partner with HR functions on recruiting, onboarding, performance management and employee experience to support a high-performing team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and operational excellence.

Technology & Systems

• Oversee technology strategy and vendor relationships to ensure systems effectively support organizational needs and scale.
• Drive adoption of tools and systems that improve efficiency, reporting and decision-making.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree (finance, business, or related field preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, finance or business management.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting (CFO or senior finance leadership experience preferred).
• Proven ability to lead and scale operational systems in a growing organization.
• Strong leadership, communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion and commitment to Heartland Forward's mission.

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit, public sector, or mission-driven organization.
• CPA, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree.
• Experience working with boards, audits and complex funding structures (e.g., grants, restricted funds).
• Proficiency with financial HR systems and tools (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, AI) and project management platforms.

Characteristics that support success

• Unquestionable ethics and integrity.
• Must be a self-starter who takes initiative.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Effective independently and when traveling for business.
• Demonstrated ability to protect privacy and maintain discretion in dealing with highly confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills, professional demeanor and ability to maintain grace under pressure when adapting to a rapidly changing environment, including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities.
• Team-player, solution-oriented, intellectual agility and the ability to analyze and think critically.
• Remain accessible and responsive beyond business hours.

Benefits Information

Compensation Range: $176,000.00-$201,700.00

Benefits Information: We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401 (k) retirement plan and paid time off.

About Heartland Forward

Heartland Forward is a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. Our mission is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the middle of the country and generate $500 million of economic impact to the heartland by 2030. We do this through applied research, community-driven programs, policy and convenings- focusing on regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness.

Heartland Forward is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status of protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.