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Finance Director

Navigator Guide, Wisconsin

Finance Director  - (Posted May 20, 2025)

Job Title: Finance Director
Organization: Renewing the Countryside
Location: Remote or Hybrid (with option to work at offices in St. Paul, MN or Hammond, MN)
Time: Full-time
Reports to: Executive Director

Renewing the Countryside’s mission is to cultivate and support vibrant, sustainable and equitable communities. Since 2002, we have served as connectors and facilitators, bringing together community members to advance ideas that contribute to economic, social, and environmental wealth. At RTC, we have a clear vision: to be an organization where talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work. We deeply value a diverse group of staff in creating an inclusive and collaborative environment, and engaging in work that promotes equity.

Position Summary: The Finance Director is responsible for overseeing and leading the financial management of our nonprofit organization, ensuring fiscal integrity, compliance, and efficiency. This role requires strong expertise in managing federal grants and the flexibility to support HR as needed. A key aspect of this role is leveraging modern, user-friendly technologies and platforms to streamline financial processes and improve efficiency.

1. Financial Management:
   • Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, payroll, accounts receivable (AR), accounts payable (AP)
   • Manage payroll processing (through a payroll service), contractor payments, and associated records.
   • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
   • Monitor cash flow and manage financial planning.
   • Maintain accurate and timely financial records.
   • Utilize technology to optimize efficiency and accuracy.
   • Maintain relationships with banks, auditors, and any other external providers of financial services.
2. Grant Management:
   • Administer and manage federal and other grant funds, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
   • Prepare and submit grant financial reports and documentation.
   • Work with program staff to develop grant budgets and track program expenditures.
3. Budgeting and Forecasting:
   • Develop the annual budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and program managers.
   • Monitor budget performance and recommend adjustments as needed.
4. Compliance and Risk Management:
   • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
   • Coordinate financial audits and implement audit recommendations.
5. Flexible Support and Supervision:
   • Assist with human resources functions, such as benefits administration and payroll, as needed.
   • Supervise part-time staff or contractors as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field OR five years or more working in nonprofit finance.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit financial management, including federal grant administration.
• High proficiency with QuickBooks Online, Excel, financial reporting tools, and the ability to interface with payroll processing contractor.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent judgement, creative problem-solving and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to prioritize, focus and manage projects
• High level of integrity and commitment to the organization’s mission

Preferred Qualifications:

• Located in Minnesota or Wisconsin
• Experience with HR management.
• Familiarity with newer technologies and platforms that save time and improve efficiency.
• Experience supervising staff or contractors
• Experience working with board of directors and supporting board committees

Compensation: Salary range: $70,000 - $75,000 plus benefits.

The position includes medical and dental benefits, short-term disability, generous paid time off, and employer contribution to a retirement plan. RTC will provide a computer and offer a monthly phone stipend. This position is primarily remote, but will require occasional travel. There is also the opportunity to work some days at one of our small offices in St. Paul or Hammond, MN.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. We will start reviewing applications on June 25, but will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Please direct questions to [email protected].

Renewing the Countryside is a family-friendly employer. We provide equal opportunity for employment and condemn discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other factor. We are committed to equity and strongly encourage people who are BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, and/or from other underrepresented or marginalized communities to apply.

Navigator Guide, Wisconsin - (Posted May 21, 2025)

Navigator Guide Role

Farmland Access Navigators are a cornerstone of the Midwest Farmland Access Hub’s vision and work in assisting beginning farmers in accessing farmland. Navigator Guides serve as trainers, coaches, sounding boards, and support teams to help farmers navigate this complex process in order to reach their farmland access goals. They guide farmers in understanding their situations, clarifying goals, and developing plans and priorities. They provide ideas and resources, help troubleshoot challenges, share real-life examples, and support decision-making. Farmers can call on Navigator Guides for help at any stage, from initial goal-setting and resource sharing to assessing land to applying for loans, or negotiating a lease, purchase, or transfer agreements.

Navigator Guides aren’t necessarily technical specialists, though they may have special areas of expertise or knowledge; we prefer that they are farmers, or have worked extensively with farmers, and have firsthand or close experience with the farmland access process. They have access to a wide range of expertise and support through Hub Partners and a growing network of professional service providers such as lenders and attorneys. When needed, interpreters will work alongside Navigator Guides to provide language and cultural interpretation for farmer clients who do not speak English.

Navigator Guides are positioned in WI, MN and IA, and we have a partner organization that works with farmers in Illinois. Navigators are supported by project partners of the Farmland Access Hub.

Location
This position is primarily remote but does require some travel in Wisconsin and occasionally to other states.

Scope of Work

Training (estimate 20-30 hours in first year)

• Participate in Navigator Guide training program (*see below)
• Complete homework as assigned
• Participate in Navigator Guide mentorship opportunities, such as shadowing client calls with a paired mentor
• Participate in training on how to use Navigator tracking and reporting systems.

Through the Navigator Guide training program, Navigator Guides will understand the following and be able to support land-seeking clients with this knowledge:

• Farmland access pathways and how clients can get support with the Hub
• How to apply soft skills and cultural competency in working with clients
• How clients can gain technical and/or practical farming skills and experience
• How to administer the farming and business skills self-assessment tool
• How to help clients clarify their goals and priorities for farmland access
• How to help clients create a realistic and actionable farmland access plan
• The types of financing available for accessing farmland, including farm-specific loans such as FSA farm ownership loans, and how to secure financing
• The principles of financial readiness and how clients can prepare financially for leasing or purchasing land
• The elements of good and equitable farmland leases
• How to refer clients to specialists and advisors for expert farmland access assistance
• The considerations for evaluating suitable farmland, and how to help clients determine their desired priorities for suitable farmland
• The elements of an equitable process and agreement for farmland purchase.

General Scope of Work (Estimate 20-40 hours per month once trained (at least 20 and up to 40)

• Increase understanding of resources, service providers and networks to assist in supporting land seeking clients.
• Conduct outreach within personal network of farmers to connect with clients
• Work with clients through in-person visits, phone calls, Zoom calls, email, texts
• Track client notes and interactions in provided tracking system on an ongoing basis
• Submit reports and/or participate in evaluation in a timely manner as requested
• Participate in bi-weekly Navigator team meetings
• Communicate with Navigator Team Lead as needed
• Participate in Navigator retreats and professional development
• Additional: Connect with other organizations, develop resources, and teach/share knowledge as agreed on with RTC.

Navigator Guide Desired Qualities

• Farming experience or connection to farming communities
• Experience and track record in successfully working one-on-one with clients
• Experience with farm financial statements and business planning
• Empathy and ability to listen and provide non-judgemental support
• Self-motivation to do outreach and follow up with new and existing clients
• Organizational skills to track client interactions and progress
• Willingness to engage with other Navigators and project team through group processes, meetings, and communications
• Capability to be self-motivated and manage projects independently
• Computer skills, including ability to use Google Suite tools including Docs and Sheets
• Ability to occasionally work in the evenings or on weekends, as well as travel

Compensation

This position is being offered as a work contract (without benefits) either through an organization or an individual. Base compensation for this position will be $38 - $44 depending on experience. You must have access to a computer, telephone, and internet service and the ability to occasionally travel. Mileage and other travel expenses will be reimbursed, upon approval.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] and put “Navigator Application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed beginning on June 15th and will be open until filled.