Finance & Contracts Manager

Company: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Location: Ithaca
Posted on: May 1, 2025

Job Description:

About the PositionWhile position responsibilities vary, all people leaders are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology completed an ambitious strategic planning process in 2024-2025, and together with the university is moving into the final year of a campaign with ambitious fundraising goals. In the coming years the organization will grow rapidly and restructure its programs to improve its capacity for achieving global impact. To help lead these efforts we seek an experienced financial leader who will: 1) spearhead the Labs transition to a significantly larger and more complex budget; 2) guide restructuring of the Labs internal financial framework; 3) oversee and manage all Lab financial operations, contract negotiations, and budget management; and 4) provide high-level counsel to the Lab, University, and Administrative Board leadership.
The Lab thrives on diverse revenue streams that include private donations from more than 200,000 supporters, endowment income, annual disbursement from a 509(a)(3) supporting organization, grants and contracts, and programmatic entrepreneurship. Within this multifaceted context, the Director of Finance and Contracts holds a high-visibility position with extremely high levels of oversight responsibility, fiscal management, confidentiality, internal interactivity, and external reporting. Reporting to the Director of Administration of the Lab, the key duties are:Serve as the overall financial leader, advisor, and forecaster at the Lab, providing advice and counsel to the Executive Director and Director of Administration, senior leaders, and the Administrative Board, to ensure the financial health of a complex, internationally engaged $49 million a year (and growing) organization.
Establish and monitor annual budgets, develop financial projections, strategies, and long-term models; track resources from all sources; implement best practices for day-to-day financial operations; consult with development and other Lab staff on donor proposals; provide financial oversight of grant and contract proposals.
Work closely with members of the Administrative Board preparing detailed financial reports for, and manage meetings of, the Boards finance committee and semiannually presenting consolidated financial reports to the full Administrative Board.
Prepare, negotiate, review, and manage a wide variety of service contracts and other external agreements including complex technology licensing agreements and MOUs with international organizations working closely with Cornells legal counsel, risk management, technology licensing, and procurement services.
Oversee all aspects of the Labs financial procedures and infrastructure, maintaining close working relationships with all levels of management and staff, fostering partnerships with program directors and serving as a critical link between the Lab, CALS, and Cornells central administrations. Work in partnership with University Shared Services Center to ensure that all financial operations meet programmatic needs while complying with university and college policies.
Provide direct supervision, direction, and mentorship to staff within the Labs finance team.
Facilitate the consistent application of new and existing university and college financial systems, policies, and procedures to advance the Labs unique and non-traditional academic programs.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Contract College position that is based in Ithaca, NY at the Lab of Ornithology approximately 3 miles from Cornells main Ithaca campus. This position follows a 3:2 in-person-to-home hybrid work arrangement after a period of orientation and training. This hybrid work arrangement is subject to change at any time. Typical work hours are between 9am-5pm. Required

Keywords: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Scranton , Finance & Contracts Manager, Accounting, Auditing , Ithaca, Pennsylvania