About Greentown Labs: 

Greentown Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit catalyzing climate solutions through entrepreneurship, partnership, and collaboration. As the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, Greentown brings together startups, corporates, investors, policymakers, and others with a focus on scaling climate technologies. Driven by the mission of providing startups the community, connections, and resources they need to thrive, Greentown offers lab space, shared office space, machine shops, electronics labs, tool shops, software and business resources, and a large network of corporate customers, investors, and more. With incubators in Somerville, Mass., and Houston, Texas, Greentown is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 500 since the incubator’s founding in 2011. These startups have collectively created more than 11,000 jobs and raised more than $5.7 billion in funding. For more information, visit www.greentownlabs.com or follow Greentown on LinkedIn.

About the Position:

In 2023, Greentown transitioned from a Benefit Corporation to a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and as such, we are looking for a Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) candidate who has both nonprofit and private sector finance and accounting experience. Greentown is looking for a mission-driven, growth-oriented CFAO to take its financial operations to the next level as the organization expands its impact over the next critical decade of climate action. The CFAO will serve as a key leader on Greentown Labs’ Executive Team, playing a central role in setting financial and operational strategy to support Greentown’s strategic growth and impact in our home communities and nationwide. In addition to leading and managing all aspects of finance; accounting; human resources; equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice (EDIJ); and business-process improvement for our organization, the CFAO will be a business partner to the company’s CEO and Executive Team, making significant contributions to strategic planning and organization-wide problem solving, particularly as it relates best financial and human resources practices, reinforcing solid core functions, maintaining our strong track record of financial health, and driving organizational growth.

Among the CFAO’s financial responsibilities will be 1) overseeing preparation of forecasts and budgets; 2) monitoring the ongoing financial performance of Greentown; 3) driving positive financial results; 4) developing financial modeling of new business opportunities, profitability analysis, and business-improvement plans; 5) reviewing and negotiating customer, partner, and landlord contracts; 6) providing quarterly financial reports to the CEO and Board of Directors; and 7) maintaining effective working relationships with the Board and across the staff team.

Primary Responsibilities of the Role:

The CFAO role will encompass six key elements: 1) financial operations leadership and reporting, 2) financial and accounting staff management, 3) human resources (i.e. People and Culture) leadership and functions, 4) EDIJ staff and activities, 5) business process improvements, and 6) executive leadership and planning for growth.

• Oversee daily operations of the finance function, including the monthly close process, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and administration

• Manage the preparation and presentation of all financial reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and monitor, analyze, and report monthly operating results against budget to the leadership team, Board Finance Committee, and Board of Directors  

• Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual budget process in partnership with the leadership team and department heads

• Advise and prepare financial forecasts, including planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters for the CEO and members of the Executive Team

• Contribute to the development of Greentown’s strategic goals and objectives related to new initiatives, programs, and expansions, as well as the overall leadership of the organization, in partnership with the CEO

• Work with auditors in preparation, execution, and reporting of the annual audit and swiftly remedying concerns flagged by auditors

• Coordinate the preparation and management of state and federal tax and reporting requirements and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations

• Represent the organization externally, particularly in banking and lease negotiations, and support the review and negotiation of contracts

• Develop and manage the appropriate systems, tools, and processes to support philanthropic foundations, major gifts, and government grant proposals and reporting, as well as capital funding campaigns

• Ensure that Greentown has adequate and up-to-date insurance coverage for our corporate officers, Board of Directors, staff team, and facilities

• Design and operationalize a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk and maintain all risk management/insurance relationships

• Design, establish, and maintain a finance and accounting team structure that positions Greentown for further growth, including managing full- and part-time contractor resources supporting the finance and accounting function

• Establish and monitor finance and accounting staff performance and development goals; conduct annual performance appraisals

• Oversee and support business-process-improvement initiatives across the organization to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations

• Oversee all human resource-related activities, policies, and procedures, including hiring, onboarding and offboarding, management (of people, projects, and budgets) skill building, coaching and mentoring, and advancement pathways

• Manage the EDIJ staff and advance EDIJ practices across Greentown as a whole 

• Maintain and promote a commitment to diversity and supporting the needs of a diverse community

Skills & Experience:

• Experience as a nonprofit Chief Financial Officer or other high-level financial position at a fast-growing nonprofit organization with complex financials

• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience at nonprofits or a combination of nonprofits and businesses, with a minimum of 7 years at nonprofits 

• Experience with human resources practices and/or oversight

• Mission-driven professional who is motivated by the goal of supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and solving some of the world’s biggest climate challenges

• A leader with a positive, creative, can-do attitude; inspiring and collaborative leadership and management style; and a constant focus on strengthening effective and healthy managerial skills for self and direct reports

• B.S./B.A. in finance and/or accounting and a CPA; advanced degree in finance, business administration, or a related field is a plus

• Executive leadership presence and strong presentation skills to communicate financial reports to the Board of Directors and other senior executives

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create and maintain solid working relationships at all levels across the organization and externally

• Knowledge of nonprofit finance, accounting, budgeting, cost-control principles (including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), and federal/state financial regulations

• Experience with foundation and/or government grant budgeting and reporting

• Experience with startups or in the climatetech or cleantech industries is a plus

• Experience in real estate-related financial modeling, planning, and lease negotiations is a plus

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint; Google Workspace; SageIntacct; and Bill.com, or similar experience

Compensation, Location, Benefits: 

Greentown offers a comprehensive benefits package. The salary for this position starts at $210,000 and is commensurate with experience up to $250,000 This role can be based at either Greentown location—in Somerville, MA, or Houston, TX. Travel of one to two weeks per quarter will be required for this role.

To Apply: 

Please submit your resume and cover letter answering the following four questions to our Application Portal.

• How does your prior nonprofit experience prepare you for the role of non-profit CFAO?

• Why are you interested in this position with Greentown, a mission-driven 501(c)3 organization focused on climatetech innovation?

• How have you demonstrated your commitment to EDIJ through your work or oversight of human resources functions or other lived experiences?

• Why is now the right time for you to be taking on this role?

Equal Opportunity: 

Greentown Labs seeks to fully represent our community and constituencies—particularly low-income communities and communities of color—to amplify those voices and provide opportunities to participate in the direction and leadership of the organization. We actively encourage candidates from broad, diverse backgrounds to apply. Greentown Labs is an equal opportunity employer. 

Greentown Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, status as a veteran, marital status, disability status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. Applicants with disabilities may request any reasonable accommodation needed to perform the essential functions of this role.