Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer | Camp Fire Alaska 

The Position: Chief Financial Officer

Camp Fire Alaska seeks a forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who is dedicated for empowering children to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. This essential role ensures the financial health of the organization, requiring a balance of detailed financial oversight and strategic foresight, thus making it a fulfilling position within the nonprofit sector.

The new CFO will oversee financial operations and play a key role in the leadership team, driving ongoing growth, diversification and stability for Camp Fire Alaska. As the organization evolves its programs and services to ensure long-term viability, this position presents an opportunity to enhance the organization’s infrastructure and operational processes. The ideal candidate will demonstrate flexibility, strategic problem-solving skills, and the ability to engage meaningfully with families and stakeholders.

About Camp Fire Alaska 

Camp Fire Alaska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency established in Alaska in 1913 as a safe, nurturing place for families to send their children. Camp Fire youth learn to develop self-confidence by challenging themselves, exploring their environment, and building healthy relationships. Camp Fire offers high-quality programming, professionally trained and caring staff, activities and events that are appealing to youth. 

The mission of Camp Fire is to ensure that every child will have the opportunity to discover the best in themselves and others in a fun, safe, learning environment. With year-round programming, an annual budget of approximately $8 million dollars, and 130 employees, Camp Fire serves over 4,000 youth every year through four key programs. 

Camp Fire programs focus on: establishing caring and mentoring adult relationships, nurturing social and emotional growth, and promoting physical activity and holistic wellbeing. As the organization continues to adapt to a continued changing fiscal landscape, Camp Fire is modifying and rebuilding programs and considering new opportunities to meet the needs of youth and families. 

Services and Programs 

After School Programs offer kids challenging activities and learning experiences while also providing support to working families in municipally licensed, school-age childcare centers located within elementary schools in Anchorage and Eagle River. 

Summer Programs range from accredited overnight and outdoor day camps to the licensed, in-school summer programs. 

Community Centers provide safe and nurturing environments for youth in summer months from low-income neighborhoods, at no cost to families. 

Rural Programs has a 60-year history of serving more than 100 rural Alaskan communities. The programs are offered in indigenous communities and staff work in partnership with Alaska Native Tribes to develop culturally relevant programing for youth, families and Elders. The program is currently undergoing significant financial change and is in a period of re-envisioning. 

Camp Fire Alaska Strategic Priorities 

Camp Fire Alaska recently established a new set of strategic priorities for the next 5 years (2025-2029). The incoming Chief Financial Officer will be part of the leadership team responsible for supporting the long-term strategic plan. 

By 2029, as a result of Camp Fire’s work: 

• We are serving more families strategically,
• We have financial stability and sustainability,
• We are a known and beloved brand,
• We have a thriving workforce and,
• We have a strong and representative Board.  

More about the opportunity  

The incoming Chief Financial Officer will play a vital role within the leadership team, continuing Camp Fire Alaska’s long history of success. This is a pivotal moment for the organization as it embraces a fresh strategic vision and transforms its programs and services to ensure sustainable growth for the future.  

On-going fiscal changes continue to add complexity and challenge to Camp Fire Alaska’s business operational model. Historically, income generated from the licensed school age program provided significant revenue to the organization prior to 2020. However, with the child care and out-of-school time sector remaining fragile, the agency has adjusted to a more complex structure to include expanded government and grant support. As the organization works to implement the strategic vision, the CFO will be crucial in scenario planning and fiscal reforecasting. This role also involves partnering with senior leadership to tailor programs and service delivery in response to community needs while maintaining accountability and compliance with funding sources.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CFO will be part of the executive leadership team, which comprises the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Development Officer, Sr Director of HR, Sr Director of Communications and Marketing, Director of Operations, and Executive Assistant. The CFO will have the opportunity to evaluate their departmental operations and needs and strategically deploy resources to meet the workload demands effectively.  

Twelve to Eighteen Month Priorities of the CFO 

• Effectively manage cash flow to ensure organization’s resilience and analyze cash flow trends. 

• Evaluate the current accounting team structure. Identify skill and function gaps to inform long-term structure and coverage of duties within the department. 

• Establish regular communication with the board of directors, management team, and external stakeholders to provide updates on financial performance and key initiatives. Foster transparency and build trust. 

• Strengthen budget monitoring and forecasting: Develop strong budget monitoring process and ensure that all departments are engaged. Implement rolling forecasts to adapt to changes in funding and operational needs. 

• Continue to build and adapt already existing strong financial processes and controls with a continuous improvement mindset: Evaluate existing accounting processes and internal controls, implementing improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Ensure that processes comply with regulations and best practices. 

• Actively support leadership and staff with the development of scenario plans to inform decision- making as the organization navigates and responds to a changing landscape. 

• Provide financial information, mentorship, and guidance to inform decision-making by department heads and program leadership.

Key Priorities and Responsibilities

The Chief Financial Officer will lead continued financial growth, diversification and stabilization of Camp Fire Alaska. They will embrace and build on the Camp Fire Alaska values of caring, wellness, diversity, belonging and inclusiveness, innovation, quality, sustainability, and trust. The Chief Financial Officer will manage and provide oversight of specific responsibilities in the following areas: 

Finance & Accounting

• Oversee management for all financial operations including: budgeting, preparation of financial statements, monitor and recommend changes to internal controls, oversee banking and investment relationships, coordinate the annual audit, prepare the annual Form 990 and ensure compliance with granting agencies and with federal, state and local laws, regulations and practices
• Oversee the accounting staff and accounting related vendors & contractors
• Complete financial analyses, develop future forecasts, and recommend financial policy additions or changes
• Supervise budget development, manage expenditures, and assist Chief Executive Officer and agency leadership team in monitoring income and expenses to budgets
• Mentor and support budget managers in learning and understanding financial reporting, monitoring and budgeting
• In partnership with the CEO, provide support to the Camp Fire Alaska Board of Directors and its Finance Committee
• Collaborate on the financial planning and budgeting for initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational goals

Administration

• Maintain Agency leases, contracts, insurance and maintenance documents and records
• Provide oversight of the office facility and common use equipment/appliances such as copiers, postage machines, etc.

To be successful in this position:

To be in alignment with Camp Fire Alaska, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional skills and abilities. 

• Collaborative and forward-thinking leadership style with a process improvement/growth mindset  
• Adaptive and strategic problem solver; ability to quickly digest information, distill the underlying issues, and recommend solutions; ability to change/pivot quickly   
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting with an ability to communicate and drive decisions quickly, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Emotional intelligence; strong sense of self-awareness and of those around them
• Outstanding customer service skills; ability to be compassionate and patient with parents and families accessing services
• Ability to build trust, effectively communicate and connect with a wide range of stakeholders, volunteers, and staff
• Exceptional cultural competency awareness; creating an environment that is safe, inclusive and responsive
• Open and transparent communication style; ability to confront the uncomfortable and share information effectively

Qualifications & Requirements  

• Bachelor’s degree, or five or more years of experience in nonprofit accounting, finance, or business management required; professional certifications (e.g. CPA or CMA) preferred. 
• Supervisory experience that includes team building, talent management, mentorship and leader development
• 7 years progressive senior management experience in designing, implementing, and managing successful financial management systems.
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated understanding of nonprofit financial management; preferably 501(c)(3).
• Exemplifies qualities of integrity, credibility and trustworthiness in work products. 
• PC proficient in keyboarding and ten key by touch, with advanced computer skills, experience and working knowledge of accounting, reporting software, such as QuickBooks, and standard software applications such as Windows and Microsoft Office Suite. 
  • Strong understanding and comprehension of database management and the ability to manipulate and integrate large amounts of data and information for increased productivity with high attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Excellent communication skills - adept at analyzing and interpreting information as well as speaking, writing, and graphically conveying complex data to a range of audiences.
• Experience successfully training financial concepts to colleagues and volunteers who may not have a background in finance. 
• Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced setting with an ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure and meet varied deadlines, as required. 
• Dedication to the mission of Camp Fire Alaska.
• Reliable transportation to transport self to out of office work events as needed. 

Position Logistics 

Start Date: June 1, 2025 or earlier. A later start date is negotiable for the ideal candidate.

FLSA: Full Time, Exempt 

Salary: $120,000 - $140,000 annually  

Work Location: Work will be primarily done from the Camp Fire Alaska's Main office, located 161 Klevin Street in Anchorage, AK. Hybrid work schedule available after 90 days. Designated period flex schedule options available. 

Schedule: Work hours will typically be 8 hour/day, Monday - Friday, between 8am - 6pm.  There may be occasional work hours in the evening or weekend to meet agency needs. 

Department: This position is part of the Finance Department.

Supervisor: This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer. 

Supervises: This position supervises Finance staff. 

Benefits: Health Benefits, Paid Time/Leave Off, Hybrid Work Schedule, Fixed Flex Schedule, Paid Parental Leave, Paid Bereavement Leave, Thrift Savings Plan (403B), Holiday Pay, Telehealth services, Employee Assistance Plan and free Camp Fire Alaska program for dependent children.

The Chief Financial Officer position at Camp Fire Alaska is an exciting and pivotal opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of the organization and the youth we serve. If you are a strategic, mission-driven leader with a passion for empowering youth and ensuring financial stability, we encourage you to apply.

FOR QUESTIONS OR TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, PLEASE EMAIL HR AT jobs@campfireak.org. 

Some email correspondence may go to your junk/spam folder. Please be sure to check your junk/spam folder regarding correspondence from Camp Fire Alaska.  Thank you!

*All applicants who are offered employment with Camp Fire Alaska will be subjected to reference checks and a criminal history check through the Alaska Background Check Program. Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of both the reference checks and criminal history check in accordance with Municipality of Anchorage Child Care Licensing regulations. 

Camp Fire Alaska Inclusion Statement:

Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, citizenship or immigration status, religion and non-religion, and any other category people use to define themselves or others.

Salary : $120,000 - $140,000