Job Description

Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, The Lemelson Foundation

About The Lemelson Foundation

The Lemelson Foundation harnesses the power of invention to improve lives and address some of the world’s most pressing economic and social challenges. Established in the early 1990s by U.S. inventor Jerome Lemelson and his wife, Dorothy, and guided today by the Lemelson family, the Foundation believes that invention can be a transformative force for good, driving positive change across the globe.

With a commitment to promoting Impact Inventing, The Lemelson Foundation works to inspire and enable the next generation of inventors and invention-based businesses in the U.S. and low- and middle-income countries. Impact Inventing is a core framework that ensures inventions:

1. Create positive social impact,
2. Are environmentally responsible throughout the invention lifecycle, and
3. Operate under business models that are financially sustainable.

The Foundation has provided over $350 million in grants and other investments to support invention ecosystems and help inventors bring solutions to life. With an endowment of approximately $400 million and an annual budget of $30 million, the Foundation continues to make strategic investments that foster a robust economy in the U.S. while improving the lives of underserved communities in countries around the world.

At the heart of The Lemelson Foundation’s mission is the belief that invention is not only about creativity and problem-solving but also about making the world a better, more equitable place for all. Through its programs, the Foundation seeks to equip inventors with the resources, knowledge, and networks necessary to tackle some of the biggest global challenges in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO) will lead and manage all financial, administrative, and operations aspects of the Foundation. Partnering closely with the Executive Director, the CFAO will leverage effective finance and data systems, conduct finance and operations analysis, and help sustain a high-performing, collaborative, and values-driven culture across the Foundation. The CFAO ensures that the financial and business practices of The Lemelson Foundation’s $400 million in assets and $30 million in annual budget are efficient and support the Foundation’s mission. Areas of fiscal responsibility include accounting, financial planning, tax filings, investment oversight, grants management, and Program-Related Investments (PRIs). The CFAO will lead a cross-cutting team that includes supervision of information technology (IT), human resources, facilities management, monitoring, learning, and evaluation, and communications. The CFAO will also provide guidance for general policies and procedures, contract administration, corporate insurance, legal matters (in consultation with legal counsel), and related areas of responsibility.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and detailed-oriented leader who brings expertise in financial and strategic planning, accounting, nonprofit and/or business administration, organizational growth strategies, and effective human resource management. Successful candidates will be able to navigate the demands of a relatively small (12-person) foundation and toggle between strategic leadership and hands-on administration and day-to-day tasks. This leader will have a strong work ethic, a commitment to clear goals and measurable outcomes, and an ability to learn quickly within a philanthropic organization.

This role is based in Portland, Oregon. Relocation assistance will be provided should the successful candidate reside outside the Portland, Oregon, area. The salary range for this position is $250,000-$275,000, commensurate with experience. The Lemelson Foundation offers employees an exceptionally generous benefits package. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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