Chief Sustainability Officer
This role serves as a key member of the Idaho Youth Ranch Strategic Leadership Team and reports to the CEO. In collaboration with the CEO and the other Strategic Leadership Team members, this leader jointly provides Organizational and Strategic Leadership, Organizational Culture and Talent Management, Partnership Development, Program Development and Management, Financial Management and Community Engagement to the Idaho Youth Ranch.
Chief Sustainability Officer provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of financial management, mission measurement and demonstration, and the infrastructure systems and programs needed to ensure long-term sustainability and value-add delivery of the mission.
Job Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership:
· Provide leadership across the entire organization with a strategic focus on financial management, systems, and risk management and compliance, fostering a welcoming culture of belonging, collaboration, ownership with accountability and continuous improvement.
· Mentor and develop all leaders, with a strategic focus on the Sustainability team members and leaders, empowering them to excel in their roles and contribute to our mission.
Strategic Leadership:
· Collaborate with the CEO and Strategic Leadership Team members to develop and execute the Idaho Youth Ranch's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our mission, vision, and values.
· Provide strategic financial insights to support mission-delivery and long-term agency sustainability.
· Continuously monitor operational benchmarks to drive strategic decisions.
· Collaborate with key leaders to review and prioritize opportunities and align them with Idaho Youth Ranch’s business and financial plans.
Organizational Culture and Talent Management:
· Foster a welcoming and inclusive organizational culture of belonging that attracts, develops, and retains top talent to achieve organizational objectives.
Partnership Development:
· Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including volunteers, government agencies, vendors, consultants, community organizations, donors, and other non-profits.
· Effectively collaborate internally and externally to leverage resources, support Idaho Youth Ranch’s business plans, and maximize impact.
Program Development and Management:
· Monitor key benchmarks and indicators to ensure Idaho Youth Ranch’s programs and services are successfully delivering value to clients, customers, and stakeholders to fulfill IYR’s mission.
· Continuously develop and grow the key capabilities needed to deliver IYR’s mission and strategy.
· Oversee the implementation of strategies to optimize revenue, minimize risk, enhance long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.
· In collaboration with key leaders identify gaps in operational delivery and internal infrastructure and develop strategies to address them effectively.
Financial Management:
· In collaboration with the CEO and the Strategic Leadership Team, lead the Agency’s financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, business planning and reporting processes.
· Ensure mission delivery, growth, and sustainability through fiscal planning and management.
· Identify ongoing opportunities for revenue generation and cost optimization.
Community Engagement:
· Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization, building relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, vendors, community leaders, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations.
· Promote the mission of Idaho Youth Ranch’s programs and operations in the communities we serve.
Operational Oversight:
· Provide expertise and oversight for the operational areas including:
o IT
o Legal
o Compliance
o Contract Review, Repository, etc.
o Purchasing Guidelines
o Accounting/Financial Oversight
o Quality Assurance
o Risk Management
o Payroll
o Benefits
o Compensation
o Insurance Mgmt/Negotiations
o Systems Process/Oversight
o Data and Reporting Processes/Oversight
o Safety, Worker's Comp
o Billing/Agency Credentialing/Insurance Contracts
· Ensure business processes and standard operating procedures are created, refined, and managed, with clearly defined accountabilities documented in the appropriate job descriptions.
· Lead a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, Master of Finance/Accounting, or related field) strongly preferred. A CPA or comparable credential is highly beneficial.
- 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic leadership, financial, technology, legal, compliance, or related roles.
- Proven track record in developing and implementing successful strategic initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience in senior leadership roles, preferably within nonprofit, educational, philanthropic, or mission-driven organizations.
- Demonstrated experience in complex business and financial planning for mid- to large-size non-profit organizations.
- Significant experience in balancing short-term objectives with long-term goals to ensure sustainable growth.
- Expertise in developing and overseeing risk management frameworks, cost control principles.
- Knowledge of federal and state regulations.
- Proficiency in revenue cycle management and procurement processes.
- Demonstrated leadership & supervisory experience, including the ability to inspire, mentor, build, and develop high-performing teams.
- Strong decision-making skills, with a focus on fostering collaboration and teamwork.
- Strong understanding of financial principles, budgeting, and resource allocation in a nonprofit or business environment.
- Ability to analyze complex financial statements, reports, and data to inform strategic decisions.
- Able to communicate complex financial insights in clear and actionable terms.
- Ability to adapt to changing business environments, economic conditions, and market dynamics.
- Skill in managing stress, uncertainty, and complexity while maintaining focus and effectiveness.
