Who We Are
Hawthornden Foundation is a U.S. private charitable foundation supporting contemporary writers and the literary arts. Established by Drue Heinz, the noted philanthropist and patron of the arts, the Foundation is named after Hawthornden Castle in Midlothian, Scotland, where an international residential program provides month-long retreats for creative writers from all disciplines to work in peaceful surroundings. Hawthornden also supports a residential program at Casa Ecco, on Lake Como in Italy, the site of “Conversazioni,” private conferences attended by many celebrated writers and others in the arts, and a retreat for invited authors to complete a literary work in progress. In 2024, Hawthornden Foundation opened a new non-residential retreat – Hawthornden Brooklyn – in New York. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the annual Hawthornden Prize, one of Britain’s oldest and foremost literary awards, and provides grant support to other literary programs. Hawthornden has rapidly expanded its global operations in the last three years.

Director of Finance and Operations
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance and Operations will be responsible for advancing Hawthornden Foundation’s financial management strategy and supporting the organization’s strategic goals. The Director will develop and implement policies and procedures for finance and operations across the Foundation’s international locations. The Director will supervise two international site staff members focused on finance, budgeting, and business planning. This is an outstanding opportunity for a finance executive with operational experience and a proven track record in problem-solving and change management to contribute to a dynamic, mission-driven organization. This role will require in-person work at the Foundation’s Union Square headquarters for a minimum of three days per week, at the discretion of the Foundation.

Responsibilities
Financial Management

Oversee financial policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor financial plans in close collaboration with the Executive Director and outside accounting team.
Manage cash flow, forecasting, and all organizational bank accounts (including international accounts).
Supervise operational accounting, including grants payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing.
Maintain contracts management and financial reporting systems to support operational needs.
Update business policies and accounting practices as needed.
Communicate key financial matters and status reports to the Board.
Coordinate with external accountants and ensure compliance with budgeting procedures.
Manage compensation planning and administration.

Investments

Oversee relationships with external investment advisors and ensure timely, accurate investment reporting.
Support the Executive Director and Finance Committee in reviewing investment policies and monitoring portfolio performance.
Coordinate the preparation of investment reports and related materials for Board meetings.
Assist with the selection and evaluation of investment advisors as needed.

Operations

Coordinate with the Director of Facilities & Risk Management regarding US and international facilities, insurance and property matters, with responsibility limited to financial oversight and contract management.
Manage key vendor and contract relationships to support organizational operations.
Develop and manage data security and retention policies (in coordination with external IT consultants, as needed), ensuring compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
Manage employee performance evaluations and recruiting processes.
Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Supervise Finance & Operations staff across all locations, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
Ensure organizational compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements.
Provide oversight of employee benefits administration in collaboration with external providers or consultants.

Qualifications

Must be based in the NYC area; position is hybrid (in-office and remote).
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, CPA, or related) preferred.
Minimum 10 years of senior management experience, with at least 6 years in financial and operations leadership.
Proven experience overseeing financial data, reporting, and audit coordination for a division or organization.
Experience managing grants and compliance.
Demonstrated experience working with multi-national organizations and managing international operations.
Demonstrated experience working with international sites (Italy and Scotland a plus).
Background working with Nonprofit organizations.
Comfort and familiarity with IT systems and data security is a plus.
Strong ability to communicate financial concepts and collaborate with non-financial colleagues.
Strong communication and relationship-building abilities with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with the ability to manage complexity and drive results.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
High integrity, credibility, and dedication to the Foundation’s mission.
Proficiency in written or spoken Italian is a plus.
Knowledge of, or experience in the literary or publishing sector is a plus.

Salary Range: $200,000-$220,000, dependent on experience

Benefits

Full-time staff members enjoy vacation and sick time; comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; and a 401(k) with generous company match.

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We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all staff. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age; ethnicity; gender; gender identity and expression; nationality; parental status; physical, mental, and developmental abilities; race; religion; sexual orientation; skin color; socioeconomic status; and human styles.

Employment at Hawthornden Foundation is contingent upon successful completion of references and a background check, which may include verification of employment history, education, criminal record, and other relevant screenings as permitted by law. Background checks are conducted after a conditional offer of employment and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Hawthornden Foundation

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Director of Finance and Operations