The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund is a private (family) grant-making foundation established in 1993.  The current endowment is over $200 million and, in 2023, approximately 60  grants were  awarded ranging in size from $10,000 to $1.5M with an average grant of $80,000.  Grant awards are made in K-12 education, human services with a focus on workforce development and barriers to safe housing, and access to healthcare.

Working in five communities, the McGowan Fund empowers families and individuals living in poverty to achieve their greatest potential.  The McGowan Fund is deeply committed to evidence-based practices, sustainable results and principled leadership.  The Fund is guided in all endeavors by six principles accountability, character and integrity, courage, empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.

Governed by an engaged Board of Directors comprised of family members, grants are made by the Board three times a year.  In 2023, grant making reached approximately $4,800,000.  The fiscal year is July 1 to June 30. Last year’s operating budget was approximately $2.8M.   McGowan Fund employs 5 full-time staff and one part time staff member. 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance and Administration (“DFA”) is the top financial and administrative position with responsibility for overall financial management, general operations, and several human resources functions. The DFA facilitates work with audit, tax, benefits and financial services providers and investment oversight consultants. 

The DFA works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to support their fiduciary responsibilities.  This includes, in partnership with the Executive Director, providing leadership, promoting teamwork and collaboration.  The DFA will be the principal liaison with banks, financial advisors, investment consultants, and auditors.

The ideal candidate will foster a culture of ethics and will utilize change management principles.  Excellent organizational, negotiation and presentation skills, written and verbal communication skills are necessary.  The selected candidate will actively participate in appropriate professional organizations and networks.

Understanding of IRS regulations related to foundations, philanthropic practices, and non-profit law is desired.  Previous experience and responsibility for investment management, budgets and forecasts, financial reporting, financial analysis, cash management and tax compliance required.

MBA or Master’s degree in Finance, or other business-related field desired; active CPA required.  The qualified candidate will have ten or more years of experience in accounting/finance/investment experience in a leadership role.  Previous hands-on experience with accounting systems is required, QuickBooks a plus.  General understanding of geopolitical, monetary and fiscal policy is desired.  The Foundation’s staff are currently working in a hybrid office with 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) in/2 days remote.

Compensation:

$150,000 - $175,000 comprehensive benefits. 

Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search.  

The William G. McGowan Fund is an equal employment opportunity employer.