How to apply for Director of Finance

About Camelback Ventures

Camelback Ventures is a trailblazing nonprofit that invests in entrepreneurs and leaders from systematically excluded backgrounds, having supported over 220 social entrepreneurs since 2015. Their Fellows have raised more than $400M, creating meaningful impact nationwide. Working here means joining a mission-driven organization that combines venture philanthropy with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.

About the role

As Director of Finance, you will be a hands-on financial leader, balancing strategic advisement to the CEO, Leadership Team, and Board with execution of budgeting, forecasting, accounting, grants, and compliance. You will also strengthen the financial infrastructure and team to support Camelback's growth and long-term sustainability. This role is pivotal in ensuring the organization's financial health while advancing its mission.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing cash flow projections, meeting with the CEO to discuss financial strategy, and working with the finance team on monthly close activities. You could also be preparing a financial report for the Board, analyzing budget-to-actual variances, or ensuring compliance with grant requirements. The role is varied, requiring both analytical work and collaborative communication.

Who Camelback Ventures is looking for

• Experienced nonprofit finance leader with a track record of managing budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting in a mission-driven organization.
• Comfortable moving between high-level strategy and detailed execution, including monthly close, reconciliations, payroll, and grants management.
• Skilled at communicating financial insights to diverse stakeholders, including board members and leadership teams.
• Knowledgeable about compliance, investment oversight, and financial systems, with a passion for social impact and equity.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in nonprofit finance specifically, emphasizing any work with grants, restricted funds, and compliance.
• Show your ability to partner with leadership and boards by providing examples of how you've translated financial data into actionable strategies.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the venture philanthropy or social entrepreneurship space, and express genuine alignment with Camelback's mission.
• Quantify your achievements, such as budgets managed, efficiencies gained, or financial systems implemented.
• Address the remote nature of the role by showcasing your ability to lead and collaborate effectively in a distributed environment.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience in nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.', 'How you have supported organizational growth and sustainability through financial leadership.', 'Your ability to advise senior leaders and boards, with examples of clear financial communication.', "Your commitment to Camelback's mission of investing in underrepresented entrepreneurs."]

Research before applying

• Explore Camelback Ventures' website, especially their Fellowship program and the types of ventures they support, to understand their impact model.
• Research the backgrounds of the CEO and Leadership Team to understand their priorities and how finance can support them.
• Look into recent news or reports about Camelback's growth, funding, and any financial challenges in the nonprofit sector that might affect them.
• Understand the landscape of venture philanthropy and nonprofit finance trends to speak knowledgeably about the sector.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building a financial strategy that supports both day-to-day operations and long-term growth for a nonprofit like Camelback?
• Describe your experience with grant management and compliance in a nonprofit setting. How do you ensure accurate tracking and reporting?
• Can you walk us through a time when you identified a financial risk or opportunity and advised leadership on the best course of action?
• How do you balance the need for financial controls with the flexibility required to support innovative programs?
• What experience do you have with investment oversight and working with external financial partners?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on for-profit finance experience without translating skills to the nonprofit context; Camelback needs someone who understands nonprofit accounting and compliance.
• Being too strategic and not showing willingness to be hands-on; this role requires both high-level thinking and execution.
• Neglecting to mention specific experience with grants, restricted funds, or board reporting, which are critical for this position.