Operations and Program Manager

The Highland Community College Foundation, the private fundraising and relationship building organization for Highland Community College, is seeking a nonprofit professional to manage the operations and program needs of the organization.

The Operations and Program Manager will facilitate the day to day operations of the Highland Community College Foundation funds and is responsible for the accounting and financial activities of the Foundation. Under the direction of the Executive Director of the Highland Community College Foundation, this position will be responsible for overseeing the management and facilitation of more than $34 million of assets. In addition, the Foundation Operations and Program Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and the Foundation team to cultivate and maintain donor relationships, build internal and external stakeholder relationships, and support efforts to maintain the integrity and fiduciary responsibility of the Foundation and Board of Directors. This position plays an integral integral role in the administration of the scholarship process providing opportunities and support for students and maintaining donors’ confidence.

This position is an integral part of the Foundation’s development work and seek a highly collaborative individual to work with an evolving team and visionary campus partners. Highland Community College, serving NW Illinois, has more than 16,000 alumni. Development efforts strive to involve alumni and community leaders in the Mission of the College, resulting in their increased engagement and philanthropic support.

The HCC Foundation is the first community college foundation founded in the state of Illinois (1962).

Essential Functions:

• Serves as the Foundation’s office manager overseeing the daily operations and ensures efficient functioning across the Foundation
• Ensures compliance with all financial regulations and ethical standards.
• Performs and oversees bookkeeping responsibilities such as bank deposits, transfers, receipts and disbursements, and bank reconciliations.
• Coordinates and oversees relationship with external CPA for processing checks, monthly finances, reports, year-end audit preparation, investments, donor restrictions and gift agreements, net asset restrictions, chart of accounts, vendor and 1099 preparation, accounts receivables/payables, and other items as needed.
• Assists in preparing monthly budgets and reports for the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, supervises control of budgets under the direction of the Executive Director.
• Oversees and monitors investment and trust accounts with the assistance of financial institution money managers to maintain the financial health of the Foundation.
• Coordinates with the Foundation’s external auditor for year-end audit, tax return, and financial statements.
• Coordinates with Highland Community College VP of Finance for audit timing for component unit footnotes in HCC’s audit report, trade redemptions, scholarships and billing, budgeting, and other accounting needs of the College.
• Establishes relationships with other College Departments for finance related matters.
• Serves as the confidential assistant to the Board of Directors of the Highland Community College Foundation including attending all meetings, recording or reviewing minutes, and carrying out the plans and policies authorized by the Board.
• Responsible for the scholarship process, procedures, and operations to ensure appropriate disbursement and fiscal accountability to Highland Community College.
• Manages, in conjunction with Foundation staff, donor database to ensure integrity of data.
• Maintains official records and documents, internal controls, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Assists the planning and implementation of annual College and Foundation events.
• Maintains credit card security with transactions, reporting and PCI compliance.
• Fosters a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Represents the Foundation at various meetings on and off campus, as needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Principles and practices of office administration and management.
• Accounting, auditing, and cash management principles, practices and processes.
• Computer operations and software applications.
  • Fundraising database software; Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge, strongly preferred.
  • Accounting software, QuickBooks, strongly preferred.
• Understanding of financial aspects of wills, trusts, bequests, annuity gift agreements, donor agreements, etc.
• Ability to prepare reports, monitoring budgets, and interpreting policies and procedures.
• Effective Communication.
• Work independently, in addition to as a member of an effective development team.
• Commitment to the mission of the Foundation and College.

Experience and Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or related field; applicants with an Associate’s Degree with equivalent professional work experience are encouraged to apply.
• Three to five years of progressive professional experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.

The Highland Community College Foundation is committed to provide our employees with an environment that is inspiring, creative and respectful. We offer competitive pay and an excellent benefits program.

To apply for the position, please visit our website at: www.highland.edu/employment. Application is not complete until the following materials are submitted: online application, a cover letter, resume, graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for the purpose of application), and three current professional reference letters. For an alternate application method, please contact Human Resources at 815-599-3426. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Highland Community College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, and encourages applications