VP of Finance and Operations

About the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Foundation is the global nonprofit leader dedicated to improving the lives of patients and families affected by MDS through patient support, education, research, advocacy, and strategic collaboration. We serve as a trusted resource for patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry partners worldwide while working to accelerate better outcomes and, ultimately, cures. 

Position Overview

The Vice President of Finance and Operations leads the MDS Foundation's financial strategy and core operational functions, ensuring sound financial stewardship, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and the infrastructure needed to support informed decision-making, organizational transparency, and long-term sustainability. 

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors during an important phase of organizational growth. The role provides executive oversight of financial planning and analysis, budgeting, reporting, audit, compliance, and operational systems, while developing the scalable processes, controls, and infrastructure necessary to support the Foundation's mission and long-term strategic priorities. The Vice President will ensure the Foundation's financial and operational data are translated into meaningful insights that support strategic planning, organizational performance, and decision-making. 

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, strategic builder who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, combining big-picture vision with a hands-on approach to execution. They will strengthen the Foundation's financial and operational capabilities by driving continuous improvement, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and building the systems, processes, and insights that enable sustainable growth and greater mission impact. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy 

• Lead the Foundation's financial strategy by developing long-term financial plans, projections, scenario analyses, and cash-flow models that support organizational sustainability, liquidity, and growth.  
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors, providing financial analysis, modeling, and insights to inform organizational decisions. 
• Develop meaningful financial and operational performance metrics that support organizational accountability and continuous improvement. 

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Planning

• Lead development and oversight of the annual budget and multi-year financial plans. 
• Design and implement best-in-class budgeting and forecasting processes, transitioning from legacy or ad hoc approaches to more rigorous, forward-looking planning. 
• Monitor financial performance through forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario planning, proactively identifying risks and opportunities. 

Financial Reporting, Transparency, and Controls

• Build financial reporting frameworks and dashboards to improve visibility, decision-making, and organizational accountability. 
• Prepare and present financial materials for Board and Finance/Audit Committee meetings; serve as financial expert at those meetings.  
• Strengthen financial controls by assessing existing accounting practices and implementing robust internal controls, policies, and documentation to safeguard organizational assets. 

Accounting, Audit, and Compliance

• Provide executive oversight of all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll accounting, and month-end and year-end close. 
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS regulations, nonprofit accounting standards, and all applicable federal and state requirements. 
• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and oversee the annual audit, Form 990 preparation, and other tax filings. 

Operational Excellence

• Assess and strengthen accounting infrastructure and close processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. 
• Lead the Foundation's payroll and benefits administration through effective management of the PEO relationship, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and an exceptional employee experience. 
• Provide financial and operational oversight of employee benefits, including health, retirement, and related programs, in partnership with external vendors. 

Grants, Restricted Funds, and Financial Stewardship

• Oversee financial management of restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance with donor and grant requirements. 
• Partner with Development and Partnerships teams on budgeting, reconciliation, and financial reporting. 
• Strengthen financial tracking and reporting capabilities for restricted funding to support growth in complex, multi-year funding streams. 

Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner across the organization to ensure financial considerations are integrated into strategic planning, operational decisions, and organizational growth initiatives. 
• Lead organizational change by fostering a culture of accountability, financial stewardship, operational excellence, and shared responsibility. 
• Operate with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” mindset, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution when needed. 

Qualifications & Experience

Required / Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field required; CPA, MBA, or advanced degree preferred 
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including senior-level responsibility 
• Experience in nonprofit finance strongly preferred; familiarity with restricted funds and grant accounting required 
• Proven success building or strengthening financial and operational infrastructure within a growing organization strongly preferred 
• Experience overseeing payroll, benefits, and PEO relationships preferred 
• Demonstrated experience presenting financial information to Boards and executive leadership 

Skills & Competencies

• Strong financial and strategic acumen, with the ability to translate data into insights that drive decision-making, growth, and mission impact 
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and compliance requirements 
• Highly analytical with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and the ability to identify issues and implement practical, scalable solutions 
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences 
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail 
• Collaborative leadership style with a calm, solutions-oriented approach 
• Experience driving change, improving processes, and leading through organizational growth 
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and execute across multiple initiatives 
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, remote environment 

Compensation

We offer a competitive and thoughtfully designed compensation package that reflects the importance of this role and supports our team’s well-being, flexibility, and long-term success:  

• Competitive annual salary of $120,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience and location  
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage  
• 401(k) with employer match to support long-term financial planning  
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy that encourages rest and recharge  
• Generous holiday schedule, including organizational closures around major holidays  
• Flexible/remote work environment, with a focus on outcomes and work-life balance 

Why Join The MDS Foundation

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a growing global organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by MDS. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President of Finance and Operations will play a central role in strengthening the Foundation's financial and operational infrastructure, enabling smarter data-driven decisions, supporting strong governance, and building the organizational capacity needed to expand our impact for patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers worldwide. 

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@mds-foundation.org.