Chief Financial Officer Position at the Native American Youth and Family Center: Exciting Career Opportunity!

From Portland’s vibrant nonprofit ecosystem to the heart of Native American youth and family services, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is inviting a seasoned Chief Financial Officer to steer financial leadership at a moment of growth, accountability, and community impact. The organization, founded in 1974 and operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves self-identified Native Americans across the Portland metropolitan area, spanning infants to elders, with a portfolio that now includes robust youth programs, family services, and an expanding affordable housing initiative. NAYA’s mission centers on nurturing cultural identity, education, and wellness while building resilient communities. The CFO will lead a finance team of about 10 professionals, manage an annual operating budget exceeding $20 million, and oversee more than 100 grants and contracts. This is more than a financial role; it is a strategic partnership with the CEO and the Board to sustain and enhance programs for over 160 employees and thousands of program participants. The position emphasizes financial leadership, strategic planning, governance, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion that mirrors the organization’s values. For executives drawn to executive careers in nonprofit management, this is a compelling opportunity to blend rigorous accounting with mission-driven impact, and to contribute to Native American organizations in a way that respects culture, community, and continuity.

Understanding The Chief Financial Officer Role At NAYA: Mission-Driven Financial Leadership And Organizational Impact

In nonprofit settings like the Native American Youth and Family Center, the Chief Financial Officer operates at the intersection of rigorous discipline and compassionate leadership. The CFO is not merely a steward of numbers; they are a strategic partner who translates financial data into actionable decisions that advance youth and family services, cultural education, and community well-being. For NAYA, the role blends classic finance functions with a deep understanding of the organization’s mission, values, and operating environment. The scope includes overseeing general and grants accounting, accounts payable, payroll, contracts, and compliance—functions that underpin daily operations and long-term sustainability. Yet beyond mechanics, the CFO must craft a financial roadmap that aligns with NAYA’s vision for Portland’s Native community over decades, ensuring that financial decisions reinforce stability, growth, and equity. This is where the concept of financial leadership intersects with social impact: budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and grant allocations are not footnotes but essential levers for program quality and community outcomes. The CFO’s leadership also shapes governance, internal controls, and the annual audit process, which in turn builds trust with funders, partners, and the people served by NAYA.

Key responsibilities extend to collaboration with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive financial strategy that advances the organization’s mission. The CFO serves as the primary liaison to the board’s Finance and Audit Committee, leading monthly financial reporting, variances analysis, and trend assessments. They will oversee the annual budget process and the midyear review, ensuring that resources are directed to programs with the greatest impact while maintaining financial discipline. A critical function is risk management and internal controls: protecting assets, safeguarding data integrity, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. In practice, this means translating complex regulatory demands into practical procedures—tightening procurement policies, refining contract oversight, and implementing robust reimbursement and grant invoicing processes. The CFO also steers external relationships with funders, government agencies, consultants, and vendors, cultivating a network that supports program expansion and fiscal resilience. To succeed, the candidate must bridge financial rigor with cultural sensitivity, embodying NAYA’s values—respect, balance, pride, community, and leadership—while driving measurable community impact.

• Lead financial planning and analysis, including forecasting, cost management, and grant allocation aligned with strategic and operating plans.
• Oversee daily financial operations (month- and year-end closings, payroll, invoicing, cash flow) and ensure accurate reporting to leadership and the Board.
• Coordinate the annual budget process, midyear review, and policy development to support sustainable growth.
• Partner with the Finance and Audit Committee on external audits, Form 990, and internal controls to ensure clean, compliant financial operations.
• Maintain strong relationships with funders, government agencies, and vendors to support program success and organizational stability.

Given NAYA’s scale—managing a multi-million-dollar operating budget and a growing portfolio of affordable housing—the CFO’s role extends to strategic oversight of contracts, compliance, and treasury functions that safeguard resources while enabling program expansion. The ideal candidate will combine a robust nonprofit financial background with experience in multi-entity management, including housing portfolios and associated audits. They must be comfortable with complex grant landscapes, multi-year funding commitments, and the accountability standards that come with public and private support. The job entails balancing short-term liquidity needs with long-term capital planning, ensuring that the organization can meet current obligations while investing in initiatives that yield durable community benefits. Finally, the CFO must be adept at communicating with diverse stakeholders—board members, funders, staff, and community partners—translating nuanced financial data into clear narratives that inform strategic choices and celebrate progress. This holistic approach to financial leadership is essential to maintaining trust, accelerating impact, and sustaining the organization’s mission over time.

• Transparent reporting that ties financial results to program outcomes and community impact.
• Clear communication with staff and stakeholders about budgeting decisions and financial priorities.
• Proactive identification of risks and opportunities related to grants, contracts, and compliance.

1. Nonprofit finance leadership
2. Grant management excellence

For those exploring a career that blends strategic planning with hands-on financial management in Native American organizations, this CFO role represents a defining path. It’s not merely about balancing ledgers; it’s about enabling programs that empower youth and families, perpetuate cultural heritage, and strengthen economic resilience within the community. Engaging with a dynamic leadership team, the CFO will help pilot NAYA’s growth trajectory while ensuring that every financial decision aligns with the organization’s core values. This alignment is crucial in a sector where funding cycles, regulatory requirements, and community needs are continually evolving, and where leadership must demonstrate both accountability and a deep commitment to cultural responsiveness.

To learn more about the broader landscape of executive roles and CFO priorities in contemporary finance, consider resources that emphasize strategic thinking, governance, and the evolving role of the CFO in 2025 and beyond. See for example CFO priorities in 2025, or explore courses that sharpen understanding of company accounts and financial reporting at Understanding Company Accounts. These materials complement hands-on nonprofit leadership with solid financial literacy and governance fundamentals.

Operational Excellence And Governance Alignment

Operational excellence is the nerve center of the CFO’s influence at NAYA. By integrating budgeting with program delivery, the CFO ensures that resources are allocated where they create the most meaningful community impact. This requires not only technical prowess but also strong collaboration with program directors, development teams, and facilities leadership. A robust governance framework—clear role definitions, documented policies, and consistent oversight—helps prevent cost overruns and strengthens the organization’s capacity to scale. The CFO must keep a vigilant eye on compliance obligations across multiple entities, including the NAYA Action Fund and housing portfolios, while coordinating with external auditors to deliver a transparent, audit-ready environment. The ability to translate financial insights into practical actions—such as revising indirect cost allocation methodologies or renegotiating vendor contracts—translates directly into better service delivery for Native communities. Community trust hinges on transparent, accountable, and strategic financial leadership that supports both immediate needs and long-term aspirations.

Strategic Financial Leadership For Nonprofit Organizations: Planning, Budgeting, And Compliance At NAYA

Strategic financial leadership in nonprofits requires a disciplined, holistic approach to planning, budgeting, and compliance that aligns resources with mission-critical programs. At NAYA, the CFO’s strategic influence spans forecasts, grant allocations, and cross-functional budgeting, with a focus on strengthening the financial backbone of youth and family services while expanding housing and property initiatives. The finance team’s scope includes general accounting, grants management, internal controls, tax compliance, and regulatory reporting, all of which underpin the organization’s ability to deliver high-quality programs year after year. A thoughtful budget process, combined with rigorous midyear reviews, ensures that leadership can respond adaptively to shifting funding landscapes, regulatory changes, and emerging opportunities. This is not a purely technical exercise; it requires a strategic mindset that prioritizes program impact, equity, and sustainable growth, balancing the needs of diverse tribal communities and the organization’s operating realities in a dynamic metropolitan environment.

Central to this section is the interplay between planning and execution. The CFO must forecast cash flows, anticipate grant drawdowns, manage contract fund controls, and oversee treasury operations. The budget is not a static document; it is a living framework that informs decision-making across departments. Regular reporting to the CEO and Board—and to the Finance and Audit Committee—provides visibility into spending against benchmarks, variance analyses, and sector trends. The CFO also guides policy development to ensure consistent practices across the organization, including procurement standards, vendor management, and payroll controls. In practice, this means designing and implementing policies that reduce risk, optimize efficiency, and promote accountability. The role also involves leading the annual external audit, coordinating with auditors to address findings, and presenting results to the Board. This rigorous oversight helps maintain donor confidence and supports a culture of continuous improvement.

• Forecasting and scenario planning to anticipate funding fluctuations and program expansions.
• Grant management processes that ensure timely invoicing, accurate reporting, and compliance with funder requirements.
• Internal controls and policy development to enhance data integrity and operational efficiency.
• Board-level reporting that conveys financial performance, program outcomes, and strategic implications.
• External audit readiness and coordination with auditors to ensure clean, compliant audits.

Working within a multi-entity framework, the CFO will navigate complex reporting obligations, including consolidated audits and the Form 990, while supporting a growing portfolio of affordable housing. Familiarity with accounting systems such as Sage Intacct is desirable, as it supports more accurate financial reporting, streamlined workflows, and better insight into program costs and grant allocations. The ongoing emphasis on diversity and inclusion informs every aspect of the financial agenda—from vendor selection to staff development and stakeholder engagement. In this context, the CFO helps embed equity considerations into financial planning, ensuring that resource allocation reinforces access to services for historically underserved communities and supports the development of local talent within Native American organizations. The ultimate aim is a transparent, resilient financial ecosystem that strengthens NAYA’s ability to deliver high-impact services for youth and families while honoring cultural values and community strengths.

As a practical resource for those seeking to expand their knowledge beyond the immediate CFO duties, the following links offer deeper insights into finance leadership in a broader context: Lucrative Finance Careers, Financial Principles in Business, and Marketing Finance for Sustainable Growth. These readings can help aspiring nonprofit leaders connect general financial theory with the realities of mission-driven organizations like Native American Youth and Family Center.

In practice, the CFO’s strategic leadership translates into tangible outcomes: improved budgeting discipline, enhanced grant administration, and stronger governance that elevates program quality and community trust. The role also provides a platform to influence the broader ecosystem of Native American organizations by sharing best practices in financial stewardship, accountability, and inclusive growth. The CFO’s work, therefore, is not only about managing money; it is about enabling a vision of community prosperity, educational attainment, and cultural vitality that endures across generations.

• Strategic alignment between financial plans and program outcomes.
• Clear, concise reporting to the Board and funders about financial health and impact.
• Compliance excellence across multiple entities ensuring sustainable funding.

Governance And Compliance For A Growing Multi-Entity Organization

As NAYA grows, governance and compliance take on increasing importance. The CFO oversees a robust contracts management system to ensure that consultancy and vendor relationships align with organizational goals and fiscal policies. The multi-entity structure—encompassing the main organization, the NAYA Action Fund, and housing-related holdings—requires careful coordination to ensure that consolidated financial statements reflect the true health of the enterprise while meeting the requirements of funders and government regulators. The annual audit, including the federal uniform guidance audit, the Form 990 tax return, and retirement plan audits, marks a critical governance checkpoint. A well-executed audit cycle reduces risk, reinforces stakeholder confidence, and provides opportunities to refine financial processes. The CFO also plays a pivotal role in retirement plan governance, investment oversight, and compliance with tax and labor regulations. In short, governance and compliance are not bureaucratic burdens; they are strategic capabilities that enable NAYA to deliver high-quality youth and family services with integrity and transparency.

1. Maintain a rigorous contracts management framework to ensure compliance and alignment with strategy.
2. Coordinate and lead the consolidated financial audit and related oversight activities.
3. Ensure payroll, tax, and retirement plan administration are accurate and compliant.

In addition to policy work, the CFO’s leadership must cultivate cross-functional collaboration across departments—programs, development, housing, and operations—to create a unified financial culture. This includes training program leaders on budgeting impacts, facilitating interdepartmental reviews, and promoting data-informed decisions that reflect both fiscal realities and the organization’s mission. A thoughtful CFO perspective helps ensure that growth does not outpace internal controls or governance standards, and that the organization remains nimble enough to respond to shifts in funding and community needs while preserving the core values that define NAYA.

Table: Key Financial Functions And Their Impact At NAYA

Function	Impact On Mission	Owner
Budgeting And Forecasting	Aligns resources with program goals and community priorities	Finance Team
Grants Management	Ensures timely invoicing and compliance with funder requirements	Grants Team
Contracts And Compliance	Protects assets and maintains audit readiness	Legal and Compliance
Housing Portfolio Oversight	Supports sustainable housing initiatives for families	Property Management
Board Reporting	Transparency and strategic oversight for governance bodies	Finance

Managing Grants, Housing Portfolios, And Community Impact: The CFO’s Oversight For Revenue Streams

The CFO at NAYA shoulders a comprehensive portfolio that includes more than 100 grants and contracts, an expanding affordable housing portfolio, and the emergence of a property management entity. This diverse revenue and asset mix requires sophisticated stewardship: optimizing grant drawdown schedules, aligning program budgets with grant terms, and maintaining tight controls on contract fund management. The responsibility extends beyond financial metrics to community outcomes. Effective grant management translates to timely reimbursement, accurate reporting to funders, and the ability to scale successful programs that serve Native youth and families in the Portland area. The CFO must ensure that expenditures align with grant budgets, monitor variances, and provide guidance to program teams on financial expectations and reporting requirements. This means building strong partnerships with program managers to interpret financial data, forecast needs, and adjust plans as needed to meet both programmatic and fiscal goals.

Similarly, the housing portfolio and associated property management operations add a layer of complexity and opportunity. The CFO oversees a growing inventory of assets, compliance with affordable housing regulations, and coordination of annual audits that consolidate financial information across entities. Given the critical role housing plays in stabilizing families and enabling youth development, the CFO’s work in this area is deeply tied to community outcomes. The ability to manage multi-entity financial reporting, including intercompany transactions and shared services, ensures that the organization can present a clear financial picture to stakeholders while supporting the mission. This requires a combination of technical expertise in government contracting, familiarity with indirect cost allocation methodologies, and practical experience with multi-funder environments. The example of such complexity demonstrates why the CFO’s leadership is central to NAYA’s capacity to deliver reliable services, scale programs, and sustain financial health over time.

• Coordinate grant budgeting, invoicing, and reporting processes to satisfy funder criteria and program needs.
• Oversee affordable housing accounting, compliance, and annual financial audits.
• Ensure timely payroll processing and accurate revenue recognition across entities.
• Provide strategic insights to optimize program funding and capital planning.

To support this multi-stream oversight, the CFO collaborates with external experts and funders to communicate financial realities and opportunities. Deeper familiarity with finance principles in nonprofit contexts—such as grant accounting nuances, restricted versus unrestricted funds, and cost allocation methodologies—helps the CFO translate numbers into impactful stories for donors and policymakers alike. For further exploration of these concepts, consider courses and references like Understanding Company Accounts and Financial Principles in Business, which offer foundational perspectives that complement hands-on leadership at NAYA. The CFO’s ability to connect fiscal discipline with program outcomes is what turns financial leadership into community impact, translating fiscal strength into the capacity to sustain and expand essential services for Native youth and families.

Additionally, engaging with the broader finance community helps enrich NAYA’s practice. The CFO may participate in professional networks, board discussions, and inter-organizational collaborations that advance best practices in nonprofit finance, governance, and social impact. The opportunity to share lessons learned with other Native organizations can amplify positive change, contributing to a more resilient ecosystem of youth and family services across the region. The path forward is about building durable financial systems that enable NAYA to fulfill its mission with integrity, transparency, and care—for today’s families and for generations to come.

• Tableau-like dashboards for grant tracking and program costing.
• Consolidated reporting that harmonizes multi-entity data sources.
• Proactive stakeholder engagement to align funding with strategic priorities.

Culture, Diversity, And Inclusion In Financial Management: Serving Native Communities With Integrity

Financial leadership at NAYA demands a steadfast commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness. The CFO’s role goes beyond procedural compliance to model a culture that respects Indigenous perspectives, honors tribal sovereignty, and fosters equitable access to services. Diversity and inclusion are not just values to be stated; they are operational imperatives that influence vendor selection, staff development, and decision-making processes. The CFO shapes a finance team that reflects the community served, recruits with equity in mind, and invests in ongoing training that deepens cultural humility and financial literacy across all levels of the organization. This inclusive approach strengthens trust with Native communities, enhances collaboration with tribal partners, and helps ensure that financial decisions support programs that are culturally aligned and community-led. In practice, that means transparent budgeting processes, clear communication about resource allocation, and explicit consideration of equity impacts when evaluating investment opportunities or cost-saving measures.

The leadership tone set by the CFO influences the broader organizational culture. By modeling ethical behavior, accountability, and open dialogue, the CFO helps cultivate a climate where staff feel valued and empowered to contribute ideas. This is especially important in Native organizations that rely on multi-generational relationships, traditional knowledge, and community-based governance. The CFO can champion policies that promote work-life balance, professional growth, and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the finance function supports a diverse workforce that reflects the community’s richness. At the same time, this leadership must remain vigilant about internal controls and risk management, balancing empowerment with accountability to safeguard resources and maintain donor confidence. The long-term payoff is a financially secure organization that can invest in youth programs, family services, and cultural initiatives while remaining responsive to the evolving needs of the Native American communities it serves.

• Develop inclusive budgeting practices that reflect community priorities and cultural values.
• Promote staff training in cultural competency, financial stewardship, and governance.
• Engage diverse stakeholders in finance-related decision-making to strengthen legitimacy and trust.
• Implement transparent vendor and procurement policies to support diverse suppliers and equitable outcomes.

As part of the broader community, the CFO recognizes the strategic importance of alignment with national conversations about diversity and inclusion in corporate governance and public sector finance. The role is enhanced by ongoing learning about the latest developments in nonprofit accounting, governance, and ethics, as well as the unique needs of Native organizations. For further exploration of how finance leadership intersects with inclusive practice and community impact, readers may wish to consult external resources and case studies. Read about executive career pathways in diverse nonprofit settings and contemplate how these experiences inform the next generation of Chief Financial Officers dedicated to Native youth and family services.

Strategic partnerships also play a crucial role in fostering inclusion and enhancing program reach. The CFO can guide collaborations with tribal organizations, schools, and community groups to align resources, reduce duplicative efforts, and strengthen outcomes. By prioritizing equity in both policy and practice, the organization reinforces its commitment to serving Native communities with integrity and respect. The result is not only stronger financial health but a more meaningful, lasting impact on the people NAYA serves, embodying a shared sense of purpose and mutual responsibility across the community.

To expand understanding of how strategic financial leadership integrates with broader organizational goals, consider CFO priorities for 2025 and related content that explores how modern CFOs navigate complexity, governance, and impact. These resources can help contextualize the CFO role within a growing network of Native organizations and nonprofit leaders who view financial stewardship as a central driver of social progress.

Career Opportunity And Pathways In Nonprofit Management: The CFO Route And The Future Of Executive Careers

The Chief Financial Officer position at NAYA is positioned as a high-impact, strategic career opportunity within nonprofit management. It offers a chance to exercise financial leadership while shaping program strategy, governance, and community outcomes for a Native-focused organization with a strong legacy and a bold growth trajectory. The role requires a combination of technical accounting proficiency, strategic insight, and a commitment to the values that guide Native American organizations. A BA in Finance or Accounting is required, with professional credentials such as CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred. The candidate should bring at least six years of progressive nonprofit finance experience, including a minimum of four years in a supervisory capacity. Experience in affordable housing and LIHTC developments is highly desirable, as is familiarity with local and federal government contracting and indirect cost allocation methodologies. Hands-on experience with Sage Intacct or similar financial systems is a plus, enabling efficient financial management and robust reporting across multiple entities.

The compensation range for this position is typically aligned with nonprofit leadership standards, reflecting the responsibilities of overseeing a $20M operating budget, a 10-person finance team, and a growing housing portfolio. In a region like Portland, competitive packages often include medical, dental, vision benefits, a 401(k) with employer matching, and generous paid time off and holidays. For candidates seeking long-term career growth, this CFO role offers pathways to broader executive leadership, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to influence policy, practice, and culture within Native American organizations. The leadership responsibilities—strategic planning, annual budgeting, board engagement, and external stewardship—provide a compelling platform for developing expertise in governance, stakeholder management, and organizational development. The role is also a strong bridge to cross-sector opportunities, including nonprofit boards, philanthropic foundations, and governmental advisory roles aimed at strengthening youth and family services in Native communities.

• Strategic planning and horizon scanning to align financial resources with mission goals.
• Governance excellence, including board reporting, audits, and compliance oversight.
• Personnel development to build a high-performing, diverse financial team.
• External stakeholder engagement to secure funding, partnerships, and community trust.
• Career progression toward broader executive leadership roles within and beyond Native organizations.

For prospective applicants, this role is a robust platform to make a lasting difference by linking sound financial stewardship with meaningful community outcomes. To explore related career paths and expand professional horizons, consider resources such as Future Finance Careers or CFOs AI Finance Impact, which discuss how technology, analytics, and strategic leadership shape the next generation of finance executives. These perspectives underscore how the CFO role in a Native organization can be a transformative career opportunity—one that blends technical mastery with cultural responsibility and an unwavering commitment to helping communities thrive. For more practical insights into the broader landscape of executive finance roles, you can also review courses like Understanding Company Accounts, which complement the real-world responsibilities described here.

Interested candidates should review the formal posting details and application instructions clarified by NAYA. The organization emphasizes the importance of a demonstrated track record in nonprofit financial leadership, a passion for youth and family services, and a value-driven approach to diversity and inclusion. As a final note, the CFO role is a rare chance to combine strategic influence with daily operational excellence, enabling a direct and measurable impact on the lives of Portland’s Native communities and on the broader field of Native American organizations. This is the kind of executive opportunity that resonates with professionals seeking to advance executive careers while contributing to enduring social good.

• Strong alignment with mission, values, and community priorities.
• Proven experience in multi-entity nonprofit finance leadership with housing considerations.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in finance leadership and governance.

How to apply and further information can be found by visiting the official page of Native American Youth and Family Center and related resource hubs. For ongoing insights into CFO priorities and career pathways in finance, you may also reference the following articles and courses: CFO Priorities 2025, Finance, Procurement, CFO, CPO, and Future Finance Tyler AI. These resources offer practical perspectives on the evolving expectations for senior financial leadership in nonprofit contexts and beyond.

1. Submit an application package detailing relevant nonprofit finance leadership experience.
2. Prepare a narrative that demonstrates alignment with NAYA’s mission and values.
3. Highlight cross-functional leadership and stakeholder engagement experience.

With a strong foundation in financial leadership, a values-driven approach, and a commitment to Native community empowerment, this CFO opportunity at NAYA stands as a meaningful and impactful career move. It is a role that invites the right candidate to shape the financial architecture of an organization that has sustained a vision for decades—one where culture, education, wellness, and opportunity converge to create lasting community outcomes. For finance professionals who see themselves as catalysts for social impact, this position offers a compelling path to build enduring community resilience through strategic planning, robust governance, and inclusive leadership.

Additional links for context and continued learning include Future Finance Orlando AI Jobs and Marketing Finance for Sustainable Growth, which illustrate how strategic financial leadership informs sustainable growth strategies in complex, mission-driven organizations. These insights can help prospective applicants understand how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of nonprofit finance leadership while contributing to a healthier, more equitable future for Native communities.