EVP Finance (Non-profit Cleantech Incubator)

About LACI

The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy for the people of Los Angeles by unlocking innovation by working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies, transforming markets through partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in transportation, energy, and sustainable cities, and enhancing communities through workforce development, pilots, and other programs.

Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI Global.

In the past ten years, LACI has helped 340 portfolio companies raise $697 million in funding, generated $323 million in revenue, and created 2,565 jobs throughout the Los Angeles region, with a projected 5-year economic impact of more than $573 million.

Learn more at laci.org.

Position Summary :

Reporting to the CEO and serving as an integral member of the senior management team, the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Finance and Compliance will be responsible for the development of LACI and its affiliated entities financial management and strategy, as well as oversee the legal and compliance functions.

In addition, you will recommend ongoing operational improvements, oversee risk management and compliance, and work cross-functionally to increase organizational fluency around financial metrics, analysis, and decision-making.

The EVP will also be responsible for managing and developing a team of talented professionals across the finance and compliance departments to implement additional policies, procedures and systems and deliver timely, cost-effective results to enable organizational success.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an executive with operational and financial expertise and a proven track record of creative problem-solving and change management at a high-growth, mission-driven organization.

What You’ll Do :

Strategy & Organizational Leadership :

• Advise the CEO and other key members of senior management on financial planning budgeting, cash flow, and related organizational policy matters.
• Serve as liaison to the audit committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at board of directors and committee meetings.
• Contribute to the development of LACI’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.
• Ensure organizational alignment, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues.

Non-Profit Financial, Resource Stewardship and Governance :

• Help manage operational process improvement projects throughout organization.
• Improve administrative and operational accounting services such as grants payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing - ensuring that records are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Review and develop annual operating budget with Leadership Team input and CEO approval for presentation to and adoption by the Board.
• Work with the CEO and Finance team to develop, implement, and manage departmental level budgets, and manage effectively within the approved budget.
• Develop forecasts for organization finances including 3-year and 5-year financial projections.
• Oversee monthly close and reporting to Leadership and program teams.
• Support the EVP People & Operations in the development and management of the annual Operations and Maintenance budget and capital expenditures for La Kretz Innovation Campus and related Campus initiatives.
• Oversee the annual audit and tax filings for LACI and its affiliated entities including the 501C4 as well as the Impact Funds and Debt Fund (LLC / LLP).
• Manage Organizational cash flow strategy and execution including payables and receivables.

Grant Compliance / Legal / People Operations Support :

• Oversee the organization’s general counsel as well as compliance function, ensuring adherence to policy and procedures.
• Work with Compliance and program teams on grants management including restrictions on grants and contracts, risk mitigation and audits to ensure organization is meeting funder deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Maintain and manage relationships with external brokers for insurance, workers compensation, 401k partnering with General Counsel and People & Culture.
• Partner with People & Culture on employee benefit programs including healthcare and retirement options evaluating systems, plans and ensuring budget is available to maintain or increase benefit offerings.

Entity and Fund Management :

• Oversee financial administration and compliance of separate entity (501c4).
• Provide oversight as needed on the administration and management of the LACI Impact Fund including due diligence with internal Investment team.
• Oversee financial administration of LACI’s Debt Fund including underwriting, loan loss reserve, review, approvals, and overall process / procedure around fund management and implementation.

Why You’re Right for the Job :

You have a results-proven track record as a leader in finance and operations. Your high-level of business acumen is self-evident, including successful P&L management and ability to balance the delivery of programs against the realities of a budget.

Your broad experience with the full range of business functions and systems, includes strategic development, budgeting, business analysis, information systems, human resources, and legal and compliance.

You have done this role successfully at a high-growth organization and you’re ready to do it again for LACI.

You are known for your ability to build capacity : in individuals, teams and organizations. You have effectively built organizations and increased staff capacity, developing a top-notch workforce and the processes for the organization to run smoothly.

You’re a team builder with experience in scaling up organizations. You have an uncanny ability to connect to people both on an individual level and in groups.

You empower from the bottom up, lead from the top down, and cultivate entrepreneurship.

You value analysis but drive toward action. This is evident from your ability to consistently make good decisions through a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience and judgment.

You enjoy working hard and you’re willing to pull up your sleeves and dive in to make things happen. You’re not afraid to take charge of a situation and act or respond, even if limited information is available.

You masterfully navigate conflict, taking time to clearly define the problem and solve for it. You’re known for your excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution.

You have demonstrated success mentoring and managing a team with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and levels of expertise, ensuring all voices are heard.

You promote healthy conflict and difference to help us learn, grow and create better solutions for everyone.

You’re PRO-LACI. Translation : you’re a proactive, pro-environment, pro-solutions professional that is dedicated to making the world a cleaner, safer, better place to live in through clean technologies.

In addition, you have a commitment to inclusion, or the need for solutions to support all people in a community regardless of race, religion, gender, immigration status, or ethnicity.

Requirements :

Basically, we want to know you can get the job done. This means you have :

• 10+ years management and leadership experience with demonstrated progressive responsibilities.
• Passionate about LACI's mission and able to promote and communicate the mission and values to stakeholders.
• 7+ years of investment / finance experience.
• Experience raising capital in a startup or advising capital raises for startups preferred.
• Deep understanding of investment landscape and investor network in the US.
• Experience in the cleantech, energy or mobility / transportation sectors preferred.

Work Requirements :

Must work onsite from Downtown LA office (currently hybrid).

Position Details :

This is a full-time position, starting immediately. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus, in the bustling Downtown LA Arts District.

Since we are rapidly growing, you will be getting in on the ground floor at LACI, with the opportunity to evolve with us and shape your future here.

Some travel may be required.

Salary Range : Executive Range $180-230k commensurate with experience, education, skills, etc and total compensation package including health benefits, 401k match, professional development, commuter benefits and more.

In addition to working on a campus with other innovators, we offer industry competitive benefits including : paid holidays, vacation / sick time, health benefits, 401(k) plan with match, and paid parking (with EV charge stations).

We also support alternative transportation with a metro pass and bikeshare for every employee.

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