Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

THE POSITION

With a mission to transform “unproductive real estate in neighborhoods and industrial areas into opportunities for employment and housing,” The Port is an economic and community development agency driving change throughout Cincinnati. The organization is seeking its next Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer (EVP/CFO) to join a high-performing team dedicated to creating lasting impact in communities – from revitalizing residential neighborhoods to energizing commercial business districts.

This position serves as Executive Vice President of Finance, is a strategic and operational leader who works in close partnership with the CEO and as a key member of the executive leadership team. This individual is responsible for attracting capital, leveraging the balance sheet and borrowing capacity, and ensuring strong financial policies, procedures, and reporting systems are in place. The EVP/CFO plays a critical role in strategic planning and execution across the organization and provides timely financial business intelligence and analytical support to the Executive Team and Board of Directors.

A key responsibility for the EVP/CFO will be leading the development of two “Impact Funds,” each totaling approximately $100 million, to support The Port’s ambitious real estate initiatives. This includes identifying and soliciting investors and serving as manager of the investment committee. The EVP/CFO will also identify opportunities for revenue diversification and pursue grants in partnership with internal grant-writing teams. An understanding of bonding, non-tax revenue streams and how best to leverage borrowing potential will be essential.

The EVP/CFO oversees both the public finance practice and the accounting functions for The Port and its three managed entities, which collectively have a 2024 revenue budget of $28 million and net assets of $259 million. They will directly manage the Senior Vice President of Public Finance and their team of two, as well as the Senior Vice President Finance and Accounting and their team of four. The EVP/CFO is responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory accounting and financial reporting requirements, overseeing annual audits, and guiding long-term financial projections – both operating and capital.

The EVP/CFO will lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with senior leadership and managers to ensure budgets are realistic and actionable. They will also be accountable for all aspects of accounting operations and internal controls, ensuring records adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting and Auditing Principles and Standards.

This is a rare opportunity to work alongside and advise the President/CEO, who has led The Port for 13 years and grown the organization from six employees to more than forty. The EVP/CFO will join a tight-knit executive leadership team that includes an Executive Vice President of Real Estate, and General Counsel/Executive Vice President. Together, this leadership team is shaping the future of Cincinnati’s communities – and the EVP/CFO will play a central role in ensuring that growth is not only impactful but also financially sustainable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field and at least 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience. Experience should include direct responsibility for budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, compliance, risk management, and oversight of accounting functions. A minimum of five years in a senior leadership or executive role with supervisory responsibility is also required.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or public administration; certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA); and demonstrated experience in a complex, multi-entity governmental, nonprofit or quasi-governmental organization. Experience working with or establishing public-private partnerships, managing complex fund structures, and raising capital through innovative financial tools is highly desirable.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. There will be an annual bonus potential of 15%. The Port provides competitive benefits for health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance. As a public employer, its employees are members of OPERS, with 14% contributions made to a retirement plan.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning May 20, 2025.