About Ben Franklin and the CFO Opportunity

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Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Ben Franklin) is the Philadelphia region’s Partner with a Purpose. Nationally ranked among the most active seed and early-stage investors, Ben Franklin helps high-growth innovative enterprises plant and nurture their roots, creating both immediate connections and lasting economic growth. The nonprofit has supported more than 2,000 companies to deliver an impact of more than $5 billion and 32,000 jobs in the Philadelphia region. Whether in tech, life sciences, manufacturing, or industries and breakthroughs yet discovered, Ben Franklin works to lift the community of innovation higher, to benefit present and future generations of Pennsylvanians. Ben Franklin is an independent 501(c)(3) organization and part of a statewide network of Ben Franklin organizations that catalyze growth throughout Pennsylvania.

 

Ben Franklin seeks a Chief Financial Officer who will have oversight responsibility for the organization’s overall financial management, analysis, and reporting. The CFO interacts with external peers and government administrative and legislative teams and serves as an ambassador for Ben Franklin in professional forums. The CFO’s primary charge will be the creation and leadership of a sophisticated financial back office that brings clarity to the organization’s understanding of its financial performance. This role also offers the chance to support the CEO in sourcing investment opportunities, for those candidates who have this experience or those who seek to develop it with Ben Franklin.

 

The CFO joins Ben Franklin at a time of strategic and ambitious growth. The CFO will:

• Confirm then implement Ben Franklin's 90-day plan to understand and organize financial back-office functions; refine and develop flexible, multi-functional financial reports and other deliverables; and develop the CFO’s personal 12-month measurable strategy for community engagement, emphasizing the evaluation, creation and maintenance of donor and partnering opportunities.
   

• Support the CEO and Board in delivering on a multi-year strategy to increase Ben Franklin’s assets more than twofold and develop a diverse revenue mix that is not dependent upon any single sector or funding stream.

 

This position is a unique career opportunity for a mission-driven CPA who finds energy and meaning in supporting the organization’s nonprofit objectives, thrives in an achievement-oriented culture, and takes bold and decisive action, whether in leading their team, supporting the CEO and Board, or assessing the risks and rewards of a funding or investment opportunity.

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Compensation

Compensation is highly competitive with exceptional benefits, including employer-paid health, disability and life insurance, match to organization’s 403(b) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid time off (including parental leave) and potential profit sharing (carried interest) in future funds.

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Background of Ideal Candidate

A strategic and energetic financial services professional who: values the constructive community impact and vital role of capital in the advancement of society; is inspired by the interface of tech, innovation, and community development; has experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance, or as a senior manager with a financial services organization, venture capital and/or limited partnership; has experience managing and valuing private securities; brings flexibility and clarity to the analysis of financial complexity; sees the next step in their career as supporting a double bottom line and regional innovation through technology-driven enterprise and partnership.

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Professional Characteristics

1. Deep appreciation for Ben Franklin’s mission and values of community, service, collaboration, and commitment that “we are the change.”

2. CPA and MBA preferred.

3. Experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance, or as a senior manager with a financial services organization, venture capital and/or limited partnership experience is a plus.

4. Experience managing and valuing private securities.

5. Experience with nonprofit and/or for-profit accounting, finance, and tax matters with special emphasis on early-stage investing.

6. Experience with funding complexity and compliance with government programs.

7. Exceptional analytical ability and capacity to compile and organize data, make decisions, and recommend and implement strategies.

8. Ability to develop strategies that balance business needs with the big picture.

9. Ability to build teams and direct the efforts of others.

10. Ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse audiences: entrepreneurs, donors, employees, the board of directors, senior staff, and the CEO.

11. Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adjust quickly to meet emergencies, changing priorities, and ambitious growth goals.

12. Sense of humor, appreciation of the role of asking “why” in making decisions, and love for pursuing a way forward through ambiguity are must-haves.

13. Residence in the Philadelphia metropolitan region is preferred and some familiarity with Ben Franklin’s partnership communities is a plus.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Operations

• Manage the day-to-day financial functions of the organization to ensure good communication; efficient operations; timely reporting; appropriate use of resources; and a healthy internal control environment.

• Oversee and direct the financial and accounting activities involved in company investments; portfolio valuation; management reporting; budget planning, preparation, and analysis; grant management; contract preparation and compliance; purchasing; and risk management activities including the development of an enterprise risk management framework and risk profit.

• Act as the financial compliance coordinator for Ben Franklin ensuring that the officers and staff are fully familiar and taking the necessary actions to comply with changing state, federal and other reporting requirements and programs.

• Manage the administration of internal financial policies, procedures, and controls necessary to ensure accurate and timely reports.

• Work with the CEO and the Board to oversee and manage the Ben Franklin 403(B) Retirement Plan assets, related vendor relationships and other activities.

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2 . Resource Development

• Work with the CEO and the Board to identify, analyze and execute strategic funding opportunities for the organization.

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3. External Relations

• Act as liaison between Ben Franklin and external constituencies such as financial institutions, investment firms, retirement plan consultants, auditors, and others.

• Serve as an ambassador for Ben Franklin in professional forums.

 

4. Board Relations

• Support the Board Finance and Audit Committees, and the Retirement Plan Oversight Subcommittee, in carrying out their oversight responsibilities.

 

Staff

Reports to President & CEO. Direct Reports: Controller; Director of Portfolio Administration

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Service Area

Five counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania, as part of a statewide network of Ben Franklin organizations. Work will be a hybrid of remote and in-person meetings. CFO will have flexibility in determining the optimal hybrid protocol for self and team.

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Notes

Ben Franklin maintains an inclusive workforce, where employees are hired, retained, compensated, and promoted based on their contributions to our mission, free from discrimination, prejudice and bias. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our organization and our investment practices. Our collective strength is rooted in our values, where we support and honor our mission, appreciate and humbly serve our community and each other, demonstrate collaboration, and commit that “We Are the Change.”

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Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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Application Process

Complete the interest form below and someone from our team will contact you. 

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