Associate VP Direct Support Operations and Governance

Job description

Job Description Indian River State College is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Vice President, Direct Support Organization Operations . This executive-level position provides operational, financial, compliance, and governance leadership for the College's direct support organizations (DSOs) through a coordinated shared-services model that strengthens efficiency, accountability, and sustainability while preserving each organization's independent governance, mission, and fiduciary responsibilities. Reporting to a cabinet-level executive, the Associate Vice President oversees key functions including financial administration, audits, tax reporting, compliance, board support, risk management, and operational services across multiple entities. Working closely with College leadership, DSO boards, legal counsel, and other stakeholders, this role will implement best practices, strengthen internal controls, improve operational effectiveness, and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. This position offers a unique opportunity to build and lead a scalable operational framework that supports organizational excellence while advancing the College's mission and strategic priorities. About Us Indian River State College is a leading public institution on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs that meet the needs of our region. At The River , we believe every student’s and every employee’s story matters. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together across our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that is supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible learning options online, on campus, and hybrid, we meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program expand access by providing eligible students with tuition-free opportunities, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive. Why Join The River When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a collaborative and mission-driven community where your work makes a meaningful impact. Here, your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape futures, support student success, and contribute to a college that is changing lives every day. What We Offer We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees through a comprehensive and competitive benefits package: Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; supplemental plans; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Affordable Coverage: PPO and HMO options starting at approximately $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage Retirement Security: Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation, plus optional tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and access to local attraction discounts Growth & Development: Professional development opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement pathways JOB SUMMARY: Under administrative guidelines, this position provides executive-level operational, financial, compliance, and governance support for the College's direct support organizations (DSOs). The role is designed to professionalize and strengthen DSO operations through a coordinated shared-services model while preserving each DSO's separate legal identity, independent board governance, fiduciary responsibility, budget, audit process, and mission. This position enables a clearer institutional division of labor by allowing Institutional Advancement to remain focused on fundraising, donor development, alumni engagement, and campaign strategy, while DSO operations — including accounting, compliance, audit, tax, board support, and administrative functions — are managed through a dedicated, centrally coordinated structure. The Associate Vice President reports to the Executive Vice President or other cabinet-level executive and works in close functional coordination with the Chief Financial Officer, the President, direct support organization boards, the Vice President of Advancement, charter authorizer leadership, and College real estate-related functions SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Operational and Governance Leadership Lead shared operational support for the College's direct support organizations and any future related support organizations. Maintain separate books, bank accounts, financial records, approvals, and audit trails for each DSO. Strengthen risk management, internal controls, documentation standards, and audit readiness across the shared direct support operations model. Coordinate accounting, audits, IRS Form 990 filings, financial reporting, board packets, compliance calendars, and corporate records for each DSO. Develop and manage a transparent cost-allocation model for shared staff, software, accounting, and administrative support. Identify and implement opportunities to reduce duplicated costs for outside accounting and professional services. Financial and Compliance Support Support nonprofit financial operations, including financial reporting, operating draw documentation, restricted fund tracking, investment reporting coordination, and board operations. Support charter authorizer finance and compliance infrastructure, including management-fee accounting, pass-through funding, software workflows, and reporting. Support real estate-related administration, including property records, transaction support, financial reporting, insurance tracking, and board documentation. Work with legal counsel on bylaws, shared-services agreements, authority matrices, conflict-of-interest procedures, public records compliance, Sunshine Law obligations, donor confidentiality, records retention, legal holds, and related board actions. Supervisory Responsibility Supervise assigned staff and, as needed, additional accounting, compliance, administrative, or operational staff necessary to support the shared direct support operations model. Role Boundaries Enhance, but do not replace, the fiduciary authority of any DSO board. Maintain the separate missions and functions of each DSO; this role does not merge the DSOs. Do not supervise fundraising strategy unless separately assigned. May serve as Executive Director, Executive Operating Officer, Administrative Officer, or in a similar officer capacity for one or more DSOs only as authorized by DSO bylaws, DSO board action, counsel review, and applicable College approval. Maintain DSO records in accordance with public records laws, donor confidentiality requirements, records retention requirements, and legal hold requirements, as determined by counsel. Ensure that any appointment to a DSO officer role, approval of shared-services arrangements, or delegation of authority occurs through appropriate board action at a properly noticed meeting, as applicable. Initial Deliverables (First 90–180 Days) Inventory current accounting, audit, tax, compliance, board, staffing, software, and professional-services arrangements across the College's direct support operations. Recommend a shared direct support operations model. Prepare a cost-allocation methodology. Identify savings from reduced duplication of outside accounting and administrative services. Recommend an accounting platform strategy that supports separate entities within a coordinated shared-services model. Work with counsel on required bylaw amendments, service agreements, board resolutions, and delegation-of-authority documents. Present a phased implementation plan to the Executive Cabinet. Completes all other duties and responsibilities as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; a Master's degree is preferred. Active Florida Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required. CPA-level expertise with demonstrated responsibility for oversight of multi-entity accounting, audits, Form 990 coordination, restricted funds, operating draws, charter authorizer pass-through funding, real estate-related financial activity, cost allocation, internal controls, and board-level financial reporting.. Technology and Systems Competency This position requires a technologically sophisticated financial and operations leader who demonstrates advanced use of computing resources and the ability to evaluate, implement, and manage modern accounting platforms, reporting tools, workflow systems, and data-driven management processes. The individual must be systems-oriented, capable of improving business processes through technology, and able to move organizational practice beyond manual spreadsheet-based tracking toward scalable, auditable, and well-controlled operating systems. Core Knowledge and Skills Thorough knowledge of nonprofit and multi-entity accounting principles, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and financial reporting standards. Working knowledge of IRS Form 990 requirements, restricted fund accounting, and charitable/nonprofit compliance obligations. Knowledge of internal control frameworks, audit readiness practices, and risk management principles. Knowledge of charter school authorizer finance and compliance requirements, including pass-through funding and management-fee accounting. Familiarity with public records laws, Florida's Sunshine Law, donor confidentiality standards, records retention schedules, and legal hold procedures. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design and manage cost-allocation methodologies across multiple entities. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare board-level financial reports and presentations. Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to manage accounting, compliance, and administrative staff. Ability to build collaborative working relationships with executive leadership, legal counsel, governing boards, and external auditors. Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential financial, donor, and governance information. Preferred Experience Experience in nonprofit financial reporting and Form 990 coordination. Experience with restricted fund accounting. Charter school or charter authorizer audit experience is highly desirable. Prior experience supporting nonprofit or direct support organization boards, including board packet preparation and governance support, is preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as sedentary work involving lifting no more than 25 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally, and other sedentary criteria are met. ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS: Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of communication, able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the particular position. This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time without notice. Classification Professional Administrator Supervisory Yes FLSA Exempt Yes Employment Type Regular Compensation and Application Deadline