Executive Director

Position Summary: Lead and manage strategic initiatives that promote accounting education and growth of the accounting talent pipeline in Colorado, including driving fundraising efforts to sustain and expand programs. This role works closely with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, COCPA staff, educators, and stakeholders to advance scholarship programs, fundraising efforts, and student engagement initiatives, making a meaningful impact on the community and the future of the accounting profession.

Lead, Manage, and Maintain Accountability for Strategy

• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and COCPA team to develop and execute the Foundation’s mission-aligned strategy by following the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
• Provide leadership to staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to maintain focus on strategic priorities.
• Establish measurable success metrics and ensure program outcomes align with organizational goals.
• Adapt organizational processes and initiatives as needed to meet changing needs and opportunities.

Drive Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Develop and execute fundraising strategy, including annual campaigns such as Colorado Gives Day and Battle of the Brains.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors to secure financial support for the Foundation.
• Lead initiatives to increase contributions annually by 15%+ over the next five years.
• Ensure timely acknowledgment and accurate recordkeeping for donor contributions.

Manage Strategic Relationships & Promote Accounting Profession

• Represent the Foundation at key public events, conferences, and educational institutions.
• Cultivate strong relationships with Trustees and community leaders to enhance the Foundation’s reach and impact.
• Conduct outreach to faculty and students to foster collaboration and engagement.
• Identify and participate in events such as career fairs and networking opportunities to expand outreach efforts.

Ensure Proper Governance, Compliance, & Financial Oversight

• Coordinate and attend all Board meetings, ensuring detailed minutes and accurate documentation are maintained.
• Prepare and present annual budgets while monitoring compliance with financial goals, policies, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee financial operations, including donor receipts, scholarships, and investments, in collaboration with the COCPA Finance Team.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by managing tax filings, financial reports, insurance coverage, secretary of state registrations, and policy updates in partnership with external accounting professionals.

Administer Scholarship Programs

• Coordinate with COCPA Marketing Team (BOI) to promote scholarship programs.
• Administer annual scholarship application and selection processes for merit-based and community college transfer scholarships.
• Maintain scholarship management software and ensure accurate distribution and tracking of scholarship funds and recipients.
• Guide Trustees through the recipient selection process and maintain communication with winners.

Plan and Deliver Student Engagement and Development Initiatives

• Manage the Gold Key Award program, including nominations, certificates, award distribution, ceremony planning, and presentation materials.
• Oversee the mentorship program, including mentor/mentee recruitment, matching, and ongoing support.
• Build a network of student champions, representing Colorado schools with accounting programs.
• Identify and promote COCPA membership to student prospects and follow up during renewal periods.
• Facilitate and participate in middle and high school outreach events to encourage early interest in accounting careers.
• Develop and implement college outreach initiatives, such as informational sessions, workshops, and campus events to raise awareness of accounting career opportunities.
• Coordinate with COCPA Marketing Team (BOI) to solicit participation and engagement.

Create and Manage Student Resources

• Collaborate with the COCPA Marketing and Operations team to develop tools and resources to support students in their academic and career success, leveraging COCPA’s website and marketing resources, including creation of materials to support and deliver intern presentations to COCPA member accounting firms.
• Use digital platforms and social media to engage students and enhance community involvement.
• Provide one-on-one support to students or volunteers as needed.
• Identify and secure promotional items (“swag”) to encourage student engagement and COCPA membership.

Design and Execute Faculty Development Initiatives

• Work with faculty and the COCPA Operations team to design and implement the annual Accounting Educators Conference, aligning programs with academic needs.
• Develop and manage communication strategies to engage faculty and increase event participation.
• Leverage relationships with faculty to advance the Foundation’s mission and programs.

Coordinate & Engage Volunteers

• Recruit and organize volunteers for career fairs and similar student-focused events.
• Coordinate event logistics, promotion, and execution to ensure seamless volunteer support and participation.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, accounting, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or program administration.
• Certifications, credentials or advanced education a plus (i.e. CPA or Master’s degree).
• Familiarity with the accounting profession and its career pathways is a plus.

Customer Service Skills

• Commitment to the core value “We are Member/People Focused.”
• Poised, personable, and professional manner on the phone and in-person.
• Ability to respond to students, donors, and team needs efficiently and effectively.

Communication Skills

• Exceptional communication skills both verbal and written.
• Ability to effectively communicate the Foundation‘s mission and impact, including through public speaking.

Data Processing and System Skills

• Experience working in cloud-based accounting (Quickbooks a plus).
• Experience with Google Office Suite.
• Ability to work in an association management and scholarship software system.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to use office equipment such as personal computer, computer printer, desktop calculator, scanner, and copier.

Networking and Relationship Building Skills

• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and board members.

Leadership and Management Skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work with a Board of Directors, recruit and manage volunteers, and collaborate with various teams.
• Ability to be self-directed.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects/tasks.

General Skills

• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proactive problem solver.
• Punctual and dependable.
• Excellent judgment in handling confidential information.
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow up on required tasks.
• Must pass a criminal background and credit check.

• Anticipated 40 hours of work per week with additional hours required for time-critical projects or during high work volume periods.
• The physical COCPA office is open for business from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and by appointment, 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday (COCPA Core Hours). The specific hours and schedule will be determined jointly and approved with at least 30 hours a week scheduled during Core Office hours.
• Remote work hours available by election and with approval (some weekly in-person work required).
• Regular travel within Colorado to attend events and meetings (20%) and occasional out-of-state travel for professional development.

The Educational Foundation of the Colorado Society of CPAs (the Foundation or Organization) is a 501(c)(3) with primary activities of fundraising, granting of scholarships, and promoting accounting education. The Foundation is affiliated with the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA), founded in 1904 as a 501(c)(6) professional membership association for CPAs in Colorado with a membership of 6,000+. The Foundation and the COCPA are equal opportunity employers committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

• Sitting - Frequently
• Talking and hearing - Frequently
• Using hands to touch, type, handle, move objects - Frequently
• Lift up to 25 lbs. - Occasionally
• Standing - Occasionally
• Walking - Occasionally
• Non-smoking office