Business Manager  

New Learning Journey, Nonprofit organization

Position Overview

For more than two decades, Knoll Farm in Waitsfield, VT has been a national refuge for organizers working in social justice and a working family farm, both of which have transformed the field of place-making.

We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented business manager, a key leadership role responsible for managing the fiscal health of our $1.2 million dollar nonprofit organization dedicated to social justice. This position ensures that the organization’s financial, administrative, and operational practices align with its mission to connect people to the land and to each other. Reporting directly to Peter Forbes, executive director, the business manager oversees budgeting, financial reporting, HR processes, compliance, and supports organizational development. The business manager will play an essential partner role to the owners of Knoll Farm as it approaches and completes an organizational transition in 2028.

Salary: $65,000 annually (full-time equivalent), including 25 days of paid time off.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Oversee all bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, and grant allocations.
• Develop and monitor annual and project budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with grant requirements.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Manage payroll and benefits administration; maintain accurate payroll records.
• Ensure proper documentation of all expenditures and maintain well-organized financial files.
• Support annual audits and ensure compliance with all regulatory and funder requirements.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Assist the Executive Director in developing and implementing strategic business plans and budgets to meet organizational goals.
• Analyze operational data and financial metrics to inform decision-making and improve efficiency.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance overall effectiveness.

Human Resources and Organizational Culture

• Support HR functions including hiring, onboarding, maintaining personnel files, and administering benefits.
• Track and report on staff paid time off (PTO) and ensure compliance with employment laws.
• Foster an organizational culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supports staff growth.
• Assist with staff appreciation and recognition efforts.

Fund Development and Donor Stewardship

• Assist with grant tracking, reporting, and compliance.
• Support fundraising by maintaining donor records, processing donations, and generating acknowledgments.
• Collaborate with program and development staff to ensure accurate financial tracking of restricted funds.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure adherence to all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards for nonprofit organizations.
• Maintain up-to-date organizational policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Accounting, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in nonprofit financial management, bookkeeping, or business operations.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks), payroll systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with grant management and compliance.
• Familiarity with donor management databases.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.

Work Environment

• Full-time, exempt position.
• Hybrid or in-person work environment, as determined by organizational needs.
• Reports to the Executive Director.

Inclusivity Statement
Much of our work seeks to reshape the legacy of place-making. As part of that, we are committed to recruiting, mentoring, and supporting employees who bring different backgrounds, stories, and experiences to this field. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, military backgrounds, protected veteran statuses, or other statuses protected by law.