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Head of Finance and Operations
Bloomberg Ocean Fund
Remote
USD 220k-240k / year
Posted on Jan 27, 2026
Head of Finance and Operations
Location: Preference for candidates based in the United States, within +/- 3 hours of Eastern Standard Time
Location type: Remote
Reporting to: Director
Manages: Grants and Contracts Manager and Finance Manager
Annual salary: $220K - $240K USD, Geographic differential will be applied based on the location of hire. Candidates must have the right to work in the country from which they are applying.
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full-time
Candidate level: Senior Executive
Closing date: Monday 9th February 2026, 9:00 am CET
Background
The Bloomberg Ocean Fund (the Fund) is the regranting partner of Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ effort to conserve and protect the world’s ocean – and strengthen the health and resilience of the communities that depend on it. The Fund is responsible for delivering impact and progress toward the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative goals and specializes in impactful regranting, innovative strategy development, and partner coordination. The Fund also manages and implements the Joint 30x30 Funding Initiative (JTTFI), which supports ambitious and inclusive efforts to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. The Fund is a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA).
Purpose of role
The Fund is recruiting a Head of Finance and Operations, who will set the strategic direction for and lead all aspects of the fiscal and operational management of the Bloomberg Ocean Fund and the Joint 30x30 Funding Initiative. This role has two direct reports, a Grants Manager and a Finance Manager, and reports to the Director. The Head will oversee all financial management and planning functions, working closely with the Finance Manager, to ensure the effective and efficient use of its financial resources.
The Head of Finance and Operations also oversees grants and contracts management, working closely with the Grants Manager and coordinating with RPA counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, this role manages other operational and administrative functions, including human resources and information technology. The Head will also ensure that systems, compliance, and financial and operational practices are robust and meet the needs, scale, and ambition of the two funds.
Through senior-level direction of all administrative functions, the Head of Finance and Operations will lead the development and execution of a strategic vision for financial and operational excellence within the organization. In that context, the position will be pivotal in building the organization’s operational mission and culture, both internally with and among staff and externally with key partners.
Primary responsibilities
The job holder will have the following key responsibilities:
Strategic direction and leadership
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Lead the development and implementation of the strategic vision, mission, and culture for the Fund’s operational excellence in partnership with the Director and key staff.
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Work closely with operations and finance staff to ensure timely and efficient execution and management of day-to-day administrative tasks, as well as long range planning, and issue identification.
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Maintain currency on key issues for non-profit and philanthropic administration, including through engagement in the broader community of administrative professionals to build external networks.
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Serve as a key advisor to the Director on organizational and administrative issues and decision making.
Financial management and planning
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Develop and execute the organization's financial strategy, aligning it with the overall organizational goals and objectives.
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Oversee financial forecasting, analysis, and modeling led by the Finance Manager to support strategic decision-making and long-term financial planning.
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Oversee the budgeting process, working closely with the Finance Manager, program managers, and senior leadership to develop short-, medium-, and long-term financial plans and projections.
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Develop and ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial policies and procedures.
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Assess and manage financial risks, developing and implementing appropriate risk management strategies and controls.
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Build and maintain relationships with external financial partners, including banks, auditors, and financial consultants.
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In collaboration with the Finance Manager, ensure rigorous and accessible financial reporting to donors, both as required by grant agreements and in response to ad hoc requests.
Operations and administration
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Oversee development and implementation of key operational policies, procedures, and guidelines throughout the organization, including safeguarding, data protection, and any necessary policies to supplement those provided by RPA, for example, travel, expense management, and others.
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Lead in identifying and managing all aspects of organizational risk, including financial, legal, and reputational risks.
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Ensure information technology systems and strategies are adequate and appropriate in place to support organizational needs.
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With the support of the Grants and Contracts Manager and the Finance Manager, ensure that operational workflows across the team, with our fiscal sponsor, and key external partners are structured to efficiently support our programmatic objectives.
Human resources
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Serve as the primary point of contact with RPA on human resources issues.
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Lead periodic analysis on existing organizational capacity, ensuring sufficient capacity to meet objectives.
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Lead development and implementation of organizational professional development policy, including how to support employee professional development plans.
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Regulate the annual cycle of performance review practices that support and guide managers and staff to meet organizational objectives and annual goals.
Legal and compliance management
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Oversee and support the Grants and Contracts Manager, in coordination with RPA, in contracting, due diligence, and compliance processes, particularly with regard to sub-grants and grant award agreements
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Ensure compliance with all requirements in Bloomberg Ocean Fund and Joint 30x30 Funding Initiative funder agreements.
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As needed, liaise and coordinate with external counsel to ensure organizational compliance with state, federal, and international laws and policies within all areas of the organization's operations.
Profile
Skills and qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree required. A graduate degree in a relevant field is preferred.
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Minimum of 15 years of professional experience with at least 8 years in senior leadership roles in operations, human resources, and/or finance, with a strong track record of experience in globally active non-profits or philanthropies.
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Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills; ability to set clear strategy and direction across large, complex sets of work.
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A leadership style that promotes and supports an inclusive culture, with a focus on empowering and working through others.
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Exhibit strong skills of diplomacy with seasoned and sound judgment. The ability to work productively and build consensus and collaboration with a wide array of different people and institutions.
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Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail and an ability to write clearly and cogently for communications with colleagues and external partners, including donors.
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Ability and willingness to handle day-to-day administrative and operations tasks. As this is a small team, this role will have no administrative support.
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Keen organizational skills and experience prioritizing among multiple tasks within a fast-paced organization.
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Highest standards of ethics and integrity, with a history of working in environments that require discretion and confidentiality.
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Travel (2-3 times per year).
Terms and conditions
RPA is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and accomplishment.
If you have any questions about the role or organisation and would like an informal chat ahead of submitting a formal application, please reach out to Tricia Placido at tricia@upsallinternational.com. To note: in order to keep your application safe and ensure your data is GDPR compliant, applications will not be accepted via email.
· The deadline for applications is Monday 9th February 2026, 9:00 am CET ·
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Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
Bloomberg Ocean Fund is an equal opportunity employer.