Thank you for your interest in The Land Connection. Established in 2001, The Land Connection is a nonprofit organization working to grow our local food economy both on and off the farm. If you would like to find out more information about our organization, please visit our website history page. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit our Volunteer page or email info@thelandconnection.org to find out what opportunities we might have available.

Current Openings

Position: Finance and Operations Manager 
Organization: The Land Connection – Champaign, Illinois 
Location: This position is based in Champaign, Illinois and eligible for our approved hybrid work schedule. This position is not eligible for remote work. 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Employment Status: Full Time, Exempt 

Salary: $45,000 – $60,000; based upon experience and qualifications 

Benefits: Full time employees of The Land Connection receive 100% employer paid health insurance, vision insurance, and dental care reimbursements, as well as 50% coverage for a first dependent and 25% coverage for a second dependent. Full time employees also receive life insurance and a wealth of paid leave benefits. 

Summary Job Description 

The Finance and Operations Manager oversees The Land Connection’s bookkeeping, as well as provides additional administrative support with grant management, information technology, legal, and facility needs. They work closely with the Executive Director to ensure our organization continues to deliver quality programming while also meeting all financial, legal, and regulatory requirements.  

Primary Responsibilities 

Finance 

• Ensure efficient functioning and documentation for all financial systems including receipts, disbursements, billing, bookkeeping, budgeting, and accounting 
• Perform accounting, management, and financial planning and reporting tasks for various grants 
• Monitor financial results of operations and programs each month 
• Oversee payroll, payroll liabilities, and benefits including paid time off accrual 
• Complete monthly and quarterly reconciliations 
• Ensure that contract billing and collection schedules are adhered to 
• Keep and update a calendar of all financial deadlines 
• Prepare monthly financial statements for the board of directors 
• Work with staff to implement and keep up-to-date program and organizational budgets 
• Provide support for the annual audit and IRS 990 preparation 
• Provide support with the annual finance planning/budgeting processes 
• Act as the point of contact for questions related to revenue, expenses, and reimbursements 

Operations 

• Oversee office operations, including equipment and supply acquisition and maintenance 
• Coordinate with the Program Director and Executive Director on various types of agreements and contracts 
• Negotiate property leases 
• Serve as the information technology (IT) contact for the office and purchase IT equipment as needed 
• Oversee employee-related insurance and organization insurance policies 
• Maintain personnel records 
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding of employees 
• Develop and update organization policies and procedures as necessary 
• Answer general inquiries and direct them to the appropriate staff 

Additional 

• Participate in weekly staff meetings, staff member check-ins, project meetings, etc. 
• Other duties as assigned 

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions and this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed or assigned.  

Qualifications 

The candidate must have a minimum of 3 years of hands-on administrative experience, preference given to nonprofit experience, which includes bookkeeping. 

The candidate must be: 

• Able to set priorities, fulfill responsibilities, and organize their work with minimal supervision 
• Experienced in managing multiple, ongoing projects simultaneously while handling competing deadlines 
• Able to communicate financial terms and budgets in simple language 
• Capable of enforcing accountability 
• Committed to follow-through 
• Flexible and able to multi-task 
• Successful in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing ability to make sound decisions 
• Able to work with confidential information 
• Proficient with QuickBooks Online, CRMs, and modified cash accounting practices 
• Experienced with record maintenance, research, and office management 
• Skilled at providing basic technical support and troubleshooting 
• Excellent with both written and verbal communication 
• Able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of a workday 
• Able to move around the office for short periods of time to access office equipment and files 

The Land Connection is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  

To Apply  

Send a letter of interest and resume with three references to careers@thelandconnection.org or complete the form below. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.