Greater Scranton YMCA Seeks Finance Director

The Greater Scranton YMCA seeks a Finance Director to support its mission as a leading nonprofit organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role involves overseeing financial matters, investments, human resources, and information systems, while providing strategic direction for YMCA operations. The Finance Director will also act as a community convener to address critical social issues.

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Monitors monthly financial operations, prepares analysis and reports, and gives guidance to executive and operating staff. Works closely with operations staff on issues that affect financial outcome. Secures and allocates program or project resources so that strategic objectives can be achieved. Prepares specific recommendations.
  2. Reviews, updates, and/or develops internal control systems for the YMCA and oversees internal
    audits which check for compliance on a variety of policies and standards. Provides recommendations for improvement.
  3. Manages the staff and oversees the operations of the accounting/finance, information systems and other assigned departments.
  4. Oversees and certifies the annual audit and meets periodically with the outside auditors to maintain communications and keep them informed of changes in the YMCA. Ensures that current accounting standards and legal requirements are met.
  5. Actively engages the board in challenging conversations and decision making to advance the Y’s impact. Works directly with assigned committee(s) of the board (e.g., Finance, Insurance, Investment, Audit) to build volunteer relationships, develop policies, monitor their implementation and meet the related needs of the board.
  6. Anticipates trends and their implications on the future of the organization. Manages investments, under the direction of the Investment Committee, and within the risk tolerance expressed by the Board via the asset allocation policy.
  7. Develops performance indicators and measurement systems for tracking strategic plan objectives.  Evaluates current business models and leads efforts to modify or redesign business models
    where necessary.
  8. Oversees preparation of reports to United Way, YMCA of the USA and governmental agencies. Oversees preparation of tax returns including IRS Form 990.
  9. Oversees the development of the annual operating budget, including all branch budgets. Guides the organization to make tough choices about what to stop, start, and continue. Works closely with operations staff to ensure that branch budgets are well-planned, realistic, and prepared in a timely manner.
  10. Establishes, maintains and/or monitors all banking and financing relationships.
  11. Maintains all necessary records and accounting reports and records all transactions on a timely basis.
  12. Maintains good working relationships with auditors, bankers, investment counselors, attorneys and other professional advisors.
  13. Other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

  • Critical Thinking & Decision Making
  • Fiscal Management
  • Program/Project Management
  • Volunteerism

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or equivalent; MBA, CPA or CMA preferred.
  • YMCA Organizational Leader certification or willingness to obtain.
  • Five or more years of substantive experience in accounting and fiscal management.
  • Knowledge and understanding of general business matters required including budget development, financial reporting, cash management, business taxes, banking and debt financing instruments.
  • Knowledge of computer systems, including experience with system selection, new system implementation and project management.
  • Personal computer skills required.
  • Experience with investment management and asset allocation preferred.
  • Experience in effectively managing a staff team.
  • Previous experience with voluntary/nonprofit organizations preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth.  By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being.  Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee:

  • Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in your community every day.
  • Supportive Environment: Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven workplace.
  • Competitive Compensation: Salary reflective of your skill and experience.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive plans to ensure you and your family can receive the care you need.
  • Wellness Programs: Y membership for you and your family to support your physical and mental health.
  • Retirement Plans to Secure your Financial Future: The Y will contribute 12% of your salary into the Y’s retirement savings plan. You also have the option to make additional contributions to the Y’s 403(b) and ROTH plans.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO, and holidays.
  • Training and Development: Access to professional development programs, workshops, and certifications.
  • Inclusive Environment: A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensuring all employees feel valued.
  • Salary: $65,000.00 – 75,000

Marywood Univeristy and NEPA Philharmonic Collaborate on Concert

Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance (MTD) department is part of a unique performance collaboration between its music faculty and the Northeast PA Philharmonic.

A concert, titled “Quartet for the End of Time by Olivier Messiaen,” will take place on Saturday, September 28, at 7 p.m. in the Marian Chapel at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life on Marywood University’s campus.

Featured musicians include Sophie Till–violin; Christiane Vaida–cello; Ron Stabinsky–piano, and Pascal Archer–clarinet.

To secure tickets prior to the performance, go to: https://marywood.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1580&p=1. Tickets are $15 for the general public or free with a Marywood ID. To learn about other Marywood University MTD events, go to marywood.edu/mtd and scroll to the bottom of the page to view upcoming performances.

Marywood University Celebrates 106th Annual Commencement Ceremony

More than 800 students were part of Marywood University’s 106th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Casey Plaza, in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

Marywood University’s two colleges, including the College of Health Sciences and the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, conferred degrees on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who hail from 24 states and 7 countries.

Business, social work, and physician assistant studies were the top graduate level degree granting programs. Architecture, business, and nursing were the top undergraduate level degree granting programs.

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood University’s 12th President, who will retire on June 30, served as keynote speaker, bidding a fond farewell to the Class of 2024, the final graduating class of her eight-year presidential tenure.

Prior to her address, Sister Mary received a citation recognizing the many accomplishments of her presidency. Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, Chair of the Marywood University Board of Trustees, shared that the Board recently granted Sister Mary the lifetime title of President Emerita, effective upon her retirement. Sister Kathleen praised Sister Mary’s leadership and vision, and expressed, “During the course of her presidency, Sister Mary has called upon her innate gifts of authenticity, compassion, courage, collaborative leadership, and bold vision, navigating both unprecedented challenges and outstanding accomplishments, always leading with hope, tenacity, and joy.”

In her opening comments, Sister Mary teased that the Class of 2024 was not treated to a famous speaker who could have imparted the generic words of wisdom typically offered by those chosen to give such addresses, noting that she instead represented many people who know the graduates personally, the same people who prepared them for this moment. She chose the musical production, Merrily We Roll Along, to reflect upon the choices that are presented at milestone moments of our lives, and her keynote address culminated with the song “Our Time” from the musical.

Sister Mary observed, “Commencement is a time to draw upon the skills you have learned to be leaders in the workforce, to value the friendships you have formed during your university years, and to rely on the values you were taught to guide you in your life choices.”

Dunmore Winery Announces Finalists for Label Competition

Space Time Mead & Cider Works is sponsoring its 3rd Annual Label Art Competition. Four finalists have been selected from sixteen submissions.

This year’s theme is the “Overview Effect” – a shift in perspective, attributed to astronauts “experiencing firsthand the reality of the Earth in space.  During the past year, many of us had their own shift in perspective and priorities caused by the global pandemic.

“I love the creativity and hard work that went into this year’s entries – from literal interpretations to more abstract.” Says Dan Schreffler.  “Again, it was hard to choose just 4 out of all the entries, and will be even harder to pick just one winner.”

Two prizes will be awards – $250 for the Judges’ Selection and $100 for the People’s Choice Selection.

Online voting is is open now until August 29th. Each vote is $5 with proceeds from the contest going to the Everhart Museum.  

To vote: http://www.spacetimemeadworks.com/labelcompetition.html.

Winners will be announced Thursday September 1 at the winery and via traditional and social media outlets.