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.

Job Responsibilities

FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (Estimated 25% of role)

Lead, Manage, and Maintain Accountability for Strategy

• Collaborate with the Board and staff to develop and execute the Foundation’s mission-driven strategy using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
• Provide focused leadership, set measurable goals, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities

Drive Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Lead annual fundraising efforts (e.g., Colorado Gives Day, Battle of the Brains)
• Cultivate donor and sponsor relationships with a goal to grow contributions by 15%+ annually
• Ensure timely donor recognition and accurate recordkeeping

Manage Strategic Relationships & Promote Accounting Profession

• Represent the Foundation at public events, schools, and conferences
• Strengthen ties with Trustees, faculty, and community leaders to expand reach
• Promote the profession through student engagement and participation in career/networking events

Ensure Proper Governance, Compliance, & Financial Oversight

• Coordinate Board meetings, maintain records, and support compliance
• Manage budget preparation, financial monitoring, and reporting
• Oversee financial operations and regulatory filings in collaboration with COCPA Finance and external partners

PROGRAM MANAGER (Estimated 60% of role)

Administer Scholarship Programs

• Promote and manage annual merit and transfer scholarship processes in coordination with the COCPA Marketing Team
• Maintain scholarship software and ensure accurate tracking and fund distribution
• Support Trustees in recipient selection and maintain communication with awardees

Plan and Deliver Student Engagement and Development Initiatives

• Lead the Gold Key Award and mentorship programs, from planning to execution
• Build and support a network of student champions across Colorado accounting programs
• Promote COCPA student membership and support outreach at middle, high school, and college levels
• Organize sessions, events, and workshops to promote accounting careers, in collaboration with the Marketing Team

Create and Manage Student Resources

• Develop academic and career resources in partnership with Marketing and Operations teams
• Deliver presentations, manage social media engagement, and provide direct student support
• Source and distribute promotional materials to boost student participation
• Provide one-on-one support to students or volunteers as needed.

Design and Execute Faculty Development Initiatives

• Plan and implement the annual Accounting Educators Conference with faculty and Operations teams
• Strengthen faculty relationships and communications to enhance program impact

Coordinate & Engage Volunteers

• Recruit and manage volunteers for student-focused events
• Oversee event logistics and ensure successful volunteer participation

General Administration (Estimated 15% of role)

Qualifications

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

Communication Skills

• Strong written and verbal communicator with professional, approachable demeanor
• Skilled at engaging diverse stakeholders and handling sensitive information with discretion

Data and Technology Skills

• Proficient with Google Workspace and standard office technology
• Experienced in managing databases and maintaining accurate records

Networking and Relationship Building Skills

• Proven ability to cultivate relationships with legislators, donors, and community leaders
• Service-oriented and confident in high-level stakeholder interactions

Leadership and Management Skills

• Self-directed, organized, and effective in managing projects and guiding teams
• Experienced in working with boards, volunteers, and cross-functional groups
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and cross-functional projects

General Skills

• Capable of turning ideas into actionable initiatives
• Dependable and deadline-driven in fast-paced, mission-focused environments
• Must pass a background check

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands for handling and typing
• Occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds and reach with arms
• Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus for computer and document work
• Non-smoking office

Work Schedule and Benefits

• Anticipated 40 hours of work per week with overtime hours required for time-critical projects, during events, or during high work volume periods.
• 10–20% in-state travel; 5–10% out-of-state travel
• Remote work available with supervisor approval; some weekly in-person work at Glendale, CO required

Core Values

The successful candidate will embrace and consistently demonstrate the COCPA Core Values:

• We are Adaptable and Courageous – Be afraid and do it anyway.
• We Practice a Can Do Attitude – Yes we can!
• We Are Engaged and Dependable – Count on me. Count on us.
• We Deliver Professional High Quality Work – Excellence is the norm.
• We are Member/People Focused – People come first at COCPA.

About Colorado Society of CPAs

Founded in 1904, the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA) is a 501(c)(6) professional membership association for CPAs and accounting professionals in Colorado with a membership of 6,400+. Located in the Denver Tech Center, the COCPA operations encompass diverse activities, including member services, continuing education, and peer review. The Educational Foundation of COCPA, the affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, fundraises and grants scholarships to Colorado accounting students. The Educational Foundation of the Colorado Society of CPAs (501c3) was founded in 1958 to promote accounting education in Colorado. Its mission is to promote accounting education in Colorado and support individuals and institutions engaged in its study and teaching.

Connections working at Colorado Society of CPAs