Associate VP Direct Support Operations and Governance
Location: Fort Pierce, FL · Type: Full time · Posted: 2026-08-20 ·
Reference: R5527
Job Description
Indian River State College is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to
serve as the Associate Vice President, Direct Support Organization
Operations. This executive-level position provides operational, financial,
compliance, and governance leadership for the College's direct support
organizations (DSOs) through a coordinated shared-services model that
strengthens efficiency, accountability, and sustainability while preserving
each organization's independent governance, mission, and fiduciary
responsibilities.
Reporting to a cabinet-level executive, the Associate Vice President oversees
key functions including financial administration, audits, tax reporting,
compliance, board support, risk management, and operational services across
multiple entities. Working closely with College leadership, DSO boards, legal
counsel, and other stakeholders, this role will implement best practices,
strengthen internal controls, improve operational effectiveness, and identify
opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
This position offers a unique opportunity to build and lead a scalable
operational framework that supports organizational excellence while advancing
the College's mission and strategic priorities.
About Us
Indian River State College is a leading public institution on Florida's
Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We
are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement,
offering associate and bachelor's degrees, workforce training, and continuing
education programs that meet the needs of our region.
At The River , we believe every student's and every employee's story
matters. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that come
together across our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace
that is supportive, inclusive, and inspiring.
With flexible learning options online, on campus, and hybrid, we meet students
where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the
Promise Program expand access by providing eligible students with tuition-
free opportunities, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive.
Why Join The River
When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a collaborative
and mission-driven community where your work makes a meaningful impact. Here,
your role is more than a job; it's an opportunity to shape futures, support
student success, and contribute to a college that is changing lives every day.
What We Offer
We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our
employees through a comprehensive and competitive benefits package:
Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible
spending accounts; life insurance; supplemental plans; and an Employee
Assistance Program (EAP)
Affordable Coverage: PPO and HMO options starting at approximately
$50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage
Retirement Security: Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation,
plus optional tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and access to local
attraction discounts
Growth & Development: Professional development opportunities,
leadership training, and career advancement pathways
JOB SUMMARY:
Under administrative guidelines, this position provides executive-level
operational, financial, compliance, and governance support for the College's
direct support organizations (DSOs). The role is designed to professionalize
and strengthen DSO operations through a coordinated shared-services model
while preserving each DSO's separate legal identity, independent board
governance, fiduciary responsibility, budget, audit process, and mission.
This position enables a clearer institutional division of labor by allowing
Institutional Advancement to remain focused on fundraising, donor development,
alumni engagement, and campaign strategy, while DSO operations — including
accounting, compliance, audit, tax, board support, and administrative
functions — are managed through a dedicated, centrally coordinated structure.
The Associate Vice President reports to the Executive Vice President or other
cabinet-level executive and works in close functional coordination with the
Chief Financial Officer, the President, direct support organization boards,
the Vice President of Advancement, charter authorizer leadership, and College
real estate-related functions
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operational and Governance Leadership
Lead shared operational support for the College's direct support
organizations and any future related support organizations.
Maintain separate books, bank accounts, financial records, approvals, and
audit trails for each DSO.
Strengthen risk management, internal controls, documentation standards,
and audit readiness across the shared direct support operations model.
Coordinate accounting, audits, IRS Form 990 filings, financial reporting,
board packets, compliance calendars, and corporate records for each DSO.
Develop and manage a transparent cost-allocation model for shared staff,
software, accounting, and administrative support.
Identify and implement opportunities to reduce duplicated costs for
outside accounting and professional services.
Financial and Compliance Support
Support nonprofit financial operations, including financial reporting,
operating draw documentation, restricted fund tracking, investment
reporting coordination, and board operations.
Support charter authorizer finance and compliance infrastructure,
including management-fee accounting, pass-through funding, software
workflows, and reporting.
Support real estate-related administration, including property records,
transaction support, financial reporting, insurance tracking, and board
documentation.
Work with legal counsel on bylaws, shared-services agreements, authority
matrices, conflict-of-interest procedures, public records compliance,
Sunshine Law obligations, donor confidentiality, records retention, legal
holds, and related board actions.
Supervisory Responsibility
Supervise assigned staff and, as needed, additional accounting,
compliance, administrative, or operational staff necessary to support the
shared direct support operations model.
Role Boundaries
Enhance, but do not replace, the fiduciary authority of any DSO board.
Maintain the separate missions and functions of each DSO; this role does
not merge the DSOs.
Do not supervise fundraising strategy unless separately assigned.
May serve as Executive Director, Executive Operating Officer,
Administrative Officer, or in a similar officer capacity for one or more
DSOs only as authorized by DSO bylaws, DSO board action, counsel review,
and applicable College approval.
Maintain DSO records in accordance with public records laws, donor
confidentiality requirements, records retention requirements, and legal
hold requirements, as determined by counsel.
Ensure that any appointment to a DSO officer role, approval of shared-
services arrangements, or delegation of authority occurs through
appropriate board action at a properly noticed meeting, as applicable.
Initial Deliverables (First 90–180 Days)
Inventory current accounting, audit, tax, compliance, board, staffing,
software, and professional-services arrangements across the College's
direct support operations.
Recommend a shared direct support operations model.
Prepare a cost-allocation methodology.
Identify savings from reduced duplication of outside accounting and
administrative services.
Recommend an accounting platform strategy that supports separate entities
within a coordinated shared-services model.
Work with counsel on required bylaw amendments, service agreements, board
resolutions, and delegation-of-authority documents.
Present a phased implementation plan to the Executive Cabinet.
Completes all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required;
a Master's degree is preferred.
Active Florida Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
CPA-level expertise with demonstrated responsibility for oversight of
multi-entity accounting, audits, Form 990 coordination, restricted funds,
operating draws, charter authorizer pass-through funding, real estate-
related financial activity, cost allocation, internal controls, and board-
level financial reporting..
Technology and Systems Competency
This position requires a technologically sophisticated financial and
operations leader who demonstrates advanced use of computing resources and
the ability to evaluate, implement, and manage modern accounting
platforms, reporting tools, workflow systems, and data-driven management
processes. The individual must be systems-oriented, capable of improving
business processes through technology, and able to move organizational
practice beyond manual spreadsheet-based tracking toward scalable,
auditable, and well-controlled operating systems.
Core Knowledge and Skills
Thorough knowledge of nonprofit and multi-entity accounting principles,
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and financial reporting
standards.
Working knowledge of IRS Form 990 requirements, restricted fund
accounting, and charitable/nonprofit compliance obligations.
Knowledge of internal control frameworks, audit readiness practices, and
risk management principles.
Knowledge of charter school authorizer finance and compliance
requirements, including pass-through funding and management-fee
accounting.
Familiarity with public records laws, Florida's Sunshine Law, donor
confidentiality standards, records retention schedules, and legal hold
procedures.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design
and manage cost-allocation methodologies across multiple entities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to
prepare board-level financial reports and presentations.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to manage
accounting, compliance, and administrative staff.
Ability to build collaborative working relationships with executive
leadership, legal counsel, governing boards, and external auditors.
Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential financial, donor,
and governance information.
Preferred Experience
Experience in nonprofit financial reporting and Form 990 coordination.
Experience with restricted fund accounting.
Charter school or charter authorizer audit experience is highly desirable.
Prior experience supporting nonprofit or direct support organization
boards, including board packet preparation and governance support, is
preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as sedentary work
involving lifting no more than 25 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or
carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a
sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of
walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are
sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally, and other
sedentary criteria are met.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or
abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the
abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all
employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of
communication, able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all
policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of
work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall
not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the
particular position. This job description is not intended to be a contract for
employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary
revisions to the job description at any time without notice.
Classification
Professional Administrator
Supervisory
Yes
FLSA Exempt
Yes
Employment Type
Regular
Compensation and Application Deadline
