Chief Financial Officer for the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, OK
Full Time
Executive
The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City has retained Mackenzie Eason to recruit the next Chief Financial Officer due to the upcoming retirement of the long-tenured CFO.  This position is a member of the Executive Team. The CFO will be an integral part of the strategy and future economic development projects within the Oklahoma City region.

Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City
Foundation and Purpose
The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City was formed to serve as a central entity coordinating economic and community development efforts on behalf of the City of Oklahoma City.

As a public-private partnership, The Alliance’s mission is to foster sustainable growth, support business recruitment, and provide strategic leadership on major development projects. It frequently partners with City, County, and State agencies, as well as private developers.

Key Functions
  • Project Facilitation: Helps developers navigate public funding tools (e.g., TIF districts, federal grants), zoning, and other governmental processes.
  • Funds Oversight: Directly oversees multiple entities totaling roughly $98 million in assets
    • Oklahoma Industries Authority,
    • Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority
    • Oklahoma City Redevelopment Authority
    • Oklahoma City Industrial and Cultural Facilities Authority
    • Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust which oversees an additional $200+ million as the Surrogate General Manager.
  • Incentive Structuring: Works with City leadership to evaluate and recommend incentives for business recruitment and development deals.

The Alliance has played a pivotal role in Oklahoma City’s rise as a regional economic hub through coordination with multiple governmental authorities and private developers. It has helped streamline processes for job creation, improved public infrastructure, and leveraged funding for key projects that enhance the city’s quality of life.

Moving forward, The Alliance will continue to expand its focus on:
 
  • Strategic Capital Deployment: Ensuring that public and quasi-public funds are used efficiently to maximize economic returns.
  • Infrastructure & Large-Scale Projects: Facilitating major venues (e.g., arenas and stadiums) and industrial expansions that draw national attention to the region.
  • Inclusive Economic Growth: Balancing high-profile commercial developments with efforts to revitalize underserved neighborhoods and catalyze community development.

Signature Projects and Initiatives
 
  1. Downtown Redevelopment & TIF Projects
    • Facilitating the use and management of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts for redevelopment in downtown Oklahoma City, Midtown, and other emerging districts.
    • Projects include infrastructure improvements, mixed-use developments, and support for large-scale anchor projects that spark further private investment.
  2. MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) Support
    • Collaborating with the City and other entities on key MAPS-related initiatives, such as new public facilities, convention spaces, and public park enhancements.
    • While MAPS projects are managed primarily by the City, The Alliance often assists in coordinating private-sector partnerships or helping new developments align with MAPS improvements.
  3. Convention Center and Related Development
    • The Alliance helped coordinate aspects of the Oklahoma City Convention Center project, along with nearby hospitality and mixed-use developments (e.g., the Omni Hotel).
    • By facilitating targeted incentives and ensuring overall financial viability, The Alliance played a role in the city’s broader effort to attract more tourism and convention business.
  4. Innovation & Industrial Sites
    • Managing funds and advising on land acquisition for industrial parks and innovation districts to attract manufacturing, technology, and other high-growth industries.
    • Working closely with state and county partners on site-readiness and recruitment packages for large employers.
  5. Community & Neighborhood Redevelopment
    • Collaborating with the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements in historically underserved areas.
  6. Upcoming or Ongoing Projects
    • New NBA arena development support.
    • Potential soccer stadium projects.
    • Preparations for the 2028 Olympics-hosted events in Oklahoma City
    • Industrial site acquisitions for future expansion.


The CFO role is a key member of The Alliance’s leadership team, responsible for the organization’s financial strategy, operational sustainability, and day-to-day fiscal management. This position is opening due to the retirement of the current CFO, who has served in the role for eleven years.


The Position
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for overseeing The Alliance’s financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, cash management, investments, payroll, and risk management. In addition to ensuring accurate and transparent financial reporting, the CFO will provide strategic financial leadership to help guide The Alliance’s role in advancing economic development initiatives across Oklahoma City.

You will manage multiple nonprofit and governmental-related financial activities, oversee compliance with various federal and state requirements, and collaborate with public and private entities- City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and the local business community to plan and execute development projects. As part of a small, fast-paced office, you will be both a hands-on financial expert and a strategic partner to the CEO and President.

This is a unique opportunity for a driven and forward-thinking financial leader to shape the future of Oklahoma City through strategic resource management and innovative development. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at The Alliance for Economic Development, you will play a pivotal role in spearheading transformative projects that fuel the city’s growth and vitality. By partnering closely with the CEO, you will guide the deployment of a variety of funding mechanisms—ranging from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to federal grants—to catalyze high-impact initiatives such as new sports facilities, industrial expansions, and community revitalization programs. In this high-visibility position, you’ll leverage your in-depth knowledge of accounting, banking, and investments to ensure that every dollar is optimally allocated, while also crafting future-focused financial strategies that align with The Alliance’s mission of sustainable economic and community development.

Beyond the day-to-day financial operations, this role calls for a strategic thought partner who is adept at forecasting and managing complex budgets across multiple nonprofit and governmental entities. You will implement and refine internal controls and policies to maintain impeccable fiscal integrity while identifying cost-saving opportunities and new revenue streams. Your ability to research, learn, and manage programs such as employee benefits, insurance, and other service contracts will help you build a robust, well-rounded financial infrastructure for The Alliance. Candidates with nonprofit or governmental accounting experience will be well-positioned to anticipate and address the specialized tax, audit, and regulatory requirements inherent in this multi-faceted environment. Above all, the ideal CFO brings an unwavering commitment to excellence, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for harnessing strategic funds to turn ambitious plans into tangible results that drive Oklahoma City forward.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include:
Key Responsibilities
  1. Financial Strategy & Leadership
    • Develop and implement long-term financial strategies, including forecasting and budgeting for The Alliance’s $98 million portfolio and for the $200+ million Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust.
    • Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and President, providing insight on future financing options for development projects, TIF allocations, and other economic development tools.
    • Identify opportunities for cost savings, additional funding, and improved business efficiencies.
  2. Financial Management & Reporting
    • Oversee day-to-day accounting, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and cash management.
    • Coordinate the development of annual operating, capital, and program budgets for The Alliance and its related entities.
    • Ensure timely financial reporting to the Board, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
    • Prepare and present financial analyses, forecasts, and key performance indicators to inform decision-making.
  3. Compliance & Audit Oversight
    • Manage and direct audit engagements for nonprofit and governmental entities, ensuring compliance with federal grant requirements and applicable tax filings.
    • Stay informed of relevant legislation, enforce compliance, and recommend/implement actions to maintain proper internal controls and adherence to best practices.
    • Oversee and coordinate with external auditors to complete annual financial audits efficiently.
  4. Policy & Internal Controls
    • Develop, refine, and implement financial policies, internal control frameworks, and purchasing procedures aligned with both nonprofit and governmental standards.
    • Oversee risk management practices, including insurance coverage, procurement, and contract negotiations.
    • Evaluate and manage banking relationships, investment strategies, and cash flow to support operational needs.
  5. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration
    • Lead and mentor the finance team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering a culture of accountability.
    • Collaborate with City, County, and State agencies, as well as private partners, on development financing strategies, incentive planning, and project reporting.
    • Manage relationships with employee benefits vendors, insurance carriers, and other contractual partners.
  6. Strategic Project Support
    • Provide financial oversight and risk analysis for upcoming large-scale projects, including development around a new NBA arena, soccer stadium, 2028 Olympics support, and industrial sites.
    • Assist with land acquisitions, new developments, and other city-led initiatives aimed at driving economic growth.
    • Evaluate and structure financing options (e.g., TIF, bond financing, grants) to optimize The Alliance’s impact and resources.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Qualifications & Hiring Traits
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
  • Certification: CPA, CPFO, or other relevant certification is strongly preferred.
  • Financial Expertise:
    1. In-depth knowledge of financial processes such as accounting, banking, investments, payroll, and accounts payable/receivable.
    2. Experience with nonprofit/governmental requirements, including audit engagements, federal grant compliance, and tax filings.
    3. Budgeting & Forecasting: Skilled in developing and analyzing budgets, financials, and forecasts for both organizational operations and development projects.
  • Operations & Compliance:
    1. Internal Controls & Policies: Track record of developing and implementing controls, purchasing procedures, and financial policies.
    2. Vendor & Contractual Management: Ability to research, learn, and manage benefit vendors, insurance carriers, and other contractual relationships.
    3. Business Efficiencies: Proven capacity to identify cost savings, explore funding opportunities, and streamline processes.
    4. Strategic Partnering: Experience in strategic financial projections and serving as a collaborative thought partner to executive leadership.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in financial software, Excel, and other data analysis tools. Knowledge of governmental accounting standards (GASB) is a plus.
  • Leadership & Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Cultural Fit: Self-motivated, independent worker who values collaboration and can thrive in a small, fast-paced team environment.



 
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