Director, Finance and Operations

Education Reform Now Advocacy

10d • $165,000 - $185,000 • Remote

About The Position

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations to direct and oversee the integrated management of all organizational aspects related to the operational infrastructure, finance and accounting, and human resources functions for our multi-entity organization, which includes a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and Political Action Committee (PAC). This includes direct responsibility for accounting, finance, cash flow, budgeting, internal and external audits, and legal and management reporting. ​​This role is a key strategic partner to the executive team, providing the financial insight necessary to advance the organization's mission. You will:
Lead efforts to manage the organization's financial resources, supporting its commitment to advancing its mission through strategic fiscal planning, strong financial reporting and analysis.
Sustain robust financial systems and internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure compliance, and provide accurate and timely financial data to support strategic decision-making.
Provide strategic financial guidance and support to the executive leadership team, department heads, and program staff on budgeting, forecasting, and fiscal management.
Lead the annual audit and 990 preparation process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
Sustain organizational operations, including IT hardware and technology tools, along with contract management.
Lead all aspects of human resources, including benefits, compensation strategy, recruitment, hiring, onboarding, offboarding, investigations, maintaining and implementing policies.
Manage a team of staff and consultants: FT staff accountant (1), PT HR Director (1), PT HR Manager (1), along with various consultants (example: external auditors, IT consultant).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, CPA certification desirable.
• 7+ years of progressive financial and operations leadership roles, with at least 3-5 years in a multi-entity nonprofit environment, managing budgets over $10 million, and extensive experience with intercompany transactions.
• Must have direct, hands-on experience managing both HR functions (benefits, compensation, employee relations, compliance) and IT/operations (technology infrastructure, vendor management, facilities).
• An experienced people manager
• Proven experience leading annual audits.
• Proficiency with NetSuite accounting software.
• Proficiency with Paylocity HCM software.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate complex financial information for all levels of comprehension.
• Commitment to Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and excellence for all students.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States and will be required to submit proof of eligibility. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

• CPA certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic partner by developing and delivering forward-thinking, usable financial reporting and dashboards that translate complex data into actionable insights for program, development, and advocacy staff.
• Continuously evaluate the status of short and long-term strategic financial objectives and provide advice on the financial implications of business activities.
• Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends and forecasts.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior executives so as to identify their needs and provide responsive reporting and financial strategies.
• Manage cash flow and forecasting; optimize the handling of banking relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash positions.
• Ensure that effective internal controls are in place and ensure a safeguarding of assets, compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting.
• Maintain a cost sharing allocation model to accurately distribute costs across the entities; ensure proper implementation of cost share and grant agreements; establish processes to monitor the program activity for compliance with grant agreements.
• Maintain separate financial records for each entity while producing consolidated financial statements for organizational leadership and the Board.
• Manage intercompany transactions, allocations, cash settlements and transfers, ensuring they are properly documented and comply with all legal restrictions.
• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and support the Development team with grants administration.
• Ensure cash flow is appropriate for the organization’s operations for national, the states and projects (including fiscal sponsors).
• Partner with external auditors to execute the annual audit process and prepare and file all required regulatory reports, including Form 990, Form 990-T, Form 1120-POL, and state charity and PAC reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Evaluate, implement, and manage financial systems and software (such as Netsuite) to enhance operational efficiency.
• Manage processes for financial forecasting, reporting, including leading the annual organization budgeting and planning process
• Prepare monthly financial statements, financial packages, and other informational reports/analysis.
• Monitor financial performance against budget, analyze variances, and provide actionable insights to support national departments, state chapters, and special projects.
• Provide financial data and analysis to support grant proposals and donor reports for the Development team and to ensure programmatic compliance.
• Oversee the organization's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and cloud-based technology tools.
• Manage business insurance, contracts, and other operational compliance requirements (office leases, co-working agreements, vendor contracts).
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration by partnering closely with other departments to streamline processes, implement organization-wide best practices, and ensure operational support for mission delivery.
• Lead all aspects of recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, and offboarding processes.
• Administer and continuously evaluate the employee benefits program, including its compensation strategy.
• Maintain, update, and implement the Employee Handbook and all HR policies. Ensure policies are communicated effectively and applied consistently.
• Serve as a trusted resource for staff and managers. Conduct confidential investigations when necessary and provide guidance on performance management and conflict resolution.
• Ensure HR practices comply with all federal, state, and local employment laws.

Benefits

• health, vision, and dental coverage
• flexible spending plan
• life insurance
• short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401K plan with a match plan
• flexible spending/benefits plan
• paid family leave
• paid time off (vacation, sick time, floating holidays, and all National holidays)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director