Director of Finance and Operations

Education Reform Now Advocacy

12h • $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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, CPA certification desirable.
• 5+ years of financial and/or operations leadership roles, with at least 2-4 years in a multi-entity nonprofit environment, managing budgets over $8 million, and extensive experience with intercompany transactions.
• Must have direct, hands-on experience managing multiple organizational functions, including Operations (technology infrastructure, vendor management, facilities) and HR functions (benefits, compensation, employee relations, compliance).
• 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 Mission: A demonstrated commitment to advancing the mission of the organization.
• 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

• 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).
• 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