Director of Finance and Operations

Kapor Center•Oakland, CA

7h•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Director of Finance and Operations who will be responsible for shaping the Foundation’s financial strategy, strengthening operational effectiveness, and ensuring full compliance across the organization. This senior leadership role oversees financial planning and analysis (FP&A), investment reporting and monitoring, financial analysis and reporting, and tax and audit preparation. The Director also ensures strong internal controls, reliable financial systems, and consistent adherence to all applicable federal and state requirements. In addition, the Director will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive grants management strategy in close collaboration with the CEO, CFOO, Accounting, and Program staff. Key responsibilities include evaluating and optimizing the Foundation’s grants management system, overseeing full-cycle grants administration, and strengthening grantmaking policies and compliance practices to support the Foundation’s evolving programmatic goals. This role calls for an experienced, collaborative analytic thinker and infrastructure builder who can operate both strategically and independently—designing scalable processes for today’s needs while anticipating future growth, and ensuring that financial operations and grants management run smoothly, accurately, and efficiently in service of the Foundation and its grantees. The ideal candidate brings a blend of strategic financial leadership, operational rigor, and deep familiarity with private foundation grantmaking practices—including compliance oversight, audit readiness, and effective cross-functional partnership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required
8–12+ years of progressive finance and operations experience, including leadership responsibility.
Demonstrated expertise in: FP&A (budgeting, forecasting, modeling, scenario planning)
Demonstrated expertise in: Investment reporting and performance monitoring
Demonstrated expertise in: Financial reporting, audit, and compliance oversight
Demonstrated expertise in: Grants management workflows and best practices
Strong understanding of compliance requirements relevant to private foundations and grantmaking organizations.
Proven ability to build and improve financial systems, processes, and internal controls.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred.
Prior experience with Advance Excel, Temelio, Adaptive, and Sage Intacct is highly desirable.
Experience in philanthropy, nonprofits, or private foundations strongly preferred.
Comfortable working in an intrapreneurial environment with a diverse and collaborative team.
Deep and authentic commitment to our organizational values: We Close Gaps, Open Doors, and SMASH Barriers. We Value Tech as a Tool to Scale Social Impact. We Lead with Racial Justice and Reflect the Communities We Serve. We Honor Distances Traveled, Not Just Finish Lines. We Challenge with Urgency, Respect, and Purpose. We Don’t Just Talk. Positive Intent Must Lead to Positive Action.
Innovative and creative thinker who is not afraid to try something new and inspire others.
Very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
Strong work ethic with minimal need for direction.
Works well independently as well as part of a team.
A desire to work and grow in a fast-paced and fun environment.

Responsibilities

Lead monthly close, which includes reviewing journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations prepared by staff.
Review all accounts and ledgers ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
Oversee staff responsible for managing daily financial activities and requests, including accounts payable and grants payable, cash inflows and outflows, and investments.
Develop quarterly financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting and coordinating involvement of necessary stakeholders.
Coordinate all Foundation audit and tax preparation activities.
In partnership with tax advisors, perform real-time tax benefit analysis and monitor changes in tax laws and regulations to ensure compliance and optimized tax planning.
Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts and scenario models to support grantmaking commitments, operating needs, and long-term sustainability.
Provide strategic financial analysis and planning support to leadership, including multi-year projections, trend analysis, and decision-ready reporting for the CEO, CFOO, and Board.
Strengthen financial infrastructure, internal controls, and reporting processes to ensure accuracy, transparency, and organizational readiness as the Foundation grows and evolves.
Develop and maintain integrations between the grant management system and the accounting system to enable accurate, efficient data transfer and streamlined financial reporting.
Oversee staff responsible for monitoring, managing, and reconciling all bank accounts, ensuring an accurate understanding of cash flow.
Conduct regular reviews of account balances and cash positions.
Optimize banking operations, including negotiating favorable terms and ensuring efficient handling of financial transactions.
Implement cash management strategies to maximize returns on idle funds.
Oversee staff responsible for tracking and monitoring accounting activity of Foundation investment portfolios, including regular valuation updates and write-offs.
Ensure a thorough understanding of the accounting mechanics of the investments, including capital calls, distributions, and the impact on cash flows.
Support investment monitoring and reporting in partnership with leadership and external advisors, ensuring alignment with spending policy, liquidity needs, and long-term financial goals.
Prepare investment performance summaries and related financial analysis for internal leadership and Board review, including key drivers, risks, and variances.
Coordinate the financial tracking and reporting of investment activity to ensure accurate accounting treatment, timely reconciliation, and integration into financial planning and forecasting.
Establish and maintain clear grant documentation requirements and internal workflows for all grant types (including standard grants, fiscal sponsorships, and PRIs), in collaboration with the CFOO and program staff.
Ensure grantmaking processes remain responsive to the Foundation’s evolving strategy while prioritizing efficiency, compliance, and a seamless experience for grantee partners—reducing unnecessary administrative burden wherever possible.
Stay current on legal requirements and philanthropic best practices, ensuring grant documentation and grantmaking processes comply with IRS regulations and internal policies.
Generate and process grant agreements for approved grants and coordinate with finance/operations staff to ensure timely and accurate grant payments.
Keep up with the latest industry trends, changes, and innovations in grantmaking.
Lead cross-functional teams, as needed, for ad hoc projects.
Serve as the primary liaison with external stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and coordination on financial and operational matters.