Director of Finance (Chiefs for Change)

Nonprofit HR • Washington, DC

2d • $120,000 - $140,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Finance is the single, accountable in-house leader of Chiefs for Change’s finance function, responsible for the organization’s financial health, strategy, and integrity. Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Network Officer, this role oversees financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting; financial risk management; compliance; and reporting—while serving as a strategic partner to senior leadership and the Board. Beyond running day-to-day operational finance, the Director sets the organization’s multi-year financial direction, owns the annual budget through Board approval, and manages the relationship with Chiefs for Change’s retained accounting partner to preserve strong internal controls and segregation of duties. The Director works collaboratively with senior leadership and other key stakeholders to ensure the financial sustainability of Chiefs for Change and to align financial strategy with mission-driven objectives, positioning the finance function to scale as the organization grows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 8 to 10+ years of progressive experience in financial management in a nonprofit setting, with at least 5 years in a financial leadership role.
• Experience owning an organizational budget through a Board approval cycle and presenting financial information to a Board or governing body.
• Experience managing outsourced accounting providers, auditors, and other financial vendors.
• Demonstrated expertise in nonprofit financial management, including grant compliance and fund accounting.
• Proficiency in financial management software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, etc.) and tools.
• Familiarity with fundraising platforms, donor databases, and the grant application process.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong ability to manage projects, resolve conflicts, and build collaborative working environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to a non-financial audience.
• Ability to foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including board members and corporate partners.
• Ability to translate long-term goals into actionable plans to ensure successful completion of financial goals.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt strategies quickly to meet the evolving needs of the organization, particularly in response to organizational shifts or economic challenges.
• Strong decision-making skills, with a proven ability to anticipate challenges and develop agile solutions that align with organizational goals.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification preferred.
• Experience building multi-year financial models and supporting organizational growth or scaling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set and steward the organization’s multi-year financial strategy, building and maintaining models that connect long-range goals to annual operating plans.
• Develop scenario and sensitivity analyses to inform leadership decisions on growth, investment, staffing, and program expansion.
• Position the finance function to scale—anticipating the systems, staffing, and controls needed as the organization grows in size and complexity.
• Support the Chief Strategy and Network Officer and the leadership team in developing and executing multi-year financial strategies and sustainability plans.
• In collaboration with the leadership team and the development team, lead the annual budget development process, aligning financial planning with organizational priorities.
• Own the annual budget end-to-end—reviewing the build, refining assumptions, and presenting the budget to the Board for approval on the organization’s annual cycle.
• Monitor and report financial performance, ensuring adherence to budget and identifying areas for optimization.
• Develop and maintain financial forecasting models to support strategic decision-making.
• Oversee all aspects of financial operations, including accounting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, grant requirements, and internal policies.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Directors.
• Serve as the primary financial liaison to the Board and its finance/audit committee, translating financial performance into clear, decision-ready insight.
• Manage the relationship with the organization’s retained accounting partner, setting clear scope, service levels, and deliverables and holding the partner accountable for quality and timeliness.
• Preserve the segregation-of-duties strength of an independent external accounting function while maintaining clear in-house ownership of financial decisions and oversight.
• Coordinate the division of responsibilities between in-house staff and outsourced providers, adjusting the model as organizational needs evolve.
• Oversee external auditors, banking partners, and other financial vendors to ensure cost-effective, high-quality service.
• Establish written protocols and enforce internal controls to safeguard organizational assets.
• Maintain compliance with grant funding and philanthropic restrictions, providing required reporting and documentation.
• Conduct periodic financial audits and implement findings to improve financial management practices.
• Partner with the leadership team to align development strategies with organizational goals.
• Supervise finance team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Partner with the Development team to ensure effective grant management and alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide financial guidance to leadership and staff to enhance organizational decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to optimize financial systems and processes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support the Chief Strategy and Network Officer and the leadership team in developing and executing multi-year financial strategies.
• Actively contribute to cross-departmental projects, leveraging financial expertise.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package aligned with a career progression plan
• Clear pathways for advancement
• Compensation levels reflecting progression and impact
• Fair, transparent, and consistent compensation practices
• Growth in compensation tied to demonstrated increases in proficiency and scope over time

What This Job Offers

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