Director of Finance

Grow Your Own Illinois•Chicago, IL

1d•$110,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Finance oversees all financial operations for Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL), ensuring fiscal health, regulatory compliance, and organizational sustainability. The role manages budgeting, cash flow, audit preparation, financial reporting to the Board, grant accounting, and internal controls. Partnering with the Executive Director and senior staff, the Director of Finance supports organizational financial decisions by translating program operations and contract and grant requirements into budgets, forecasts, and funding applications. The position reports to the Executive Director and serves as a strategic thought partner. It is full-time and hybrid, with work in the Chicago West Loop office up to three days per week and as needed. The annual salary range is $110,000–$130,000, based on experience and credentials. Grow Your Own Illinois recruits, supports, and prepares individuals from underrepresented communities to become licensed teachers. The organization provides candidates with financial and academic assistance, social-emotional support, and culturally sustaining professional development, with the aim of building an Illinois teacher workforce that reflects the racial and cultural diversity of its students and is rooted in their communities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as finance or accounting.
Residence in Illinois.
At least 7 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including senior management roles in nonprofit or government-funded organizations, developing long-term financial plans, forecasts, and scenario models to support organizational growth and impact.
Demonstrated success overseeing finances for organizations with operating budgets of $6 million or more.
Experience managing government contracts, including budgeting, billing, compliance, and audit preparation.
Relevant technical skills and experience managing complex implementation of financial management and related software products.
Proven track record of supporting successful audits.
Ability to think strategically and creatively, anticipate future consequences and trends, and lead scenario planning and development of options.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Strong relationship-building skills and ability to negotiate and work with internal and external stakeholders.
High degree of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Commitment to continuous learning and competence in providing, receiving, assessing, and incorporating feedback.
Ability to traverse an office environment to attend meetings and interact with colleagues.
Ability to operate a computer and relevant technology, including phones, screens, printers, and tablets.
Ability to carry up to 10 pounds, such as a laptop and carrying case.
Ability to complete the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or certification, such as an MBA or CPA.
Experience with Illinois State and City of Chicago grants or contracts.

Responsibilities

Align financial resources with the organization’s strategy, operations, programs, and infrastructure.
Provide fiscal management that supports appropriate use of organizational assets and long-term sustainability.
Develop and improve financial systems and controls across GYO-IL’s program operations and external partners.
Assess and improve financial processes and data infrastructure to support data fluency, automation, decision-making, and streamlined workflows.
Build relationships with university and community college financial aid and grants officers and represent GYO-IL in those interactions.
Manage annual operating budget development in consultation with the Executive Director and directors.
Lead return-on-investment analyses with program leadership to assess opportunities for scalable, fundable financial models.
Prepare grant, contract, and project budgets and financial reports in coordination with program directors.
Oversee administration of grant programs with subgrant awardees, including application, award, and monitoring functions.
Provide monthly financials, reports, and other information that support program operations.
Manage the financial complexities and timing of government contract payments, ensuring compliance, minimizing risk, and securing timely revenue.
Analyze complex financial information, prepare presentations, and report to the Executive Director and Board on organizational financial health and budget-versus-actuals.
Oversee leases, contracts, and other financial commitments.
Supervise, lead, and guide the two-person accounting team to maintain accounting systems and functions.
Serve as an approver for internal-control functions.
Oversee preparation and communication of monthly and annual financial statements.
Oversee cash-flow planning and ensure funds are available when needed.
Facilitate the annual audit process, including vendor selection and preparation of financial statements, the single audit, and IRS Form 990, while meeting deadlines.

Benefits

15 days of paid time off.
12 days of paid sick and wellness leave.
10 holidays.
Office closure between Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Day (December 24–January 1).
Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 50% coverage for a spouse and the first two dependents.
Basic life insurance.
403(b) plan with a 3% match.
Employee Assistance Plan.
Professional development.
Home printer and monitor.
Phone stipend.
Employee discounts.
Flexible schedule.
Opportunity for advancement.
Training and development.
Wellness resources.