Director of Finance & Operations

Job Description

Job Description

The Director of Finance & Operations at Palmer Scholars is a rare opportunity for a strategic, systems‑minded leader to shape the future of the organization. This role sits at the heart of the organization—driving operational excellence, strengthening financial stewardship, and empowering program teams to deliver life‑changing outcomes for Scholars. If you thrive on building smart systems, translating big‑picture strategy into daily execution, and using data to fuel organizational growth, this position offers the chance to make a measurable, mission‑driven impact while helping lead a dynamic, values‑centered nonprofit into its next chapter. 

The Director of Finance & Operations serves as a key member of the leadership team at Palmer Scholars, providing strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership across organizational operations, program support, financial processes, compliance, and data systems. In close partnership with the CEO, this role translates organizational priorities into actionable plans, clear workflows, and measurable outcomes that strengthen internal alignment and long-term sustainability. 

This leader ensures that operational systems, program infrastructure, and data practices effectively support high-quality program delivery and responsible stewardship of funding. The Director oversees billing and contract processes, compliance tracking, reporting systems, and performance management while guiding continuous improvement efforts across departments. 

The role also supervises operational and program leadership staff, fosters cross-team collaboration, and promotes a culture of accountability, learning, and shared problem-solving. By leveraging data and strategic analysis, the Director drives informed decision-making, strengthens financial and operational performance, and supports organizational growth. 

Director of Finance & Operations