Director, Finance and Operations

Role Overview Position: Director of Finance & Operations Location: Remote Position Type: Exempt, Full‑time Travel: 5% Start Date: ASAP Reports To: Chief of Staff and Strategy 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. Key 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), and various consultants (e.g., external auditors, IT consultant). Multi‑Entity Financial Management, Accounting & Controls Ensure effective internal controls; safeguard assets; maintain GAAP compliance and adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. Maintain a cost‑sharing allocation model, ensuring accurate distribution of costs across entities. Maintain separate financial records for each entity while producing consolidated financial statements for leadership and the Board. Manage intercompany transactions, allocations, cash settlements, and transfers, ensuring proper documentation and legal compliance. Ensure timely and accurate processing of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and support grant administration. Partner with external auditors to execute the annual audit process and prepare all required regulatory reports (Form 990, Form 990‑T, Form 1120‑POL, state charity and PAC reports). Evaluate, implement, and manage financial systems and software (e.g., Netsuite) to enhance operational efficiency. Multi‑Entity Budget & Management Reporting Lead 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. Provide financial data and analysis to support grant proposals and donor reports. Business Operations Management Oversee IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and cloud‑based tools. Manage business insurance, contracts, and operational compliance requirements. Partner closely with other departments to streamline processes and implement organization‑wide best practices. Human Resources Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, and offboarding processes. Administer and evaluate employee benefits and compensation strategy. Maintain, update, and implement the Employee Handbook and all HR policies. Serve as a trusted resource for staff and managers; conduct confidential investigations when necessary. Ensure HR practices comply with all applicable employment laws. Requirements WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA certification desirable. 7+ years of progressive financial and operations leadership, with 3‑5 years in a multi‑entity nonprofit managing budgets over $10 million and extensive experience with intercompany transactions. Direct, hands‑on experience managing HR functions (benefits, compensation, employee relations, compliance) and IT/operations. Experienced people manager. Proven audit‑leadership experience. Proficiency with NetSuite accounting software. Proficiency with Paylocity HCM software. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to translate complex financial information. Commitment to equity: demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and excellence for all students. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Democrats for Education Reform welcomes applications from all and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQ people to apply. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to submit proof of eligibility. We are not able to sponsor or take over employment visa sponsorship at this time. Benefits Compensation: $165,000 – $185,000 base salary. DFER offers comprehensive benefits including health, vision, and dental coverage; flexible spending plan; life insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability insurance; 401(k) plan with match; paid family leave; paid time off (vacation, sick time, floating holidays, and all national holidays). #J-18808-Ljbffr