Head of Finance (Full-Time)

Phone stipend

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Training & development

10 holidays

Office closed between Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Day (12/24-1/1)

Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage (50% coverage for spouse and first two dependents)

Basic life insurance

Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) recruits, supports, and prepares individuals from underrepresented communities to become and thrive as licensed teachers. We envision an Illinois teacher workforce that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of its students and is rooted in their communities. To achieve this, we provide candidates with financial and academic assistance, social‑emotional supports, and culturally sustaining professional development. Our teachers—and the students, schools, and neighborhoods they serve—are all strengthened by this process.

The Director of Finance oversees all financial operations for GYO‑IL, ensuring fiscal health, regulatory compliance, and organizational sustainability. Key responsibilities include managing budgeting, cash flow, audit preparation, financial reporting to the Board, grant accounting, and executing internal controls. This role partners with the Executive Director and senior staff to drive financial decisions, translating program operations and grant requirements into budgets, forecasts, and funding applications.

Full‑time position in a hybrid work environment (up to 3 days a week and as needed in the office). Financial Leadership

Align resources to support the organization’s strategy, operations, programs, and infrastructure.

Provide sound fiscal management to ensure proper use of assets and support long‑term sustainability.

Develop and improve financial systems and controls across program operations and external partners.

Assess and improve financial processes and data infrastructure to promote data fluency and automation for optimized decision‑making.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with key constituents, including university and community college financial aid and grants officers.

Financial Planning and Analysis

Lead ROI analyses in partnership with program leadership to inform scalable, fundable financial models.

Prepare grant, contract, and project budgets, and financial reports, in coordination with program directors.

Oversee administration of grant programs with sub‑grant awardees, including application, award, and monitoring functions.

Provide monthly financials, reports, and other information that support all program operations.

Navigate the complexities and timing of payments from government contracts, ensuring compliance, minimizing risk, and securing timely revenue.

Provide analysis of complex financial information and present formal reports to the ED and Board on financial health and budget versus actuals.

Oversee management of all leases, contracts, and other financial commitments.

Accounting

Supervise and guide the accounting team of two, ensuring proper maintenance of accounting systems and functions.

Oversee preparation and communication of monthly and annual financial statements.

Plan cash flow and ensure availability of funds when needed.

Facilitate the agency’s annual audit process, including vendor selection and work products (financial statements, single audit, and IRS 990).

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.

7+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including senior management roles within nonprofits or government‑funded organizations, developing long‑term financial plans, forecasts, and scenario models.

Demonstrated success overseeing finances for organizations with $6M+ operating budgets.

Experience managing government contracts (budgeting, billing, compliance, audit preparation).

Relevant technical skills for implementing complex financial management and related software.

Proven track record of supporting successful audits.

Advanced degree or certification such as MBA or CPA.

Experience with IL State and City of Chicago grants or contracts.

Strategic and creative thinking, anticipating future trends, and leading scenario planning.

Strong relationship‑building skills, including negotiation with internal and external stakeholders.

Traverse an office environment to attend meetings and interact with colleagues.

Operate a computer and other relevant technology (phones, screens, printers, tablets).

GYO-IL is an equal‑opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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