Director of Finance and Operations

Role Overview

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) seeks a Director of Finance & Operations to oversee the integrated management of the organization's operational infrastructure, finance and accounting, and human resources functions. This includes direct responsibility for accounting, finance, cash flow, budgeting, audits, and reporting across a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PAC. You will serve as a key strategic partner to the executive team, providing essential financial insights to advance the organization's mission.

What You Will Do

• Lead financial resource management, supporting strategic fiscal planning and reporting.
• Maintain robust financial systems and internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to leadership and staff on budgeting and fiscal management.
• Lead annual audits and Form 990 preparation, acting as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee organizational operations, including IT hardware, technology tools, and contract management.
• Lead all aspects of human resources, including benefits, compensation, recruitment, onboarding, and policy implementation.
• Manage a team of staff and consultants.

About DFER & Partners

DFER is a national political organization supporting elected Democrats and candidates committed to advancing effective education policies, with a focus on historically disadvantaged students. Its partners include Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA), an advocacy group driving political action, and Education Reform Now (ERN), a nonpartisan think tank promoting K-12 public education reforms.

What We Do

1. Support Forward-Thinking Education Leaders: Engage directly with candidates and elected officials to advocate for student-focused education policies.
2. Inform the Education Debate: Collaborate with organizations and community networks to foster an education system accountable to all students and families.
3. Targeted Interventions and Rapid Response: Utilize DFER's reach to respond effectively to policy trends and landscape changes through various advocacy activities.

Key Responsibilities Detailed

Strategic Financial Partnership

• Develop and deliver forward-thinking financial reporting and dashboards.
• Evaluate strategic financial objectives and advise on financial implications.
• Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, trends, and forecasts.
• Manage cash flow and forecasting, optimizing banking relationships.

Multi-Entity Financial Management, Accounting, and Controls

• Ensure effective internal controls, asset safeguarding, and compliance with GAAP and regulations.
• Maintain a cost-sharing allocation model across entities.
• Produce consolidated financial statements while maintaining separate entity records.
• Manage intercompany transactions, allocations, and settlements.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grant administration support.
• Partner with external auditors for annual audits and regulatory report filings (Form 990, etc.).
• Evaluate and implement financial systems and software (e.g., NetSuite).

Multi-Entity Budget & Management Reporting

• Manage financial forecasting, reporting, and the annual budgeting process.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and analysis.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and analyze variances.
• Provide financial data for grant proposals and donor reports.

Business Operations Management

• Oversee the organization's IT infrastructure.
• Manage business insurance, contracts, and operational compliance.
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration for streamlined processes.

Human Resources

• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, and offboarding.
• Administer and evaluate employee benefits and compensation strategy.
• Maintain and implement the Employee Handbook and HR policies.
• Serve as a resource for staff and managers, conduct investigations, and guide performance management.
• Ensure HR practices comply with employment laws.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DFER welcomes all applicants and strongly encourages applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We aim to maximize diversity and recruit a team reflecting the students we serve.

Who We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA certification desirable.
• 5+ years of financial and/or operations leadership roles, with 2-4 years in a multi-entity nonprofit environment managing budgets over $8 million and extensive experience with intercompany transactions.
• Direct, hands-on experience managing multiple organizational functions (Operations, HR).
• Experienced people manager.
• Proven experience leading annual audits.
• Proficiency with NetSuite accounting software.
• Proficiency with Paylocity HCM software.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to translate complex financial information.
• Demonstrated commitment to the organization's mission.

Compensation & Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $165,000 - $185,000. DFER offers excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental coverage; flexible spending plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; 401K plan with a match; paid family leave; and paid time off (vacation, sick time, floating holidays, and all National holidays).