Chief Finance and Administrative Officer
The Philanthropic Collaborative for Education is seeking a Chief Finance and Administrative Officer to to oversee the organization's finances and operations, lead administrative functions in these areas, and actively participate in the organization's overall strategy.
Organization Overview
Formerly The National Public Education Support Fund, The Philanthropic Collaborative for Education (The Collaborative) was established in 2008, as part of the Leeds families of philanthropies, to serve as a community of engaged education funders and advocates to support the Alliance for Excellent Education. Today, The Collaborative is a national hub for convening and connecting influential leaders in education philanthropy with advocacy, research, policy, and practice. Networks hosted at and/or supported by The Collaborative include: the Education Funder Strategy Group, Global Science of Learning Network, Data Funders Collaborative, and Grantmakers for Thriving Youth.
The Collaborative strengthens, convenes, and catalyzes networks of philanthropy to advance equitable and racially just education and systemic policies and practices that create the conditions every learner needs to achieve, thrive, and succeed in a globally diverse society. Our vision is to unify philanthropy, educators, policymakers, and communities to actively support equitable and just policies and systems promoting opportunities for all learners to develop and prosper.
As a conglomerate of networks that consists of educational philanthropists who are committed to elevating racial equity, we know that public education systems play a unique and powerful role in shaping the trajectories of communities of color. Given our nation's history of genocide, slavery, and inequitable life outcomes based on race, we believe it's imperative that we incorporate a racial equity lens and bring a commitment to racial justice in our work. Philanthropy is a unique and privileged structure that is well-positioned to call out these inequities.
The Collaborative provides infrastructure and support for philanthropic collaboration, learning, and action. Through its operational support and services, The Collaborative enables philanthropic networks to develop and achieve greater impact through opportunities for collaboration and sharing, critical partnerships and knowledge building, and global learning opportunities.
Position Summary
The Collaborative seeks an experienced and innovative Chief Finance and Administrative Officer (CFAO) to oversee the organization's finances and operations, lead administrative functions in these areas, and actively participate in the organization's overall strategy. The CFAO will lead finance and budgeting, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), and business operations, and will manage a group of external consultants. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CFAO will report to the President/CEO and will work closely with an engaged finance committee of the board of directors.
The CFAO will travel approximately 30% of the time and will follow a hybrid schedule working in-office a minimum of one day a week and remotely the rest of the week. (Our in-office time is used primarily for team meetings and formal and informal collaboration).
Position Specifics
Systems Design and Strategy
- Partner with the President/CEO and Senior Director of Strategy and Special Initiatives on all operational and strategic issues; provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections, effective business practice, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis
- Participate in the ongoing strategic planning process as an integral member of the senior management team
- Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management to establish clear goals and milestones
- Oversee the ongoing design and development of an effective business model, as well as identifying and implementing grants management solutions
- Engage the President and Senior Director of Strategy and Special Initiatives on fundraising matters to align financial management with short- and long-term financial planning and projections
- Engage the President and Senior Director of Strategy and Special Initiatives on shifts, trends, and changes in the operating model and operational delivery
- Articulate a clear and metrics-driven vision and strategy, motivating key external stakeholders to build partnerships with The Collaborative
Financial and Administrative Management
- Oversee budgeting, and the management of budget and grant accounts to monitor progress and present operational metrics both internally and externally
- Ensure finance staff maintain financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and monitor allocations and expenses
- Oversee preparation and approval of all financial reporting materials and metrics for The Collaborative's board of directors; prepare and communicate monthly and annual financial statements
- Manage cash flow and forecasting; direct all financial, project-based, network-based, and departmental accounting.
- Liaise with finance vendor to coordinate and manage all audit activities
- Oversee the design and implementation of HR policies in alignment with best practices and regulation requirements
- Evaluate and facilitate all benefits negotiations to design competitive packages for current and new hires
- Oversee the implementation (including regular upgrades) of The Collaborative's IT infrastructure
- Manage the finance and operational needs of the DC office
- Develop, manage, and regularly review all formal finance, HR, and IT-related procedures, processes, and administration
Internal and External Leadership
- Manage staff and consultants in the areas of finance, grants management, bookkeeping, human resources, information technology, and office administration
- Engage other members of the senior management team to facilitate cross-department collaboration that ensures that all financial, IT, and HR solutions positively support The Collaborative's evolving strategy, operational delivery, and data collection needs
- Effective communicator with a demonstrated ability to work with people at all levels to advance an organization's mission
- Cultivate meaningful, collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, demonstrate cultural competence and the ability to effectively engage with a broad range of individuals
Qualifications
- Demonstrated commitment to education and equity with a passion for the organization's vision and mission
- A minimum of a BS and CPA/CMA; an MBA preferred
- An innovative leader with at least 10-15 years of broad finance and administration experience
- Experience in philanthropic, non-profit, and/or for-profit sectors preferred
- Mature and proactive, with evidence of having worked as a true business partner to the chief executive of a nonprofit; if coming from the for-profit world, nonprofit board experience is preferred
- Demonstrated excellence in managing finance, accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting; experience evaluating financial information and making actionable recommendations to senior leadership
- Skill in developing, examining, reengineering, and recommending financial, HR, and IT policies and procedures
- Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model
- A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality
- A team player who brings a growth mindset and is committed to lifelong learning
- A hands-on, mission driven leader with integrity who thrives in collaborative, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environments
- An effective communicator, with strong oral and written skills
- Strong commitment to and experience with developing team members
Salary & Benefits
$170,000-$200,000
Other Information
The Philanthropic Collaborative for Education is an equal-opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status.
On-Ramps is deeply committed to equity. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. We're partnering with the team at the Collaborative to build a diverse team that prioritizes equity. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
On-Ramps is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals in the hiring process, including but not limited to those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact info@on-ramps.com.
