
Nov 4, 2025
Southern Poverty Law Center
Chief Financial Officer
Website
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Job Type
In-Person
Job Level
Senior, Executive
Function
Finance
Salary Range
$251K – $270K
Job Description
SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
The Organization:
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people.
Founded in 1971 to ensure that the promise of the Civil Rights Movement became a reality for all, we continue to engage in both legal and community-based efforts to topple institutional racism and stamp out remnants of Jim Crow segregation; unmask and defeat some of the nation’s most violent white supremacist groups; and protect the civil rights of communities of color, children, women, the disabled, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, prisoners and many others who face discrimination, abuse or exploitation.
The SPLC works across the Deep South, focusing on five priority states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, many of which have played historic roles in the Civil Rights Movement and continue to be important battlegrounds for racial justice.
The SPLC’s work is driven by our steadfast commitment to racial justice in these core areas:
Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights • Dismantling White Supremacy
Eliminating Poverty and Economic Inequality
Ending Unjust Imprisonment
The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.
Our Intelligence Project is internationally known for tracking and exposing the activities of hate groups and other domestic extremists.
Learning for Justice provides free resources to caregivers and educators—teachers, administrators, counselors and other practitioners—who work with children from kindergarten through high school. Educators use the materials to supplement the curriculum, to inform their practices, and to create civil and inclusive school communities where children and youth are respected, valued and welcome participants.
The Role:
Location: Atlanta, GA or Montgomery, AL Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
Reports to: EVP, Chief Operating Officer
Supervisory Reports: Director of Finance Director of Financial Planning & Analysis Senior Manager Facilities Total staff: 18
Interacts with: Operations, programs, all SPLC staff, Board members, vendors and contractors.
Position Summary:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees the finance and accounting function, financial compliance, and SPLC’s offices and facilities. They partner with the EVP Chief Operating Officer (COO) to set and execute a financial plan that support’s the Center’s strategic plan and, partnering with the General Counsel, the CFO is responsible for risk management.
The CFO works closely with the COO in gathering, distributing and archiving board meetings and board committee meeting materials and minutes. They work closely with the audit, finance, and investment committees of the Board of Directors. The CFO serves as Treasurer of the Center as elected by the Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop the operational and strategic plans for the finance and administrative functions;
Oversee the financial planning process and $100M operating budget;
Collaborate closely with the Chief Development Officer to budget and monitor fundraising progress;
Manage financial institution and investment advisor relationships;
Monitor internal control environment and activities;
Provide timely, accurate, and useful financial and management reporting for federal and state; funders, foundations, and the board of directors; prepare and communicate monthly and annual financial statements;
Remain current on state and federal law regarding nonprofit financial operations; ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions;
Ensure timely and accurate financial audits, and preparation and filing of tax returns Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions;
Serve as a key leader and build internal relationships with colleagues and staff, in order to understand the programming and support functions that enable strategic resource allocation for the greatest impact;
Manage a comprehensive risk program, identifying and mitigating risks across the Center, including insurance, processes, and policies;
Manage long-term facility planning and maintenance;
Manage a large team of staff, providing mentoring and coaching to support the work;
Hire, train, establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign duties, and conduct performance reviews; and
Other duties as assigned to assist the EVP, Chief Operating Officer and President & CEO.
The Person:
Related Work Experience
A minimum of 12 years of non-profit accounting experience
At least 7 years of managerial experience of a team of professionals, managing performance encouraging professional development, and setting high standards
Experience developing budgets and tracking budget expenses in a complex organization, including using sophisticated budgeting software
Public accounting experience is desirable
Forecasting experience is desirable
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
Effective in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing tasks and demands
Strong communication skills
Ability to mediate between stakeholders with conflicting priorities
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
CPA, MBA or other relevant advanced qualification preferred
Compensation:
SPLC offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment.
For this position, the base salary range is $260,000 to $270,000. Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed before making a final offer.
Disclaimer:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact:
Tory Clarke
Partner, Bridge Partners
tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com
Ryan Whitacre
Partner, Bridge Partners
ryan.whitacre@bridgepartnersllc.com
Priority will be given to applications submitted by May 12th, although we will continue to receive and review applications until the position is filled.
How to Apply
NPO Analysis
990 #1
990 #2
990 #3
Additional Info