Director, Finance

Director, Finance

NewSchools

 

ORGANIZATION

 

NewSchools is a venture philanthropy that builds a better education system by connecting people, resources, and ideas. We bridge the gap between those with capital and those with the courage to put that capital to work on the frontlines of education. We envision an education system that keeps its promise to all students. That’s why we invest in the ideas and energy of education leaders and entrepreneurs who are advancing innovative solutions that expand the definition of what works. There’s a better way to advance education through philanthropy—one that is more equitable, more collaborative, and more courageous–and we’re proving it every day.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The Finance and Operations Team seeks a Director of Finance to work closely with the Director of Operations and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to ensure best-in-class financial operations. In this role, you will empower staff to make thoughtful, data-informed decisions aligned with NewSchools’ strategy by developing, implementing, and maintaining efficient systems and processes and maintaining a clean general ledger. Reporting to the COO, you will work remotely from anywhere in the U.S. This role includes approximately 10% travel annually for all team retreats and our annual Summit.

 

As Director of Finance, your legacy will include:

 

Lead NewSchools’ finance function, providing operational efficiency, fiscal oversight, and strong team management

 

• Develop and implement a vision for a strong, user-centric finance team using innovative and leading-edge technology and approaches

• Own the execution of the annual budget process, annual audit, and regular financial reporting to all budget stakeholders and the Board of Directors

• Work closely with Investment Team Partners and Shared Services Directors to develop annual budgets by team, regularly evaluate performance against budget, and reforecast quarterly as assumptions change, providing financial expertise to the leaders of each program

• Partner with the CEO and Development team to accurately capture revenue assumptions and make recommendations to ensure a financially viable organization.

• Partner with the COO and Board of Directors to ensure effective Audit and Finance Committee meetings; prepare all materials for audit and finance committees and ensure appropriate follow-up and documentation

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to oversee and refine the organization’s Investment Policy. Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to ensure investment practices align with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and fiduciary responsibilities

 

Ensure the Finance Team implements best-in-class approaches

 

• Manage the team to execute all general ledger transactions including grants, contracts, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll

• Develop and maintain all fiscal policies and procedures, ensuring proper internal controls are in place

• Serve as the primary contact to the organization's external audit firm and maintain banking relationships

• Collaborate with our Asset Management partner(s) to develop and implement an optimal cash and investment management strategy

• Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations related to nonprofit finance

• Serve as the check signer of the organization, authorizing all bank disbursements following proper internal controls protocols

• Develop a continuous improvement approach to systems, processes, structures, and policies to maximize the utilization of FTE expertise and external vendors and consultants

• Continuously analyze the current financial infrastructure and scope out the next level of financial systems that support the organization

 

Support, develop, and lead the Finance Team

 

• Develop and implement a clear vision for a user-centered fiscal operations team, and share this vision through the management of daily fiscal operations

• Set annual team goals aligned to the organization priorities

• Hire and retain finance team members; provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and feedback to direct reports (structure and count to be determined) to ensure the team’s continuous development

• Serve as a member of the senior-leadership team, representing NewSchools internally and externally with a high-level of integrity and best-in-class management approaches

 

SKILLS, MINDSETS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Passion for innovation, excellence and equity in public education.

• Demonstrated track record of leading and working with high levels of excellence. High comfort with ambiguity and tolerance for risk

• Ability to serve as an organizational leader both internally and externally.

• Ability to influence without authority and commitment to high quality conversational capacity and communication skills.

• Demonstrated track record of managing a high-performing team and collaborating with a wide-range of stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals

• Belief in the power of philanthropy to create momentum for systems level change and a deep network across k-12 education, especially talent organizations

• Ability to toggle between operating at the strategic and implementation levels. Comfort working in a small organization and team

• A high degree of self-awareness and a demonstrated commitment to learning and continuous improvement

• Ability to travel up to 10% for in-person team meetings, retreats and conferences

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite with the ability to produce high quality work products in each program 

• Proficiency in Intacct, Bill.com, and Salesforce preferred, but not required

• CPA preferred, but not required

 

EXPERIENCE

 

• Minimum of 12 years of professional experience with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles in a finance function within a nonprofit setting.

 

COMPENSATION

 

A competitive compensation package including base salary, performance bonus, and complete benefits is available. The starting salary range for this position is $165,000-$200,000 with the potential for an annual bonus of up to 10%. Final salary will be determined based on experience level and qualifications.

 

NewSchools Venture Fund has a strong commitment to diversity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

 

Please note, applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

 

This application will close November 25th at 12:00pm PT. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by November 17th.