Director, Finance and Operations

ROLE: Director, Finance & Operations

LOCATION:​ Remote

POSITION TYPE: Exempt, Full-time

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 5%

START DATE: ASAP

REPORTS TO: Chief of Staff and Strategy

ROLE OVERVIEW

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations to direct and oversee the integrated management of all organizational aspects related to the operational infrastructure, finance and accounting, and human resources functions for our multi-entity organization, which includes a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and Political Action Committee (PAC). This includes direct responsibility for accounting, finance, cash flow, budgeting, internal and external audits, and legal and management reporting. ​​This role  is a key strategic partner to the executive team, providing the financial insight necessary to advance the organization's mission. You will:

• Lead efforts to manage the organization's financial resources, supporting its commitment to advancing its mission through strategic fiscal planning, strong financial reporting and analysis.
• Sustain robust financial systems and internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure compliance, and provide accurate and timely financial data to support strategic decision-making.
• Provide strategic financial guidance and support to the executive leadership team, department heads, and program staff on budgeting, forecasting, and fiscal management.
• Lead the annual audit and 990 preparation process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Sustain organizational operations, including IT hardware and technology tools, along with contract management.
• Lead all aspects of human resources, including benefits, compensation strategy, recruitment, hiring, onboarding, offboarding, investigations, maintaining and implementing policies.
• Manage a team of staff and consultants: FT staff accountant (1), PT HR Director (1), PT HR Manager (1), along with various consultants (example: external auditors, IT consultant).

WHO WE ARE 

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that work well for America’s students and confront those that do not. We prioritize students and families, especially low-income students and students of color who should be better served by our country’s public education system. 

DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) is an advocacy group that advances education reform measures through empowering community leaders to support our legislative and political advocacy work. ERNA keeps constant pressure on legislators to champion high-quality public education. 

DFER partner Education Reform Now (ERN) is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-12 public education, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families. 

WHAT WE DO 

1. Support for Forward-Thinking Education Leaders — In an approach that is markedly different from our peers and partners in the field, DFER engages directly with candidates and elected officials to empower them to advocate for education policies that focus foremost on serving students. Our partner organization, Education Reform Now, does work that involves policy research, analysis and education that helps policy makers at all levels understand complex education issues and make informed decisions. 

2. Informing the Education Debate — Our coalition work reflects the breadth of our policy priorities. We work collaboratively with organizations and our community networks to create an education system that serves and is held accountable to all students and families.

3. Targeted Interventions and Rapid Response — DFER’s reach, from the most local district relationships to state and federal policymakers, enables us to respond quickly to the changing landscape and policy trends. Activities vary significantly from project to project and may include training, policy analysis, public engagement, electoral and issue advocacy, and policy guidance for elected officials and local advocates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Partnership

• Act as a strategic partner by developing and delivering forward-thinking, usable financial reporting and dashboards that translate complex data into actionable insights for program, development, and advocacy staff.
• Continuously evaluate the status of short and long-term strategic financial objectives and provide advice on the financial implications of business activities.
• Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends and forecasts.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior executives so as to identify their needs and provide responsive reporting and