Job Description

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to building a more equitable and just society through higher education. Through research, advocacy, policy development, and field engagement, IHEP drives systemic change in higher education to advance equitable outcomes and generational impact for communities historically marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity or income.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

IHEP seeks a Director of Finance to manage and execute the organization’s finance and accounting functions. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Director will lead IHEP’s annual audit, financial aspects of grant proposals and reporting, and cash management and other banking and investment functions. The Director also will develop short and long-term budgets, implement best practices, and simplify workflows all to help inform strategic organizational decision making. With a five million dollar budget and a history of clean audits, IHEP’s finances are sound.

Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., we operate fully remotely on a day-to-day basis. We come together, in-person in D.C., for one week three to four times a year to connect, build cohesion, and bond as a full staff. We welcome remote applicants for this position with the understanding that this role will require some in-person attendance at meetings in the D.C. area.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; prepare and clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; manage all financial, project/program, and grants accounting.
2. Perform the annual audit process, including developing timelines; preparing schedules; managing financial, analytical, and compliance issues; finalizing the annual audit process; liaising with external auditors and the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors; and assessing any necessary changes.
3. Lead and manage the annual budgeting and planning process, including quarterly budget analysis and updates; administer, review, and track all financial plans and budgets; keep staff abreast of the financial status of the various projects, and of the organization as a whole. Work with department leaders, as needed, to forecast upcoming project and staff needs.
4. Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting, including accounts payable and receivables and cash management across multiple financial institutions.
5. Manage the payroll and timecard system and processes to ensure that all payroll responsibilities are completed on time, accurately, and in compliance with all laws and regulations.
6. Manage and execute a robust grants/contracts financial management and reporting system; ensure that the grant/contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to, financial reporting data is timely and accurate, and cash flow is steady to support operational requirements; provide project staff with accurate and timely project budget reports to inform project decision-making.
7. Review, maintain, and educate staff on, and ensure compliance with, finance and accounting policies and procedures for the organization.
8. Manage banking and investment strategies and accounts, including routine reconciliations, the organizational credit card, and IHEP’s formalized investment policy.
9. Serve as the Board’s Treasurer; prepare financial and investment reports and updates, and communicate them effectively to the Board and its Finance and Audit Committee.
10. Develop a finance training curriculum/protocol for staff, providing training on budgeting, grants management, use of financial systems, compliance, etc.
11. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and requirements, including preparing federal and district tax filings, partnering with the auditor to prepare IRS Form 990, registering the organization to do business in various states as required, and monitoring compliance with relevant state laws. Compliance involves managing relationships with outside counsel, including auditors.
12. Oversee the Finance Manager to complete day-to-day finance and accounting tasks in an accurate and timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES, and SKILLS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field and licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Master’s degree preferred.
2. Approximately 10 years of professional experience in a nonprofit finance and accounting role with progressively increasing responsibilities.
3. Proven experience in managing foundation grants, including multiple, concurrent project-based grants.
4. Experience processing payroll.
5. First-hand knowledge of accounting and reporting software (e.g., FundEZ, Bill.com).
6. Strong analytic, critical and strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
7. Experience managing people in ways that both contribute to the larger organizational good and promote individual’s professional growth.
8. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through and push projects to completion amidst competing responsibilities.
9. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and remain flexible and adaptable, as well as strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment.
10. Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial concepts for colleagues who do not have finance backgrounds.
11. Demonstrated commitment to building and maintaining a healthy, respectful, and inclusive organizational culture that prioritizes outcomes through the application of diversity and equity.
12. Self-motivated and eager contributor to a team who shares in the accolades of successes.
13. Desire to continuously improve skills and develop professionally.

WORKING at IHEP:

IHEP recognizes that a talented and justice-focused, diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce benefits individuals, partners, and IHEP as a whole. We recognize that all employees bring their own capabilities, experiences, and characteristics to their work. At IHEP, diversity encompasses differences including, but not limited to, those of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, religion, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family responsibilities, experience, and education. The wide array of perspectives that results from such diversity promotes innovation and business success, further supporting the organization’s mission.

IHEP values a healthy work-life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package with generous paid time off; health, dental, vision benefits; 401K matching; life and disability insurance; flexible work arrangements; and other benefits. The starting salary range for the position is $103,000 - $134,000.

IHEP is not able to sponsor work permits. Therefore, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

HOW to APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply here by submitting a cover letter and resume. We will review applications on a rolling basis, but have a priority deadline to apply by April 7.

The Institute for Higher Education Policy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in all facets of the organization’s work.

IHEP participates in E-Verify and confirms all employees are authorized to work in the United States through a Form I-9. For more about your right to work, see this information from the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Department of Justice.

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