POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Director of Finance & Operations ...

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Director of Finance & Operations
ORGANIZATION: Grantmakers for Education
LOCATION: Portland, OR
Organizational Overview
Grantmakers for Education (GFE) is a national nonprofit network of over 270 foundations and corporate
giving programs that are working to improve outcomes and opportunities in education. Organized in 1995,
GFE provides professional development, research and networking to help these foundations and donors
enhance the results of their grantmaking. At a moment when there is strong national momentum and
investment in education, GFE is a dynamic organization that is evolving and growing to help the field of
education philanthropy achieve greater impact.
Attracting and recruiting diverse candidates from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds is a
high priority for GFE. We believe the diversity of people and organizations involved in GFE helps foster a
learning environment that leads to greater analysis, deeper reflection and better decision-making. Driven by
a passion for expanding educational opportunity, GFE believes a diverse team can better help the field
identify ways of improving educational equity and excellence for all students.
Position Overview
GFE is seeking an entrepreneurial and strategic professional for the position of Director of Finance &
Operations (DFO), a new position created because of organizational growth. The DFO will be a key member
of GFE’s leadership team who is responsible for big picture thinking and strategic financial leadership as well
as managing the organization’s day-to-day finances and human resources. In addition to financial planning,
budget management, grants management, human resources administration and business planning, the DFO
will implement several significant initiatives to strengthen GFE’s business model and organizational
effectiveness as we scale our work. Reporting directly to and working closely with the Executive Director, the
DFO will lead a team that includes GFE’s Office Manager and a contracted bookkeeper.
Based in Portland, OR, this position is a unique opportunity to be part of an entrepreneurial, diverse and
collaborative team that is enhancing the impact of education philanthropy and working to improve outcomes
and opportunities for all students. With a lean and dedicated staff of seven, the contributions of each team
member are essential to the overall success of GFE. As such, the successful candidate will be a highly
organized, solution-focused professional with a passion for GFE’s mission, an unwavering focus on results,
and a collaborative work style.
Primary Responsibilities
Financial management:
Lead the preparation of the organizational and program budgets to support decision-making and realize
programmatic priorities; monitor cash flow and performance against budget throughout the year and
provide regular reports to Executive Director.
Supervise execution and continual improvement of GFE’s accounting system, ensuring that proper
financial controls and procedures are in place and used; oversee processing of payables and receivables.
Manage the annual audit process, including staffing the board Audit Committee, and implement changes
based on auditor recommendations.
Manage GFE’s investments, and work with board Executive Committee and Executive Director to
determine investment strategy.
Provide regular financial reports to GFE’s board, serving as primary liaison to the board treasurer.
Leadership:
Serve as member of GFE’s leadership team, working with other staff leaders to develop and implement
organizational strategy and initiatives.
Strategize and implement plans for organizational improvement, decision-making processes and
operations with other staff, ensuring greater effectiveness while minimizing bureaucracy.
Manage activities of Office Manager and bookkeeper.

Business planning:
Lead internal business planning and selected business development opportunities to develop and
continuously improve GFE’s business model.
Develop implementation plans for new lines of service and for major initiatives.
Grants management:
Ensure GFE’s compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements of all key stakeholders, including
the IRS, GFE’s funders, and the Board of Directors.
Ensure timely reporting and information-sharing.
Develop budgets and prepare financial reports for grant proposals.
Human resources management:
Manage all staff hiring processes, working in close coordination with Executive Director and leadership
team; ensure GFE attracts and retains a diverse and talented staff team and provides appropriate
orientation, training and recognition.
Direct GFE’s annual performance review process working in coordination with all staff supervisors.
Maintain human resources records and oversee payroll reporting and record-keeping.
Administer benefits, including 403b plan and insurance.
Administration:
Coordinate contract management, including negotiations and renewals.
Play a key role in facilities selection and contract negotiation for GFE’s conference and seminars.
Monitor GFE’s office space needs and identify and negotiate office facilities as needed.
Oversee GFE’s IT consultants to ensure that all computer systems and websites are functioning
properly, information is secure and backed up, and staff technology needs are being met.
Qualifications
At least 5 years of finance and accounting experience at progressively higher levels; nonprofit experience
is required. The candidate must have a strong knowledge of GAAP and cost accounting, excellent
financial analysis skills, and experience in budgeting, financial management, and grants management.
Three years of management experience.
Bachelor’s degree in business or accounting, with a graduate degree preferred.
Strategic thinker with a passion for improving systems and processes.
High degree of initiative and independent judgment, with the ability to anticipate and solve problems, pay
attention to details, and follow through. Solution-focused and adept at overcoming barriers.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects, work under pressure, and meet multiple deadlines.
Passion for and commitment to the mission of GFE and the success of its member organizations.
Human resources experience, skilled in hiring and personnel management.
Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Tech-savvy and comfortable learning new software and technologies; highly proficient in Microsoft Excel
and Word and in accounting software (preferably Quickbooks).
Collegial workstyle, with commitment to nurturing a caring and collaborative organizational culture.
High level of ethics and strong sense of personal and organizational accountability.
Compensation
GFE offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications, an excellent
benefits package (including fully paid health insurance, life insurance and a generous employer retirement
contribution), and a collegial, casual and flexible work environment.
To Apply
Please submit the following materials electronically (PDF preferred):
(1) A cover letter to GFE’s Executive Director, Chris Tebben, clearly outlining the specific skills and
knowledge you’d bring to the job and how they are a good fit with the responsibilities of this position.
(2) A resume detailing relevant experiences, work history and accomplishments.
Application materials should be submitted to: gfefinanceops2011@gmail.com. In order to expedite the
review, please type your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail. Only
applications submitted electronically will be considered. No calls or other inquiries, please. We will notify
all unsuccessful applicants at the completion of our hiring process. Anticipated start date is July 5, 2011.