Associate Executive Director- Finance

Associate Executive Director of Finance (AEDFinance) (Chief Financial Officer)

National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA)

Full Time| Exempt |

Reports to:

Executive Director

Compensation:$170,000-$200,000 Annually

Remote/Telecommute Position

The National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) is a mission‑driven nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of advocacy in our nation’s courtrooms through practical, learning‑by‑doing education. NITA serves judges, lawyers, and law students nationwide and is widely respected for its impact, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

NITA seeks an Associate Executive Director of Finance (AEDFinance) to serve as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer. This is a senior, hands‑on executive leadership role for a finance professional who pairs strong technical and operational mastery with collaborative, emotionally intelligent leadership.

The AEDFinance is a key strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and leadership team, ensuring that NITA and its Board of Trustees have clear, timely, and decision‑useful insight into financial performance, risk, and trade‑offs. This role leads all financial functions for both NITA and the NITA Foundation, while modeling a calm, respectful, solutions‑oriented leadership style consistent with NITA’s values and culture.

• Organizational budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning.
• Financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic decision‑making.
• Financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance.
• Internal controls, risk management, and fiscal governance.
• Procurement and contract review.
• Investment oversight and financial stewardship.
• Financial operations and reporting for the NITA Foundation, including fundraising‑related financial management.
• Partner with external HR organization to manage state compliance and benefits.
• Ensure financial systems, processes, and controls are accurate, transparent, efficient, and scalable, and continuously evaluate tools and technologies that improve clarity, timeliness, and insight.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director on organizational strategy, financial health, and resource allocation.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with NITA’s mission and long‑term sustainability.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, decision‑oriented financial materials for Board and committee meetings.
• Translate complex financial data into accessible insights for non‑financial stakeholders.

NITA places high value on how work is done, not just outcomes. The AEDFinance is expected to:

• Lead with curiosity, respect, and composure, especially under pressure.
• Approach challenges with a constructive, solutions‑oriented mindset.
• Build strong cross‑functional partnerships and earn trust across departments.
• Communicate clearly, calmly, and transparently—especially during periods of uncertainty.
• Model integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Support a healthy, sustainable leadership culture consistent with NITA’s values.

• Senior‑level financial leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or mission‑driven organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit, and compliance.
• Experience overseeing foundation or fundraising‑related financial operations.
• Proven ability to translate financial data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and boards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Familiarity with financial systems modernization and process improvement.
• CPA, MBA, or comparable advanced credential.

• Mission‑driven work with national impact.
• Collaborative, values‑based culture.
• Leadership role with meaningful strategic influence.
• Flexible, people‑centered work environment.

NITA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.