Director, Finance and Operations

Role Overview

Position: Director of Finance & Operations
Location: Remote
Position Type: Exempt, Full‑time
Travel: 5%
Start Date: ASAP
Reports To: Chief of Staff and Strategy

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.

• 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), and various consultants (e.g., external auditors, IT consultant).

• Ensure effective internal controls; safeguard assets; maintain GAAP compliance and adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain a cost‑sharing allocation model, ensuring accurate distribution of costs across entities.
• Maintain separate financial records for each entity while producing consolidated financial statements for leadership and the Board.
• Manage intercompany transactions, allocations, cash settlements, and transfers, ensuring proper documentation and legal compliance.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and support grant administration.
• Partner with external auditors to execute the annual audit process and prepare all required regulatory reports (Form 990, Form 990‑T, Form 1120‑POL, state charity and PAC reports).
• Evaluate, implement, and manage financial systems and software (e.g., Netsuite) to enhance operational efficiency.

• Lead the annual organization budgeting and planning process.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, financial packages, and other informational reports/analysis.
• Monitor financial performance against budget, analyze variances, and provide actionable insights.
• Provide financial data and analysis to support grant proposals and donor reports.

• Oversee IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and cloud‑based tools.
• Manage business insurance, contracts, and operational compliance requirements.
• Partner closely with other departments to streamline processes and implement organization‑wide best practices.

• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, and offboarding processes.
• Administer and evaluate employee benefits and compensation strategy.
• Maintain, update, and implement the Employee Handbook and all HR policies.
• Serve as a trusted resource for staff and managers; conduct confidential investigations when necessary.
• Ensure HR practices comply with all applicable employment laws.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA certification desirable.
• 7+ years of progressive financial and operations leadership, with 3‑5…