Managing Director of Finance

Application Deadline:

Priority deadline for applications is April 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

About the Role

The Managing Director of Finance at Ascend will serve as the CFO’s strategic thought partner, ensuring that financial operations, strategic planning, and fiscal stewardship are aligned with Ascend’s mission and long-term sustainability. This leader will bring deep nonprofit financial expertise, a high level of strategic and operational acumen, and the ability to foster strong relationships across teams and stakeholders. They will be entrepreneurial and visionary leaders who operate at a near-CFO level, driving financial excellence, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.

The MDF will collaborate across departments and schools to align financial decisions with the organization’s priorities, managing a $160 million annual operating budget. The role requires a seasoned financial leader who can communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders, ensuring alignment and clarity throughout the organization.

Competencies

Strategic Visionary & Entrepreneurial Leader

• Proactively identifies opportunities to strengthen financial sustainability and impact.
• Aligns financial strategy with the organization’s long-term vision and mission priorities.
• Demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset, integrating financial insights with organizational growth.
• Actively seeks ways to drive transformation by leveraging financial insights.
• Collaborates with the CFO to refine and execute Ascend’s long-term financial strategy.

Financial & Operational Expertise

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit finance, including accounting, FP&A, grants management, and compliance.
• Leads financial operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.
• Optimizes financial systems using data-driven insights for decision-making.
• Strong knowledge and proficiency in grants management, budgeting, and annual audits, ensuring compliance.
• Manages debt strategies and tax reporting, ensuring alignment with financial objectives.

Leadership, Relationship Building & Team Development

• Cultivates trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
• Builds a collaborative, accountable culture within the finance team.
• Attracts, develops, and mentors top financial talent.
• Leads monthly/quarterly budget meetings with school leaders and network teams.
• Ensures compliance in financial records, grant tracking, and reporting.

Communication, Influence & Change Leadership

• Communicates financial information clearly to executives, board members, and funders.
• Presents financial analyses to leadership teams and the Board of Trustees.
• Acts as a change agent, ensuring financial strategy drives organizational impact.
• Establishes KPIs and performance dashboards to track financial success.
• Serves as a key contact for external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of financial health.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual budgeting and planning efforts, ensuring all financial strategies and budgets are carefully reviewed and implemented.
• Partner with the Controller on annual audits, ensuring transparency and regulatory adherence.
• Monitor budget performance regularly, provide actionable recommendations for improvement, and ensure transparency by keeping key stakeholders informed of progress.
• Partner with internal teams to address capital needs and manage real estate financing.
• Oversee financial reporting, monthly/quarterly reports, and forecasts.
• Manage debt strategies and ensure alignment with financial goals.
• Manage and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering growth and accountability.
• Ensure efficient management of financial records and reporting.
• Serve as the key contact for external stakeholders, ensuring clear financial communication.
• Communicate financial issues to non-financial leaders and the Board of Trustees.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. MBA, CPA, or MS in Accounting/Finance preferred but not required.
• A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years of progressively responsible financial leadership, ideally within an education, non-profit, or similar mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large budgets (>100M) and the ability to provide strategic oversight on complex financial operations.
• Proven ability to develop and manage financial systems that are efficient, accurate, and compliant with all relevant regulations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with experience translating financial data for non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Familiarity with financial systems such as ERP, procurement platforms (e.g., Coupa), and data visualization tools.
• Knowledge of and experience working with public charter schools or similar organizations.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary will range between $135,000 - $145,000 annually, commensurate with level of experience.

This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits

Location & Work Arrangement

Based in our Brooklyn, NY office

Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week.

Ascend is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community through its hiring practices and focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into its approach to educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. Ascend Charter Schools welcomes all applicants who share their mission and vision. To learn more about Ascend’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism ,please visit: https://www.ascendlearning.org/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-anti-racism