Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

About this role:

Eat. Learn. Play. is transforming the school experience for a generation of Oakland students. We help to provide the resources kids need to reach their full potential, including access to nutritious food, high-dosage tutoring, and physical activity. We also transform school spaces to ensure kids have equitable access to dignified, joyful places to eat, learn, and play including schoolyards, cafeterias, libraries, and gyms.

We are searching for a mission-focused, strategic, and process-oriented Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) who excels in nonprofit financial management, operations, compliance, and human resources.

The CFAO is responsible for providing overall leadership for finance, compliance and risk management, human resources, and internal operations. Working closely with the CEO, the CFAO will develop and implement strategies that maintain a high level of operational excellence and compliance and drive organizational growth and impact. Given ELP’s unique and complex funding landscape, the CFAO must bring expert knowledge of nonprofit financial compliance, public-private grant management, and regulatory reporting.

By stepping into the CFAO role at ELP, you will have the unique opportunity to help shape a rapidly growing nonprofit at a pivotal moment in its history. You will serve as the trusted partner to a visionary CEO, driving both day-to-day excellence and long-term strategic success. You will ensure that ELP continues to thrive within a complex funding environment, supporting children in Oakland and beyond through high-impact programs in education, health, and wellness.

The position is based in Oakland in a flexible, hybrid work environment where employees are required to be in the office as needed, typically 1-2 times a week.

Responsibilities:

1. Organizational Leadership & Strategy

Strategic Partnership with the CEO

• Act as a dynamic thought partner to the CEO, co-developing a long-term vision that drives ELP’s bold mission forward. This includes shaping program strategies, evaluating potential partnerships, and building the internal structures that allow us to make an even greater impact in the Oakland community.

Lead the Annual Budget Planning Process

• Direct the development of ELP’s annual budget in close collaboration with the CEO, VP of Impact, and other senior leaders—ensuring that each initiative, from major district renovations to local children’s nutrition programs, is sustainably funded and strategically aligned.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work hand-in-hand with the Executive Team to craft organizational policies, make high-level decisions, and model a culture of trust, integrity, and teamwork.

2. Financial Management & Compliance

Financial Strategy & Operations

• Craft and implement financial policies and controls for ELP’s diverse funding streams (government grants, philanthropic donations, public-private partnerships), guaranteeing clear alignment between resources and our mission to serve children.

Reporting & Analysis

• Provide transparent financial reports and forecasts to the Board of Directors and internal teams, fostering a culture of financial literacy where leaders can confidently own their budgets.

Nonprofit Compliance & Risk Management

• Safeguard ELP’s financial health and donor trust by overseeing tax filings, audits, and regulatory requirements—particularly in grant management for Oakland Unified Schools—while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and transparency.

3. People Operations & HR Stewardship

Align People Operations with Organizational Goals

• Collaborate with the Director of People Operations to ensure our people practices and policies reflect ELP’s commitment to equity, belonging, and community impact. Provide the strategic guidance and resources needed for success in HR initiatives.

Accountability for Execution

• Holds ultimate accountability for confirming that HR initiatives are executed effectively and aligned with ELP’s mission.

• Serves as a strategic thought partner, providing guidance and resources to keep People Operations on track.

Policy & Program Support

• Partners with the Director of People Operations to shape the organization’s People Philosophy.

• Contributes to the development of policies, programs, and systems that reflect ELP’s culture and drive organizational performance, while the Director of People Operations takes the lead on implementation.

Integrated Staffing & Development

• Partner with People Operations to align staffing plans, performance management, and professional development with both annual goals and long-term strategy. Empower teams to thrive in a culture that values creativity and results.

Compliance & Operational Standards

• Confirms that all HR operations (including payroll, benefits, and regulatory compliance) are performed at a high standard, ensuring ELP meets its obligations to both employees and regulators.

Workplace Culture & Accountability

• Serve as a key champion for ELP’s values, ensuring teams across the organization feel supported and engaged in their day-to-day responsibilities. Help shape policies and programs that strengthen our culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

4. Internal Operations & Organizational Effectiveness

Operational Infrastructure

• Ensure our administrative, technological, and physical infrastructures run smoothly in a dynamic, growing environment. Work closely with the Chief of Staff to set and measure objectives that reflect ELP’s commitment to excellence.

Measurement & Evaluation

• Lead the design of frameworks that evaluate ELP’s organizational performance. Translate data insights into actionable strategies, ensuring every department understands how their work contributes to ELP’s overarching success.

Program & Partnership Viability

• Collaborate with the VP of Impact to assess proposed initiatives, analyzing budgets, timelines, and resource needs. Champion a human-centered approach that stays grounded in the realities of the communities we serve while meeting our high standards of quality and accountability.

Qualifications & Experience:

Deep Nonprofit Financial Expertise

• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience overseeing finance, operations, and human resources.

• Proven track record in nonprofit financial management, compliance, and risk mitigation, especially with multiple funding streams and public-private partnerships.

Demonstrated Leadership & Organizational Scaling

• Experience building teams, implementing systems, and refining processes to meet the needs of a growing organization.

• Experience overseeing cross-functional leaders—ensuring accountability, promoting high performance, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Strategic & Analytical Mindset

• Skilled in translating big-picture strategy into actionable plans, using data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and practical operational knowledge.

• Adept at translating the CEO’s vision into workable plans, processes, and outcomes—maintaining flexibility for evolving opportunities and challenges.

• Collaborative & Influential Communication Style

• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with diverse stakeholders, including staff, Board members, external funders, and community partners.

• Skilled at communicating complex financial or operational information in accessible ways to build organizational capacity and shared understanding.

Mission Alignment

• Genuine passion for ELP’s mission to serve children and communities, ideally with familiarity in the education, youth, or public sector landscapes.

• Commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Appreciation for Oakland’s rich diversity and a commitment to uplifting and partnering with the communities we serve.

Integrity, Adaptability & Humility

• Maintains the highest ethical standards and exercises sound judgment when navigating sensitive financial, HR, or operational matters.

• Demonstrates resilience in a fast-paced, evolving nonprofit environment—willing to pivot, learn, and innovate to maximize ELP’s impact.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter that speaks to your relevant experience and passion for ELP’s mission. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary Range: $200,000 - $225,000, and an annual bonus of up to 10%

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