Director of Finance and Operations

Make Way for Books is looking to hire a Director of Finance and Operations to join our Executive Leadership team.

Accepting applications April 8th, 2025 through May 5th, 2025.

Here are a few of the benefits of working with us:

• 4 weeks of paid time off during your first year of employment (including a paid week of winter break), with additional PTO every year you work here
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement match (for fulltime employees)
• Annual professional development provided
• More children’s books than you could ever read!

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Director of Finance and Operations

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

SUPERVISES: Assigned Staff

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

CATEGORY: Staff – Regular

Position Summary

The Director of Finance and Operations will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, income/expense operations, and compliance to ensure the organization's long-term financial sustainability and success. Operations tasks will cover a broad range of responsibilities, including operational efficiency, human resource oversight, staff management, and ensuring compliance, while also supporting the CEO’s vision. This role involves conducting high-level financial analysis and forecasting, providing strategic recommendations, and offering guidance to the CEO. Additionally, the Director will manage the organization's day-to-day operations, including facilities management and procurement, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and goals.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and effective allocation of financial resources.
• Report financial performance and key insights to the Board of Directors and stakeholders.
• Provide financial analysis and operational insights, making datadriven recommendations to the CEO and Board for decisionmaking.
• Participate in longterm strategic planning and translate goals into actionable financial and operational plans.
• Collaborate with the executive team to align financial and operational strategies with the organization’s mission.

2. Financial Management

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and cash management, ensuring compliance with regulations and reporting requirements.
• Monitor financial performance against the budget, analyze variances, and identify areas for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Prepare financial statements, manage accounting processes, and support audits and financial reporting.
• Manage cash flow, investments, and reserves to ensure financial stability.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, employee benefits, and nonprofit status requirements.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for internal stakeholders, the Board of Directors, and external funders.
• Conduct financial analysis to assess organizational health, identify trends, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Present financial information clearly and concisely to nonfinancial stakeholders.

3. Operational Management

• Develop and implement systems for effective operations, facilities management, and procurement.
• Ensure operational policies and procedures are followed and updated as needed.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and effectively utilize HR resources to address employee issues, concerns, and any HRrelated matters that may arise.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes.
• Manage risk and implement measures to minimize financial and operational setbacks.

4. Grant Oversight

• Oversee grant budgets, expenditures, and reporting to ensure accurate fund tracking and reporting.
• Collaborate with program managers to develop grant budgets and financial reports aligned with program objectives.
• Partner with development leadership to establish grant management policies, procedures, and systems.

5. Risk Management and Compliance

• Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Coordinate audits and financial reviews, serving as the primary liaison for external auditors and regulatory agencies.
• Stay current with changes in accounting standards, tax laws, and nonprofit regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
• Administers activities related to contracts and works with funders, vendors, agencies, and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure contract compliance.

6. Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise, train, and support assigned staff, including hiring, performance management, and professional development.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and growth opportunities for team members.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment with the nonprofit’s strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in financial management or operational and administrative oversight
• At least 3 years’ experience as a director or executive leader.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA certification preferred
• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Five plus (5 ) years of progressive experience in financial management or operational and administrative oversight, preferably in the nonprofit sector.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven track record of financial leadership, organizational operations, and budget management
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, financial statements, budgeting, financial forecasting, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in grant compliance and allocations, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
• Ability to think strategically about financial and operational challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent analytical, problemsolving, and decisionmaking skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the organization's mission.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including the ability to present financial data to nonfinancial stakeholders.
• Proven experience managing teams, working within a highfunctioning executive team, and fostering a collaborative environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Make Way for Books is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

THE INTENT OF THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION IS TO PROVIDE A REPRESENTATIVE SUMMARY OF THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES PERFORMED BY INCUMBENTS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM OTHER JOB-RELATED TASKS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY PRESENTED IN THIS DESCRIPTION.

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