Director of Finance

Closed for Review 

Overview

Catalyst:Ed is looking for a strategic and forward-thinking Finance Director who can lead the organization’s financial strategy and operations during a critical period of growth. We are seeking someone with strong financial acumen, a commitment to long-term sustainability, and the ability to provide insightful financial guidance to the Executive Team. The ideal candidate will have deep financial expertise, especially as relevant to scaling nonprofits, and a strong track record in financial planning and risk management. This person will be a key thought partner to the CEO and VPs, helping to shape the financial outlook of the organization and enabling the execution of the strategic plan while ensuring effective financial management and compliance.

In addition to collaborating with internal leadership, the Finance Director will lead financial operations of the organization to ensure strong financial systems and processes are maintained, guaranteeing accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial reporting and day-to-day operations. This will be accomplished, in part, by working closely with and managing Catalyst:Ed’s outsourced accounting and bookkeeping vendor. 

The Finance Director reports directly to Catalyst:Ed’s Founder and CEO, Leona Christy.


Who We Are

Catalyst:Ed is a national nonprofit that helps education organizations build capacity and deepen their impact by connecting them to the expertise, resources, and hands-on support they need to drive transformational outcomes for students, especially those from underserved communities. Our team is purpose-driven, innovative and inclusive, with a supportive culture where all team members have the opportunity to grow and contribute. Founded and led by a woman of color, Catalyst:Ed is committed to being a space where diversity is valued and all team members are able to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

About This Role

As the Finance Director, you will be responsible for both high-level financial strategy and day-to-day financial management. You will take the lead in developing long-term financial sustainability plans, overseeing budgeting processes, and ensuring sound financial practices across the organization. You will provide leadership on financial matters, working directly with the CEO, VPs, and Board to inform decision-making and drive Catalyst:Ed’s mission forward. Additionally, you will play a key role in managing relationships with our outsourced accounting and bookkeeping partners, ensuring seamless financial operations and accurate reporting.

Your ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution will be critical in supporting the organization’s growth and long-term impact.

Key Components of Your Role

  • Financial Strategy & Sustainability:
    • Develop long-term financial sustainability plans and budgets, aligning with the organization’s mission, strategic goals, and growth objectives.
    • Serve as a key thought partner to the CEO and VPs on financial strategy, sustainability, and risk management.
    • Conduct dynamic financial forecasting and scenario planning to assess future financial risks and opportunities — bring flexible and adaptive thinking to support decision-making and ensure the organization is well-prepared for various potential outcome
    • Ensure efficient allocation of resources and maximizing the impact of available funds to support growth and sustainability.
    • Ensure effective risk management practices, including monitoring key financial risks, maintaining internal controls, and overseeing compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Financial Operations & Oversight:
    • Oversee the development of annual, multi-year operating, and project budgets in partnership with the CEO and Executive Team.
    • Monitor financial performance and cash flow, providing regular updates to the CEO, VPs, and Board.
    • Prepare financial reports for Board meetings and engage with key Board members on financial matters.
    • Refine and implement efficient financial processes and systems, ensuring compliance with nonprofit financial regulations — lead an evaluation of current financial systems, and if necessary, propose and lead a redesign or overhaul to better support the organization’s needs.
    • Ensure appropriate financial controls are in place to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
    • Ensure strong financial processes, including:
      • Invoicing and payments (consultants, vendors, etc.)
      • Receivables and payables management
      • Expense guidelines, tracking, and reconciliation
      • Monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
    • Oversee payroll and benefits administration in collaboration with the People & Operations team.
  • Audit and Tax Preparation:
    • Lead the annual audit process, including preparation of all necessary financial documents and liaising with external auditors.
    • Ensure accurate and timely tax filings, collaborating with the outsourced accounting vendor and auditors to maintain compliance with all nonprofit tax requirements.
    • Maintain financial records and documentation to support audit and tax processes.
  • Grant and Contract Management
    • Administer and manage financial aspects of grants, including monitoring, reporting, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
    • Work closely with all teams to ensure the appropriate and strategic allocation of funds across multiple funding streams, maximizing the impact of available resources.
    • Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and financial reporting for grants.
  • By the end of your first 3 months, you will …
    • Gain a deep understanding of Catalyst:Ed’s financial structure, including existing budgets, financial systems, and grant management processes.
    • Build strong relationships with the CEO, VPs, and the outsourced accounting and bookkeeping vendor, ensuring effective communication and alignment on financial priorities.
    • Take ownership of managing day-to-day financial operations, including invoicing, expense management, and cash flow monitoring.
    • Begin to streamline and improve financial reporting processes to provide more timely and accurate financial data to the Executive Team, Board, and other stakeholders.

    By the end of your first 6 months, you will …

    • Develop a comprehensive understanding of Catalyst:Ed’s long-term financial goals and create initial drafts of financial strategies and sustainability plans to support them.
    • Have assessed the current financial processes and systems and made recommendations for improvements or overhauls. If necessary, you will have initiated the process of implementing new systems, including exploring and engaging new vendors or insourcing options, to enhance financial operations and compliance. 
    • Lead the preparation of financial reports for Board meetings and key funders, presenting insights on the organization’s financial health.
    • Oversee the preparation and submission of financial data for the annual audit in collaboration with the outsourced vendor.

    By the end of your first year, you will …

    • Have established a robust, long-term financial plan that aligns with Catalyst:Ed’s mission, ensuring financial sustainability and support for strategic initiatives.
    • Regularly provide strategic financial insights and recommendations to the CEO, VPs, and Board, contributing to informed decision-making and organizational growth.
    • Lead the organization through its annual audit and tax filing, ensuring compliance and maintaining strong relationships with external auditors.
    • Have led successful grant and contract financial management, including reporting and compliance, ensuring that all funding streams are well-managed and transparent.
    • Be the central point of contact for all finance-related matters, ensuring strong internal and external partnerships, including maintaining smooth collaboration with the outsourced accounting and bookkeeping vendor.

Supports you’ll rely on from others to be successful

  • CEO and VPs: The CEO and VPs will help you root your role and work within the broader strategic framing of Catalyst:Ed’s services and supports in the education and place-based partnership sectors. The CEO will set clear direction for your work, assist in prioritizing tasks when you first start, and focus on relationship-building, which is critical to your success.
  • Growth Team: You’ll work with the VP, Growth to align financial planning and reporting with the organization’s growth strategy. As Catalyst:Ed expands its reach, you’ll collaborate on pricing models, financial sustainability for fee-for-service programs, and managing financial forecasting as growth systems and processes evolve.
  • Program Team: The Program Team will be a key partner, especially in grants management and fund allocation. You will work closely with them to ensure funds are allocated strategically across programs and to maintain compliance with grant requirements, maximizing the impact of funding on program initiatives.
  • Product Team: Our Product team will be available for general tech support and will help get you up to speed on our tech systems, ensuring you have the tools needed to streamline financial processes.
  • P&O Team: Our People & Operations team provides extensive equity-oriented materials for onboarding, supports your growth and development, and ensures you have access to standardized policies and benefits. They will also be a key resource as you manage payroll and benefits processes.
  • All of Catalyst:Ed: Your colleagues across Catalyst:Ed will act as partners, offering support and advice based on their expertise. This cross-functional collaboration is essential to your success in implementing financial strategies that align with programmatic and operational goals.
  • Board of Directors: As a thought partner to the Executive Team, you will work closely with the Board, receiving strategic guidance and feedback on financial performance and sustainability efforts.
  • Outsourced Accounting and Bookkeeping Vendor: You will collaborate closely with our outsourced accounting and bookkeeping vendor, ensuring seamless financial operations. They will provide ongoing support in maintaining accurate financial records and preparing financial reports.

Skills and Qualifications

  • 12+ years of relevant experience in a finance leadership role, with a proven track record of impact
  • Strong understanding of nonprofit financial regulations, grant management, and budgeting processes
  • Ability to develop and execute long-term financial strategies in alignment with organizational goals
  • Experience working as a strategic thought partner with executive leadership teams.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills
  • Comfortable with technology and financial software, including Quickbooks, Gusto, and Airtable

Good to Know

  • Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried position with full benefits and retirement. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Salary range: $130,000 – $160,000.  Benefits include medical and dental insurance coverage, 403(b) with up to 5% match on base salary, and a generous leave policy
  • Start date: January 2025
  • Location: Catalyst:Ed works nationally. We are a remote team with an office in New Orleans. Team members can work from a location of their choosing. 
  • Travel Requirements: Occasional travel (approx. once a quarter) is required for attendance at in-person team meetings and events.
  • Physical Demands and Working Environment: The bullet points below are representative of the physical demands and working environment that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
    • Standard/remote office setting; proximity to office equipment that includes electronic devices.
    • Multiple people-facing meetings and interactions a day using Zoom or other video call software
    • Must remain at a workstation for at least 50% of the time; will need to use equipment that includes electronic devices.
    • Translate technical financial information into clear, accessible language for a variety of audiences, including Board members, vendors, and partners, ensuring financial insights are understandable and actionable.
    • Comfortable engaging with various stakeholders—from team members and vendors to Board members and external partners—to provide critical financial insights and foster effective collaboration.

How to apply

Applications are now closed. We will review applications on a rolling basis shortly after they are received. The selection process includes a work exercise and 3-4 virtual interviews of 45-60 minutes each.

Catalyst:Ed has a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply, particularly folks who identify as people of color, first generation, low income, or LGBTQIA+.