The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) conducts and communicates research to inspire public dialogue, shape policy, and improve the lives and opportunities of women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. We are the leading think tank in the United States applying quantitative and qualitative analysis of public policy through a gendered lens. Reporting to the President and CEO, the inaugural Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) will provide strategic leadership, management, planning, and enhancement of IWPR’s internal financial and organizational systems and infrastructure, allowing IWPR to fulfill our mission and scale our impact. The CFOO sits on the Executive Leadership team and will oversee and direct the operations and administration of the organization with direct oversight and day-to-day engagement in Finance, People and Culture, IT, administration, and compliance. The CFOO will have a strong day-to-day leadership presence and serve as a steward of IWPR’s values, supporting high performance and positive staff morale, and have an unfailing dedication to producing high-quality, rigorous research on the economic security of women, children, and families.
Strategy, Vision, and Leadership
–Serve as a strategic financial adviser and thought partner to the President and CEO in organization-wide planning and development;
–Develop and implement organizational systems and processes to maximize efficiency, increase transparency, and support future growth;
–Support the implementation of IWPR’s strategic plan with a particular focus on financial planning and sustainability and strong talent management;
–Through action and behavior, model best practices, habits, and practices for IWPR staff;
–Identify and assess emerging operations gaps, working to proactively overcome and address issues and gaps;
–Build a culture that attracts and retains top talent for all positions at the organization; and
–Serve as an advisor to IWPR Leadership and senior staff.
Operations Management
–Lead the day-to-day internal operations and work to solve issues quickly and effectively with an eye toward the best interests of the organization;
–Ensure the organization has the necessary infrastructure, including technology and facilities, to operate effectively and scale as needed;
–Oversee the organization’s risk management and compliance responsibilities, implementing policies and systems to ensure the organization adheres to all relevant regulations and federal employment laws;
–Manage and oversee vendor relationships and partnerships and consultant contracts; and
–Ensure that office operations (reception, security, supplies procurement) and maintenance of the physical office work effectively and smoothly.
Financial Management
–Advise the President and CEO regarding opportunities for continuous improvement of the organization’s fiscal function and performance;
–Provide hands-on leadership of finance and accounting, including budget development and monitoring, grants management and compliance, cash and investments, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, tax, audit, and governance;
–Manage and work closely with finance consultants; and
–Collaborate with the Finance Committee and Board on investment policies and financial planning, attending triannual board meetings, overseeing investment portfolios, and guiding the Board Finance Committee on strategic movements.
Team Management and Culture
–Partner with the President and CEO, Executive and Senior Leadership Teams to cultivate a culture of transparency, equity, and inclusion;
–Serve as a thought partner, coach, mentor, and manager to staff responsible for directing the organization’s internal operating systems, including the Vice President of People and Culture, Office Manager, Senior Director of Grants and Contracts, Finance staff, and IT support;
–Partner with the VP of People and Culture on hiring, onboarding, promotion, and offboarding processes for staff, as well as support the planning of leadership and staff retreats and in-service training on relevant issues and topics.
Qualifications
Strong candidates for this role will bring a diverse set of experiences, skills, abilities, and leadership qualities. IWPR understands that no single candidate will have every skill and bring all of the experiences listed below. We are focused on a holistic view of potential candidates and actively seek interest from candidates with a wide range of professional and lived experiences, especially those from historically underrepresented groups.
–Deep commitment to gender equity and IWPR’s mission and values;
–Master’s Degree in business, accounting, or nonprofit management, or equivalent experience/expertise. CPA preferred but not required;
–Senior management experience working cross-functionally across finance, operations, administration, human resources, and IT in complex organizations. Experience working within nonprofits and/or think tanks is strongly preferred;
–Demonstrated strategic financial, budget, and human resource management skills and experience;
–Demonstrated experience with technology, systems, and project leadership;
–Effective and persuasive communicator, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with a broad range of audiences;
–Strong existing networks and leader in the field;
–Proven track record of effectively working to meet the needs and address the concerns of a diverse staff;
–Superior problem-solving, managerial, and conflict-resolution skills;
–Judgment and discretion to manage confidential and difficult matters;
–Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization;
–Personal and professional integrity, unwavering commitment to equity, and a growth mindset;
–Effective, versatile, and action-oriented; and
–Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.
This role is in a hybrid environment (two days in office, three days remote) and is a full-time, exempt position. It is an Admin VI, and the salary range for this position is $187,525 – $224,830, based on education and experience.