Director of Finance And Operations

Job Title: Director of Finance and OperationsReports To: Executive DirectorFLSA Status: ExemptPosition Type: Full-timeDepartment: AdministrativeLocation: Salem, MARevision Date: April 2026LEAP for Education is recruiting for a new Director of Finance and Operations. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational effectiveness, and infrastructure of LEAP for Education. As a member of the Executive Team, this individual will serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director, supporting organizational growth, sustainability, and impact. This role leads and integrates finance, human resources, data systems, IT, and organizational operations—including facilities, office administration and insurance—ensuring that systems and processes align with LEAP’s mission and strategic priorities. The Director will balance high-level strategic leadership with oversight of day-to-day operations through a small but critical team.The position supervises three direct reports:HR Manager (execution-focused; Director provides strategic leadership on policies, culture, and workforce planning)Accountant (manages bookkeeping and coordinates with external accounting firm)Data Coordinator (oversees Salesforce and data systems supporting program outcomes and reporting)The ideal candidate will be committed to LEAP’s mission which is to support youth in their personal, educational, and career growth by partnering with the community to increase opportunities and advance equity.The most competitive candidates for this role will have lived experience as a Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC), first-generation to college, or multilingual learner, and has a comprehensive understanding of, and passion for, partnering with LEAP’s student population which is 83% under resourced, 85% students of color, 83% first-generation to college, and 34% multilingual learners.At LEAP for Education, we value:Growth Mindset: Learning, adapting, and believing in one's ability to grow and persevere, which are foundational for success.Relationships: Developing long-lasting, collaborative partnerships between youth, families, staff, and our communities to build social capital and amplify our collective impact.Opportunity: Designing innovative programs that create and expand equitable access to growth opportunities.Well-being: Prioritizing the mental and emotional health, sense of belonging, and happiness of our diverse community.ESSENTIAL DUTIESFinancial Management & StrategyLead all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial strategy, and cash management;Monthly reporting to Board of DirectorsOversee annual budgeting process in partnership with Executive Director and departmental leadersMonitor organizational financial performance and provide regular variance analysis vs budget and prior year and make recommendationsBuild a financial system that provides easily accessible information to all managerial staff who manage departmental budgets.Identify areas where policies need to be written or updated.Ensure strong internal controls and compliance with nonprofit accounting standardsSupervise Accountant and oversee:Payroll, accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, and cash managementCoordination with external accounting firm for monthly close and financial reportingLead audit process and ensure timely completion of audits and filings (e.g., 990)Oversee grant accounting, financial reporting, and compliance requirementsHuman Resources (Staff & Volunteers)Provide strategic leadership for HR functions, including workforce planning, compensation, and organizational cultureGuide HR Manager in implementing effective HR operations and compliance practicesLead development and refinement of HR policies, procedures, and employee handbookOversee benefits administration, performance management systems, and staff development initiativesAnalyze culture/climate survey data and lead organizational improvement effortsEnsure compliance with employment laws and best practicesData Systems & ITOversee organizational data strategy, ensuring systems support program evaluation, grant reporting, and decision-makingSupervise Data Manager responsible for:Salesforce Student Information SystemData integrity, reporting, and dashboardsEnsure effective use of data for internal and external stakeholders (Board, funders, leadership)Oversee IT infrastructure, vendors, and cybersecurity practicesOperations, Facilities & Risk ManagementOversee day-to-day operational systems and processes to ensure organizational efficiencyManage facilities, including space planning, leases, and maintenanceOversee organizational insurance policies and risk management, including cybersecurity, practicesDevelop and maintain operational policies and proceduresLeadership & Cross-Functional CollaborationServe as a key member of the Executive Team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-makingPartner with program leadership to align operational systems with program needsPresent financial and operational updates to the Board of Directors and Finance CommitteeBuild and maintain strong relationships with external partners (auditors, vendors, consultants)SKILL REQUIREDMasters degree and 8-10+ years of relevant progressive experience, or 10-12+ years of relevant progressive experience, preferably in a nonprofit settingStrong financial management expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, and audit oversightExperience supervising staff and building effective teams, policies, and systemsExperience with HR leadership, including policy development and organizational culture initiativesDemonstrated commitment to equity and experience in working within culturally diverse communities.Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.Familiarity with data systems (e.g., Salesforce or similar CRM/SIS platforms)Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsExcellent communication skills, including ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiencesMust be proficient with MS Office programs, specifically Excel and Outlook; Google SuiteLEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITYWorks with little supervision and work is not reviewed. Exercises broad discretion on matters of significance within functional areas.Builds consensus across functional areas.Indirectly generates revenue by collaborating on grant accounting and data reportingIneffective actions could result in significant loss of time, resources and/or could have significant impact on the organization’s public image. Decisions or actions have a significant impact on the organization. Errors are difficult to detect and may be difficult and/or costly to correct. Decisions may have a significant impact on resources and organizational effectiveness; funding, productivity, service, quality, security of assets or external relationships may be adversely affected.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESResponsible for the work and results of employees within area of responsibility, influences others within organization.WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Director of Finance and Operations encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.Work Environment and HazardsEmployee typically works in an office or school setting, free from noise and hazards with occasional exposure to heat and cold.This position has limited exposure to hazards that require the exercise of caution with little likelihood of injury.Physical Demands/EffortsWork requires occasional physical exertion including some lifting of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.TravelLess than 25% travel is required for this position. All travel is within state and accessible by car.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACTLEAP for Education complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment.AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICYLEAP for Education will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status, or genetic information.