Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

Executive leader responsible for financial strategy, operational shared services, and the enabling infrastructure needed to scale IREX’s impact and diversify revenue.About IREXFor over five decades, IREX has built a track record of delivering results amid complexity, bringing together governments, civic institutions, businesses, and communities that rarely talk to each other. We solve problems through collaboration, bridge divides where interests conflict, and develop leaders committed to impact. The youth we empower build stronger economies. The educators we support improve learning for countless students. The critical thinking skills we advance help people make informed decisions about their futures. Our documented impact demonstrates that, at our best, we build conditions for durable progress, not just run programs.IREX is at a transformative moment. Achieving our 2040 Ambition will require strong financial stewardship and a modern, responsive support-services operating model. We must maintain cost structures that keep us competitive across USG and non-USG opportunities, while evolving our financial models to support foundations, corporate partnerships, and earned revenue—not only USG frameworks. In parallel, we will streamline processes and integrate new technologies to free capacity for mission-critical work and strengthen execution across the organization.The OpportunityThe Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO) will play a pivotal role in transforming finance and operations at IREX from a predominantly compliance-focused function into a strategic enabler of organizational growth and a platform for sustainable revenue diversification — while upholding the highest standards of financial integrity, transparency, and stewardship.As a core member of the CEO’s executive team, the CFAO sets the organization’s financial strategy and stewards operational excellence and long-term sustainability. The CFAO leads IREX’s Enabling Services Hub—one of the organization’s three core structural hubs—ensuring high-quality, responsive services across Finance; Accounting & Compliance; Global Operations; and Facilities/Administration.The CFAO will work in close partnership with the Chief Impact Officer (CIO) to ensure she has the maximum financial flexibility, visibility, and resources needed to deliver first-class programmatic results. The CFAO will also partner closely with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and the Global Human Resources Director, both of whom are members of the Executive Team and will maintain that status while reporting to the CFAO.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Growth Leadership Develop and execute comprehensive financial and operational strategies aligned with the IREX 2040 Ambition and organizational visionLead IREX’s Enabling Services Hub by directly overseeing core shared services and aligning cross-functional planning across enabling functions:Finance, Accounting & Compliance (direct oversight)Global Operations & Facilities/Administration (direct oversight)Information Technology (strategic partnership with the CTO)Human Resources (strategic partnership with the Global HR Director)Revenue DiversificationOversee the Finance & Accounting Unit while supporting the strategic expansion of non-USG revenue streamsTranslate the Chief Growth Officer (CGO) pipeline into probability-weighted forecasts and scenario-based budgets aligned to hiring and investment plansBuild financial models, pricing/costing tools, and cash-flow plans to ensure new revenue streams are scalable and sustainableStructure and review partnership terms to manage financial risk and ensure compliance, controls, and performance reporting across non-USG and earned revenueGlobal Impact PartnershipsProvide financial diligence and deal support for strategic partnerships with foundations, corporations, and other non-USG donorsStructure partnership agreements and operating models to manage financial, compliance, and risk exposuresAlign budgets, forecasts, and internal capacity plans to ensure partnerships are deliverable at scale.Establish partnership financial reporting and performance dashboards to support timely decision-makingMarket-Facing EnablementPartner with the CEO, Chief Growth Officer (CGO), and Chief Impact Officer (CIO) to strengthen market-facing value propositions through financially sound business cases, budgeting, and operational supportEnsure communications and customer engagement initiatives are appropriately resourced and operationally supported to achieve growth objectivesProvide data-backed financial narratives and donor-ready materials that clearly translate performance into credible impact storiesTeam Leadership & CultureBuild, lead, mentor, and manage the Enabling Services Hub teamShape a culture of agility that advances initiatives with purpose, speed, and resultsIntegrate technical expertise effectively into revenue growth and diversification effortsFoster an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the organizationExecutive PartnershipServe as a key member of the Executive TeamCollaborate with the executive leadership team to drive revenue growth aligned with the IREX 2040 AmbitionProvide strategic counsel to the CEO and support effective engagement with external audiencesRequired QualificationsDemonstrated success as a transformation leader with a track record of reengineering finance and operations to support significant organizational growth and revenue diversification10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in finance and operations, with at least 7 years in senior executive rolesStrong financial acumen and experience with diverse funding models, cost structures, and financial planning for organizational sustainabilityBachelor’s degree in finance, business financial management, or related field; CPA certification is highly preferred; MBA or master’s degree strongly preferredProven ability to build, lead, and manage high-performing teams in dynamic, mission-driven environmentsExperience working in international development, global affairs, or cross-border initiatives preferredOutstanding written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilitiesMust have unrestricted authorization to work in the United StatesPreferred QualificationsExperience in international development or global nonprofit sectorExperience leading enterprise digital transformation and technology integration across enabling servicesDemonstrated success building and scaling shared services functions across IT, Finance, HR, and OperationsKnowledge of education, civic engagement, leadership development or technology sectorsFamiliarity with US Government grant-makingExperience working with boards and committees on fundraising and growth strategiesCompensation & Benefits IREX offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits. The estimated salary range for those who work in the Washington, DC area is $275,000 - $325,000. This range represents IREX’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting and is competitive with similar executive roles in the international development and nonprofit sectors.Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.Please note that this role is an in-person position based in Washington, DC. Position will be open until it is filled. IREX is an E-Verify employer.To Apply Please submit your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this role to recruitmenthr@irex.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.IREX is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.IREX brings together a distinctive combination of specialized expertise and proven talent, working across continents to deliver results in complex development challenges. We excel as both a solution provider and neutral convener, successfully bridging diverse sectors even in the most sensitive environments. Our ability to build trust and advance human agency is essential currency for the future.