Washington, DC

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer – The NEA Foundation

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The NEA Foundation seeks a strategically-minded and broad-based finance and administrative  professional, committed to systems change and educational excellence, to be its next Chief Financial and Administrative Officer and build on its established record of distinction fostering both educators’ and students’ love of learning in public education.

THE ORGANIZATION

Founded by educators in 1969, the NEA Foundation is an established national nonprofit and philanthropic organization based in Washington, DC with a mission to work in partnership with others to promote the absolute best in public education. The NEA Foundation believes that the most innovative and effective policies and strategies emanate from educators engaged in authentic partnership with policymakers, students, parents, and others who are committed to educational equity, excellence, and opportunity. Through the transformative power of these partnerships, the NEA Foundation advances both students’ and communities’ educational experiences and outcomes.
The NEA Foundation achieves its mission by:

  • Investing in educators’ leadership, shared learning, and collaboration;
  • Supporting partnerships whose initiatives advance educational justice, equity, excellence, and opportunity; and
  • Sharing improvements in education policy and practice resulting from educators and their partners’ thought leadership.

The NEA Foundation envisions education as every child’s civil right and recognizes that the realization of this vision requires: rigorous teaching and learning at every educational level; equitable and just educational resources and practices; an appreciation of students’ and educators’ full identity, physical, social and emotional well-being; the eradication of racism, prejudice, and negative biases or mindsets; and both the public and policymakers’ openness to innovation and change.

The organization leads with values of educator leadership, embracing the whole-child, partnership, the public good, and justice.

The NEA Foundation’s 24-member Board of Directors is comprised of savvy and strategic leaders from a diverse set of fields, each offering a unique perspective on public education drawn from his or her own experiences and relationships within the public, private, nonprofit and government sectors. The organization’s current operating budget is $7.8M with revenues primarily from contributions and an endowment allocation to operations.  President & CEO Sara Sneed oversees a staff of 24. For more information about the NEA Foundation, please visit https://www.neafoundation.org/.

THE POSITION

As an essential partner to the President & CEO, the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) provides oversight and stewardship of the NEA Foundation’s assets and financial resources, promoting best practices in accounting, finance, investment, and risk management, while ensuring institutional integrity in fiscal matters and alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. The CFAO also oversees the administrative, IT, facility, and Human Resource needs of the Foundation.

The CFAO reports to the President & CEO and supervises a full-time Senior Finance and Administration Officer and consulting partners. This is an excellent position for a seasoned and strategic professional with a proven record in financial, investment, and human resource management in a nonprofit or foundation environment, offering broad-based competencies that will effectively contribute to advancing the organization’s strategic position and commitment to educational equity, excellence, and opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

The CFAO will perform a key role in advancing the organization’s future position and will serve as a vital strategic partner alongside the President & CEO and the Executive Team. The CFAO will:

Accounting and Finance

  • Oversee and direct accounting activities to ensure compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including A/R, A/P, general ledger, bank reconciliations, budget management and monitoring, payroll processing, and cash management.
  • Produce and report on monthly finance statements of the NEA Foundation.
  • Manage cloud-based accounting system and other financial tools and systems; train staff on use.
  • Provide staff support for the NEA Foundation’s Treasurer and Board Audit Committee and lead relationship with the outside Audit firm. Ensure financial and tax reporting compliance and integrity of internal controls.

Reporting and Risk Management

  • Ensure accurate and timely completion of all financial statements, analyses and reports, and state and federal government filings and licenses, as required by regulation or policies established by the Board of Directors.
  • Prepare all required financial, tax (990 & 5500) records/reports for external auditors and tax consultants.
  • Oversee financial policies, procedures and internal controls to safeguard assets, protect confidential information, and ensure accurate financial reporting and accounting practices.
  • Review foundation grants, contracts, and MOUs for financial accuracy, consistency, budget implications, and legal matters.
  • Update and maintain financial and personnel policy manuals and review them with the President & CEO on a regular basis. Recommend and implement improvements in policies, procedures, and infrastructure as needed.
  • Ensure adequate insurance coverage for the organization.
  • Serve as a liaison with the NEA Foundation’s outside legal counsel.

Planning, Budgeting, and Team Participation

  • In partnership with the President & CEO and senior staff of the Foundation, steward annual budgeting process, managing and guiding development, implementation, and monitoring of operating, departmental, and project budgets.
  • Create and maintain short- and long-term financial forecast models and metrics.
  • Create and maintain short- and long-term liquidity projections.
  • Interface with the Board Treasurer and other members of the Board on budget matters.
  • Present financial information in senior management and Board meetings to guide strategic decision making.

Investment Administration

  • Staff the Investment Committee and all Foundation activity conducted in partnership with its OCIO to ensure optimal management of the Foundation’s assets consistent with the guidance and decisions of the Board of Directors.
  • Monitor investment performance and market trends; brief NEA Foundation leadership on key developments, in partnership with the investment consultant.
  • Liaise with the Foundation’s OCIO to monitor and/or execute financial and investment transactions to maintain cash flows.

Supervisory, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Administrative Duties

  • Support the financial management of the NEA Foundation Executive Office as requested by the Foundation President & CEO.
  • Lead and supervise a team presently comprising a Senior Finance and Administration Officer.
  • Serve as a thought partner with the President & CEO to develop human resources strategies and workforce planning aligned with the NEA Foundation’s best practices and plans for innovation and growth. 
  • Oversee the NEA Foundation’s human resources needs, processes, and responsibilities across the employee life cycle, including hiring, onboarding, promotion recognition, and termination processes.
  • Oversee group benefits; serve as primary point of contact for employees, plan vendors, and third-party administrators. Prepare recommendations for the Benefits Committee regarding changes or new benefits.
  • Manage the NEA Foundation’s information and technology systems with an awareness of increased cybersecurity in a hybrid working environment.
  • Oversee NEA Foundation facilities and manage procurement of office equipment/supplies.
  • Participate in affinity groups and stay up-to-date on industry trends and laws; inform colleagues as appropriate.

The NEA Foundation uses Intacct, Cybergrants, and EveryAction financial technology.

Skills and Expertise

Candidates for this position will share a commitment to the NEA Foundation’s mission and values and will bring a variety of experiences and attributes to the NEA Foundation, including:

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience.
  • CPA certification and an advanced degree, such as an MBA, preferred.
  • Demonstrated record of accomplishment in managing finance, accounting, budgeting, controls and reporting in a nonprofit or foundation setting.
  • Thorough knowledge of GAAP, FASB, taxation, and key legal issues as they apply to nonprofits and/or foundations.
  • Expertise in nonprofit investment accounting and management (including portfolio management and asset allocation concepts), along with understanding of fund accounting, cost allocation, and management of restricted funds.
  • Experience in senior management and supervisory positions, working with nonprofit boards.
  • Understanding of local, state and federal employment laws and facility in using/overseeing personnel management/payroll software.
  • Demonstrated ability to support and enhance the desired organizational culture and workforce environment.
  • Expert proficiency with cloud-based accounting and financial management systems required.
  • Comfortability using new technologies and systems, with a process improvement mindset.
  • Capacity to work well with competing priorities and deadlines and contribute high-level strategic thinking with a focus on detail.

Qualities and Attributes

  • Commitment to the mission and values of the NEA Foundation.
  • Exceptional leadership ability, team management, and strong interpersonal skills both inside the organization and with external partners. 
  • A naturally strategic and proactive mindset, with the ability to engage and motivate a team to meet deadlines and organizational goals, employing a leadership style of adaptability and generosity.
  • Ability to help build and support the effective decision-making of the Foundation’s leadership team.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills; ability to establish trust and build relationships with people at all levels of the organization.
  • The ability to relate well to persons and groups of diverse backgrounds and a sensitivity to issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

There is the possibility of a partially-hybrid working arrangement, however, the requirement is that this position be available and work in-person at the NEA Foundation’s headquarters in Washington DC for the majority of the work schedule of the Finance and Executive Team.

The NEA Foundation offers a generous package of health coverage and employee benefits including health care, vision, dental, disability, retirement, and maternity & paternity leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation’s Board of Directors is committed to equal employment opportunity in all employment-related matters, including hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers and other personnel actions, without regard to race, citizenship, religion, color, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation and political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal or District of Columbia law. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent management from implementing any legally permissible affirmative action programs. In addition, the Foundation complies with the District of Columbia’s Human Rights Law.

Application Process

To apply, upload resume, cover letter, and salary requirements by clicking here. For other inquiries, contact Suzanne Tan. Resume review begins immediately.