Director of Finance & Operations
The Federation of State Humanities Councils (the Federation) seeks a Director of Finance & Operations (the Director) to provide internal leadership of the membership- based organization as it enters a new phase of building its capacity to support and strengthen its membership and advocate for the humanities across the nation. We are seeking a passionate and dynamic team player with strong analytical and math skills, as well as more than seven years of operations and HR experience. Staff and Board are currently developing and will be operationalizing both strategic and diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) plans.
This is a full-time position that requires 2-3 days in the Arlington, VA offices; proximity to the Washington, D.C. area is preferred. COVID vaccinations are required for onsite work. Staff members are expected to be available during typical office hours in the Eastern Time Zone, with some flexibility available, as well as have access to reliable internet service. Out of state travel is required up to two times a year, ranging 2-4 days.
About the Organization
The Federation, founded in 1977 as the membership association of state and jurisdictional councils nationwide, provides support for humanities councils and strives to create greater awareness of the humanities in public and private life. With a mission to represent and strengthen the state and jurisdictional humanities councils, the Federation provides leadership, advocacy, fundraising, and information to help members advance programs that engage millions of citizens across diverse populations in community and civic life.
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, the Federation has a staff of eight and an operating budget of approximately $1.5M. The Federation’s revenue sources include membership dues, conference registrations, and administrative fees collected from grants it earns on behalf of its members.
The Federation’s leadership includes a 16-member Board of Directors as well as 10 committees and task forces that provide a governance or advisory function for the organization. Federation President Phoebe Stein began her tenure in May 2020 after serving as Maryland Humanities’ Executive Director for 12 years. For additional information about the Federation, please visit our website.
The Position
Reporting to the President, the Director will work collaboratively across the organization, closely with the Events & Office Manager, and be supported by an external accounting team. The Director leads the Federation’s operations, including management of financial and accounting functions, as well as the management of relationships with external vendors, including the audit firm, the external accounting firm, the bank, insurance brokers, investment managers, and others. The Director plays a vital role in ensuring the Federation’s strong leadership and impact in the field, sustainability and sound fiscal position through financial stewardship, overseeing Operations, IT, and HR functions.
Key Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Financial Management: Prepare and analyze financial reports and forecasts for stakeholders and communicate critical matters to the Board; lead annual budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization while monitoring progress and changes to the Federation’s financial status; and monitor grant and expense allocations and assist with funder reports.
• Human Resources: Manage and implement the employee handbook, employee benefits (including onboarding and offboarding), retirement plan payments and filings, and insurance policies, all in compliance with federal and state laws; assist the President in advancing the full employee life cycle with an equity lens; and work closely with insurance brokers and retirement plan vendors to review and renew plans.
• Accounting Leadership: Manage outside accounting firm to support its day-to-day management of accounting systems, including bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and grants accounting; Review, process, and manage contracts and revenues, including annual dues assessments/collections.
• Board/Governance: Work with the Audit Committee, Finance Committee, and Communications & Development Committee to support each of their functions in ensuring accurate reporting of the Federation’s finances. Attend quarterly Board meetings.
• Administrative: With Director of Communications & Development, launch and manage NOAH CRM. Act as main point of contact with IT contractor. Update and implement Operating Policies & Procedures. Support, staff, and attend the Federation’s two largest member events each year, Humanities on the Hill and the National Humanities Conference.
The Federation uses Sage and Bill.com as its accounting platform, ADP to process payroll, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat to create and edit documents, with Google docs and Coda to work collaboratively with other team members. The Federation has selected a new CRM platform (NOAH), which will launch in 2023.
Skills and Attributes
The Director will be a collaborative leader with more than seven years of broad finance and operational experience including managing federal revenue, accounting, budgeting, and membership dues. They will demonstrate skill in overseeing Operations and HR functions as well as bring experience gathering and evaluating financial information and making recommendations to senior leadership. Experience with federal grants and advanced skills in Excel required. Excellent communication skills and time management with the ability to manage multiple processes at a given time also required. Experience updating manual and/or inefficient processes into effective internal workflows strongly desired.
The Director will ideally have experience being a part of an organization that uses a DEIA lens and operationalized strategic vision. Talented candidates will also bring experience in the nonprofit sector and a passion for the humanities. Bachelor’s degree or related experience preferred.
The salary range is $85,000-$90,000. We offer an excellent benefits package which includes 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, life, AD&D insurance; participation in a 403(b)-retirement plan with 7% employer contribution; 22 days annual paid vacation; and 12 days annual paid sick leave.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@statehumanities.org by March 16. Resume reviews begin immediately. We realize there are great candidates who won’t check all these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
A demonstrated ability to cultivate positive and productive relationships and partnerships with a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations and a commitment to access are central to our work. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, working class individuals, veterans, and members of other marginalized communities.
If you require reasonable accommodations for a disability so that you may participate in the selection process, please email jobs@statehumanities.org.
The Federation of State Humanities Councils does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, members, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.