Vice President of Finance and Administration at Educators 4 Excellence

For far too long, education policy has been created without a critical voice at the table: the voice of classroom teachers. Founded in spring 2010 by two Bronx elementary school teachers, Educators 4 Excellence (E4E) is changing this dynamic by placing the voices of teachers at the forefront of the conversations that shape our classrooms and careers. E4E envisions a high-quality, prestigious teaching profession that is responsible for driving positive student outcomes. E4E provides teachers opportunities to:

- Learn about the latest education policy news and research;
- Network with like-minded colleagues and policymakers through panel discussions, speaker series and networking events; and
- Take action by advocating for teacher-created policy recommendations through E4E's teacher leadership training programs.

In just a few years, E4E has quickly grown into a national network of over 5,000 progressive teachers, united by the E4E Declaration of Teachers' Principles and Beliefs. The work of E4E and E4E teachers has resulted in modifications to legislation on issues such as layoffs and teacher evaluation, the publication of nationally significant teacher-created policy papers, and national and local media attention highlighting progressive teacher voices.

With chapters currently operating in both Los Angeles and New York, Educators 4 Excellence is entering an expansion phase as it seeks to provide a platform for teachers across the country to elevate their voices. Grounded in the experience of educators, E4E's organizational culture revolves around an innovative, entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves spirit backed by a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

For more information, please visit Educators4Excellence.org.

Reporting to the Co-Chief Executive Officers and serving as a member of the E4E National Leadership Team, the Vice President of Finance and Administration will define, build and implement the infrastructure/systems needed to support substantial organizational growth and scaling over the next five to 10 years. S/he will continue to refine and manage effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems, including financial planning, accounting and information technology (IT).
The VP will collaborate with other members of the National Leadership Team on strategic planning, internal evaluation and professional development initiatives, as well as planning for E4E's expansion to multiple new sites. In keeping with E4E's values, the VP will also interact on a regular basis with E4E members and be involved with E4E's programming at the school and site level.

This is an ideal opportunity for a results-oriented and collaborative leader to play a key role in building the infrastructure of a dynamic organization that places student achievement first and seeks to restore professionalism to education.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Financial Management

- Review and approve preparation and finalization of monthly and annual financial reporting materials and metrics for E4E's Co-CEOs and Board of Directors.
- Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting and cash flow for administration, existing programs and proposed new sites.
- Hire and manage full-time team members as needed in the future to assist in the implementation and maintenance of accounting, finance and administrative systems.
- Design and implement internal controls in preparation for annual audit.
- Manage all financial accounting of E4E lobbying expenditures and possible affiliation and cost sharing arrangements with a sister 501(C)4 organization.

Administrative Leadership

- Serve as a close partner to the Co-CEOs on the organization's financial, budgeting and administrative processes – including payroll and benefits functions – with an eye to continuously developing and improving systems.
- Support local Executive Directors in managing their budgets, financial planning and administrative processes.
- Lead E4E's IT plan for the future and implement it successfully to meet IT and internal communication needs as the organization grows.
- Manage the organization's physical infrastructure, physical plant and systems maintenance (phone system, security, cleaning, supplies etc.) with assistance from an operations manager and local program assistants.

Knowledge Development

- Develop systems, processes and tools for sharing best financial practices and cost savings within the organization and implementing key findings.
- Create organization-wide curricula for training local Executive Directors and staff on E4E's financial systems and procedures.
- Participate in local E4E programming and serve as a mentor to E4E team members (required of all national leadership team members).

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree (MA/MBA preferred) in Business, Management, Accounting or Finance.
- A least five to eight years of professional experience, including managing the finance and administration of a high-growth organization (preference given to non-profit experience).
- Demonstrated experience in financial management and accounting including: audit, compliance, budget and resource development, ideally in the non-profit sector.
- Experience creating and driving the analytic framework for planning and managing organizational change in a highly entrepreneurial organization.
- Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse and dynamic team.
- Proven effectiveness leading professionals in finance and accounting.
- Technical savvy, with an ability to point to examples of having worked with IT staff to develop and implement new processes and systems that increases efficiency in a fast-moving environment.
- Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented.

Moreover, all E4E candidates will have a/an:

- Empathy for, understanding of and respect for the teaching profession; previous classroom experience strongly preferred
- Deep commitment to the values of E4E and passion for students, improving education and closing the achievement gap
- Understanding of education policy and the education reform movement at the federal, state and local levels
- Solid written and verbal communications skills
- Demonstrated record as both a team player and a self-starter, including exceptional organization and time management skills; a demonstrated ability to design a work plan, prioritize and meet goals; grace under pressure and a good sense of humor; and an innovative spirit
- Ability to work non-traditional hours, including weekday evenings and some weekends

Educators 4 Excellence is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.