Finance and Operations Director

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The Cahn Fellowship provides advanced leadership development and recognition in large metropolitan areas to strong, talented school leaders to improve public education. Our programs are designed to increase leadership skills, strengthen retention in education, and improve student outcomes.

Founded in 2002 by Charles Cahn, the Fellowship inducted its first cohort of Fellows in 2003. Today, the Cahn Fellowship serves educational leaders in cities across the country, offering transformative experiences that expand their leadership effectiveness while preparing and mentoring the next generation of school leaders.

Our work is proudly supported by Faculty from Teachers College, Columbia University, and grounded in a vibrant community of educators, alumni, and partners committed to equity and excellence in education. Cahn Fellows continue to impact thousands of students and schools through their ongoing leadership, and our network ensures that the work extends far beyond the duration of the program.

THE ROLE

The Cahn Fellowship is seeking a strategic and solutions-oriented leader to serve as Director of Finance and Operations (title negotiable, depending on experience). This role is central to ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the organization. The Director will oversee and strengthen organizational systems, finance operations, event and program logistics, and technology infrastructure.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director will partner closely with the Executive Director, program staff, and external stakeholders to translate vision into action, streamline organizational processes, and ensure that Cahn operates at the highest level of excellence.

This is an opportunity for a finance and operations leader who is excited by both strategic oversight and hands-on execution, and who thrives in an entrepreneurial, mission-driven environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational & Event Operations

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational systems that support all Cahn Fellowship programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate and manage logistics for both virtual and in-person professional learning experiences, including scheduling, venues, contracts, travel, and participant engagement.
• Serve as primary lead on event management systems (Whova, Zoom, Gantt, etc.) to ensure seamless delivery of convenings.
• Partner with program staff and vendors to execute events that are both cost-effective and high-quality.

Finance & Compliance

• Oversee financial operations in collaboration with outsourced financial partner (YPTC), including coding, reporting, payables/receivables, and procurement.
• Partner with the Executive Director on annual budget development, monitoring, and forecasting to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Manage district contracts, vendor registrations, and compliance requirements, including preparation for annual audits.
• Provide clear and timely financial reporting to the Executive Director and Board, supporting strong fiscal decision-making.

Technology, Systems & Administration

• Manage organizational calendar, project management tools, and technology platforms to increase team efficiency and collaboration.
• Oversee website content updates and coordinate with consultants on branding and communications.
• Lead on IT security, data management, and disaster recovery planning in partnership with external consultants.
• Provide strategic recommendations to strengthen systems for knowledge management, CRM, and reporting.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and coordinate cross-functional projects that involve multiple team members, consultants, and partners.
• Build strong, trusting relationships across the staff and with external stakeholders to ensure operational excellence.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director, anticipating challenges, identifying solutions, and supporting organizational growth.
• Contribute to board engagement by preparing financial/operational reports and supporting board meetings.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience & Competencies

• 7–10+ years of progressively responsible operations, finance, or administrative leadership experience in the education or nonprofit sector.
• Proven ability to design and manage systems that improve efficiency and accountability.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, accounting contracts, and compliance processes.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to move initiatives from concept to execution.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and adept at managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Skilled communicator with strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Flexible, resourceful, and comfortable operating in a small but high-performing team.
• Commitment to equity, excellence in education, and the mission of the Cahn Fellowship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Education, Management, Business, Nonprofit Administration, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management tools (e.g., Monday).
• Experience with finance software and event management platforms (QuickBooks, Whova, Zoom).

THE RIGHT FIT

The ideal candidate unapologetically accepts, aligns with, and advocates for the Theory of Action and Core Beliefs of The Cahn Fellowship:

• Theory of Action: By engaging principals in collaborative networks, building their leadership capacity, and improving teacher effectiveness and school culture, we retain and strengthen the most effective school leaders and prepare the next generation—ultimately advancing student outcomes.
• Core Beliefs:
  • School leadership is one of the most powerful levers for improving student success.
  • Investing in high-performing principals and aspiring leaders builds strong, sustainable pipelines.
  • A strong network of leaders has multiplier effects on schools, districts, and communities.

• Medical benefits (details provided upon request).
• Retirement plan (403b).
• Paid leave, including vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.