Chief Financial Officer (Make the Road States)

Position Title: Chief Financial Officer

Organization: Make The Road States

Reports to: Co-Executive Directors

Location: Brooklyn, NY (Hybrid work schedule negotiable)

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: Up to USD $200,000/year (Salary range $150,000 - $200,000)

Application Deadline: Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and will continue on a rolling basis. The final deadline for consideration is September 1, 2025.

ABOUT MAKE THE ROAD STATES

This multi-state, community-based nonprofit works at the intersection of direct service, education, grassroots organizing, and policy advocacy to advance equity and justice for working-class, immigrant, and historically marginalized communities. Its model is rooted in the belief that lasting change requires both immediate support and long-term structural transformation. Through accessible legal and survival services, the organization helps individuals navigate urgent challenges through leadership development and political education, it prepares community members to lead change from within. Organizing efforts build collective power to confront unjust systems, while policy advocacy channels that power into tangible reforms at the local, state, and national levels.

THE OPPORTUNITY

MRStates is seeking a strategic and equity-minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its senior leadership team. This is a pivotal moment for the organization as it navigates the challenges associated with managing multiple funding sources, billing, collection processes, and various projects across multiple entities. The CFO will be responsible for the financial stewardship of multiple related nonprofit entities (C3 and C4), overseeing budgeting, compliance, reporting, and internal controls. They will manage a large, multi-tiered finance department and serve as a key advisor to the Executive Directors, executive team, and Board on financial planning, risk management, and organizational sustainability.

The overall budget for all combined entities is $55,000,000, with approximately 400 employees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Directors, Executive Team, and Board on all financial matters.
• Lead long-term financial planning in collaboration with State Directors, Development, and Program staff.
• Represent Finance in leadership and cross-departmental meetings (e.g., Senior Management Team, Strategic Planning, Budget Committees).

Financial Oversight

• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning across all entities.
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of internal and external financial reports.
• Lead annual audits and ensure compliance with all regulatory and grant requirements.
• Monitor financial health and recommend corrective actions as needed.

Team Management

• Directly supervise senior finance personnel, including the Assistant Controller and the Director of Government Grants & Compliance.
• Indirectly, oversee a finance and compliance team of 15+ staff, including associates, analysts, and managers.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.

Operational Systems

• Oversee all AP, AR, payroll, and general accounting activities.
• Maintain and improve financial systems and policies, ensuring strong internal controls and compliance with FASB, IRS, and state-level requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required, master’s preferred
• CPA required
• 8-10 years of experience with financial management in the nonprofit sector, including experience in a senior and/or managerial role
• Expertise in nonprofit accounting (including restricted funds and accrual-based systems)
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing diverse and complex teams
• Experience with government grants and restricted funding models
• Proficiency in financial systems (Sage Intact experience a plus)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with other common workplace tools such as cloud-based file sharing, video conferencing, and team communication platforms

COMPETENCIES AND PREFERENCES

• Strategic financial visioning
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Diverse team leadership
• Effective collaboration across teams and departments
• Attention to detail with a systems mindset
• Equity and accountability in decision-making
• Clear, empathetic communication
• Change management and adaptability
• Decision-making under uncertainty
• Expertise in grants and compliance
• Orientation toward technology and process improvement
• Union experience and understanding of unionized environments (preferred)
• Ability to translate financial information for non-financial audiences
• High level of emotional intelligence
• Ability to manage difficult situations with tact and diplomacy
• Relevant lived experience, including, but not limited to, having been a member of a low-income, immigrant community
• Government grant billing and collection processes
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred