Senior Director of Finance

Position: Senior Director of Finance

Department: Finance

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Categorization: Hybrid In-Person

Status: Full-time Exempt

Start Date: November 2025

The Organization

Since 2003, The Opportunity Network (OppNet) has ignited the drive, curiosity, and agency of students from under-resourced communities, who are first-generation college students on their paths to and through college and into thriving careers. This year, OppNet will reach more than 10,000 students of color nationwide to support them in achieving their college and career goals.

All of the work OppNet leads is in service of realizing our vision of a nation connected through vibrant communities and networks actively in pursuit of a nation where all young people can freely create their path to enduring success that honors their passions, ambitions, and full identities.

The Job

The Opportunity Network seeks a Senior Director of Finance to oversee all financial management, including accounting duties, and to advise and steward the organization on areas of financial health and sustainability. This position will develop processes and protocols for all finance-related transactions. The Senior Director of Finance will be responsible for reviewing and analyzing all aspects of internal and external financial reporting, as well as the full scope of budgets and internal system reports. This position will lead in maintaining a culture of compliance, ethics, and integrity, while maintaining strong internal controls and complying with GAAP and other professional standards.

The Senior Director of Finance will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and be a strategic thought partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Development Officer (CDO). The successful candidate will be a hands-on and participative manager who will lead and develop the Finance team to support finance, business planning, budgeting, and administration. In addition, they will collaborate cross-functionally with teams, with emphasis on Operations, People and Culture, and Development. The Senior Director of Finance will directly supervise the Assistant Director of Finance and Grants Administration.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and mission-driven finance leader with extensive experience overseeing financial management, budgeting, and compliance for nonprofit organizations. They must have a proven track record in collaborating with cross-functional teams, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring transparency for stakeholders, funders, and boards of directors.

Their expertise would include: designing and executing financial plans that support program growth and long-term sustainability; reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and advising leadership on financial trends and risks; implementing strong internal controls, overseeing audits, and ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit regulatory standards; and partnering with executive leadership and boards to translate financial insights into strategic decisions; mentoring finance teams to build capacity and efficiency.

What You Will Be Doing

Financial Management (60%)

The Senior Director of Finance will maintain knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and statutory accounting principles, and stay current with changes in accounting regulations for reporting and compliance. The SDF will collaborate with the CEO, the Enterprise Leadership team, and the board to ensure effective financial management across departments.

• Analyze and present financial reports accurately and on time; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; and oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting.
• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors, and assess any necessary changes.
• Oversee and lead the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with budgeting managers; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep the Enterprise Leadership Team (ELT) abreast of the organization’s financial status.
• Produce financial models and scenarios that support sound institutional decision-making for the ELT.
• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
• Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to the board of directors.
• Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to, and that financial data and cash flow are steady, supporting operational requirements.
• Oversee the finance team in updating and implementing all necessary business policies and accounting practices; lead the team in improving the finance department’s overall policy and procedure manual.
• Along with the finance team, maintain relationships with financial institutions providing services to the organization (banks, investment firm, accounting firm, insurance companies, etc.) and assist the Board/Board Treasurer//CEO as needed
• Work closely and transparently with all external partners, including third-party vendors and consultants.

Cross-Departmental Consultation and Leadership (25%)

Operations

• Collaborate with the Operations team to evaluate, select, and bind corporate insurance policies, ensuring proper liability coverage (D&O, cybersecurity, etc.).
• Collaborate with the Operations team to determine and manage administrative budget line items, which include IT expenses, travel, food, supplies, staff appreciation, etc.

People & Culture

• Collaborate with the People and Culture team to evaluate, select, and administer employee benefit policies.
• Manage the organization’s 403b plan with the plan administrator and the pension consultant.

Development

• Collaborate with the Development team to reconcile the timing and receipt of projected revenue.
• Collate financial reporting materials for all donor segments, resulting in accurate internal and external reporting

Organizational Learning, Development, and Program Reflection (15%):

• Participate in organization-wide learning sessions, working groups, and optional affinity groups.
• Attend weekly team meetings, All Hands meetings, All Staff meetings, team retreats, and annual institution-wide retreat.

Who we are looking for

• Significant experience in progressive financial leadership, preferably in a non-profit or social justice organization;
• At least 8 years of demonstrated experience in managing organizational budgets of at least $10M, including grant-funded activities;
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards;
• Advanced Excel skills and experience in building and managing financial software systems such as QuickBooks, Bill.com, Expensify, Salesforce, and ADP Workforce Now;
• Experience working closely with senior management and Boards, and ideally in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic work environment;
• Proven ability to uphold high standards of performance for themselves and their team with a strategic and problem-solving vision while upholding the highest standards of financial and regulatory compliance;
• A solid sense of judgment with the ability to navigate complex financial and organizational decisions with integrity and discretion;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the capacity to adapt to changing priorities;
• The ability to translate complex financial information to diverse audiences in an accessible manner.
• Degrees in accounting, business, or nonprofit management are a plus.
• Strong people and organizational management skills, with a track record of developing strong and engaged performers and coaching others on how to motivate and inspire teams;
• Strong proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail) and Dropbox; and
• A demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.

Requirements to Work for OppNet

• HYBRID IN-PERSON. Job responsibilities require regular scheduled and ad hoc physical presence with NYC-based OppNet stakeholders.
• OppNet requires that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including new hires, unless an exemption has been approved.

Salary and Benefits

We take a thoughtful and deliberate approach to generating salary offers that take into account previous work experience, the role you’re entering into, and fairness within OppNet. Fairness is important to us and it is critical that our compensation approach ensures fairness across the organization. Hence, we make every effort to make our first offer our best offer because we want to demonstrate that we value you and your work from day one.

The hiring salary range for this role is $108,896 – $123,000 and will be commensurate with experience.

At OppNet, eligible employees can enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage (health, dental, and vision), an HRA, Flexible Spending Account, family leave (up to 100% coverage for twelve weeks), life insurance, and retirement benefits. Full-time employees can participate in our 403(b) retirement benefit program. Additionally, we offer generous time off from work (through a combination of vacation, sick, and holidays).

Application Instructions

Please use this link to submit a resume and cover letter outlining how your professional background and experience relate specifically to the responsibilities and qualifications listed above, salary requirements, and earliest available start date.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you meet some but not all of our qualifications? OppNet is an equal-opportunity employer. Even if you may not meet every qualification listed, we strongly encourage you to apply without hesitation. If you believe in our organization's mission and feel confident in your potential to excel at OppNet, we warmly welcome your application. Our commitment lies in considering a wide range of candidates, and valuing various workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the non-profit sector, returning to work after a break, considering a career change, or taking the next step in your professional journey, we are excited to hear from you! We recognize that multifarious teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.