Director of Finance and Operations

Job Title: Director of Finance and Operations

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full-time

Department: Administrative

Location: Salem, MA

Revision Date: April 2026

LEAP for Education is recruiting for a new Director of Finance and Operations. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational effectiveness, and infrastructure of LEAP for Education. As a member of the Executive Team, this individual will serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director, supporting organizational growth, sustainability, and impact. This role leads and integrates finance, human resources, data systems, IT, and organizational operations—including facilities, office administration and insurance—ensuring that systems and processes align with LEAP’s mission and strategic priorities. The Director will balance high-level strategic leadership with oversight of day-to-day operations through a small but critical team.

The position supervises three direct reports:

• HR Manager (execution-focused; Director provides strategic leadership on policies, culture, and workforce planning)
• Accountant (manages bookkeeping and coordinates with external accounting firm)
• Data Coordinator (oversees Salesforce and data systems supporting program outcomes and reporting)

The ideal candidate will be committed to LEAP’s mission which is to support youth in their personal, educational, and career growth by partnering with the community to increase opportunities and advance equity.

The most competitive candidates for this role will have lived experience as a Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC), first-generation to college, or multilingual learner, and has a comprehensive understanding of, and passion for, partnering with LEAP’s student population which is 83% under resourced, 85% students of color, 83% first-generation to college, and 34% multilingual learners.

At LEAP for Education, we value:

• Growth Mindset: Learning, adapting, and believing in one's ability to grow and persevere, which are foundational for success.
• Relationships: Developing long-lasting, collaborative partnerships between youth, families, staff, and our communities to build social capital and amplify our collective impact.
• Opportunity: Designing innovative programs that create and expand equitable access to growth opportunities.
• Well-being: Prioritizing the mental and emotional health, sense of belonging, and happiness of our diverse community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Financial Management & Strategy

• Lead all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial strategy, and cash management;
• Monthly reporting to Board of Directors
• Oversee annual budgeting process in partnership with Executive Director and departmental leaders
• Monitor organizational financial performance and provide regular variance analysis vs budget and prior year and make recommendations
• Build a financial system that provides easily accessible information to all managerial staff who manage departmental budgets.
• Identify areas where policies need to be written or updated.
• Ensure strong internal controls and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards
• Supervise Accountant and oversee:
• Payroll, accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, and cash management
• Coordination with external accounting firm for monthly close and financial reporting
• Lead audit process and ensure timely completion of audits and filings (e.g., 990)
• Oversee grant accounting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements

Human Resources (Staff & Volunteers)

• Provide strategic leadership for HR functions, including workforce planning, compensation, equitable practices, and organizational culture
• Guide HR Manager in implementing effective HR operations and compliance practices
• Lead development and refinement of equity-informed HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook
• Oversee benefits administration, performance management systems, and staff development initiatives
• Analyze culture/climate survey data and lead organizational improvement efforts
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices

Data Systems & IT

• Oversee organizational data strategy, ensuring systems support program evaluation, grant reporting, and decision-making
• Supervise Data Manager responsible for:
• Salesforce Student Information System
• Data integrity, reporting, and dashboards
• Ensure effective use of data for internal and external stakeholders (Board, funders, leadership)
• Oversee IT infrastructure, vendors, and cybersecurity practices

Operations, Facilities & Risk Management

• Oversee day-to-day operational systems and processes to ensure organizational efficiency
• Manage facilities, including space planning, leases, and maintenance
• Oversee organizational insurance policies and risk management, including cybersecurity, practices
• Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making
• Partner with program leadership to align operational systems with program needs
• Present financial and operational updates to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners (auditors, vendors, consultants)

SKILL REQUIRED

• Masters degree and 8-10+ years of relevant progressive experience, or 10-12+ years of relevant progressive experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting
• Strong financial management expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, and audit oversight
• Experience supervising staff and building effective teams, policies, and systems
• Experience with HR leadership, including policy development and organizational culture initiatives
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and experience in working within culturally diverse communities.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with data systems (e.g., Salesforce or similar CRM/SIS platforms)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences
• Must be proficient with Google Suite

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional Development
• Flexible schedule