Vice President of Finance & Operations

About EdVoice and EdVoice Institute

EdVoice is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit education advocacy organization reshaping public education in California so that students from low-income communities have futures filled with opportunity. More than 60% of California’s 5.8 million public school students are low-income. The sobering reality is that most perform at about half the level of their more affluent peers across key indicators such as reading, math, and college readiness. Clearly, the state’s 175-year-old public education system is not meeting the needs of all students. Achieving the kind of systemic change necessary to address the scale of the problem requires bold, coordinated action at the state level.

Together, EdVoice and its sister organization, EdVoice Institute, a 501(c)(3), drive scalable policy changes for the children of California. EdVoice Institute develops and advances evidence-based policy solutions to improve learning statewide alongside coalition partners. EdVoice leads the lobbying and campaigning to get those policies passed. EdVoice also provides strategic political contributions through its EdVoice for the Kids PAC to leaders who prioritize the needs of students from low-income communities.

This dual approach is unique among education policy groups in California and has already proven successful. Since relaunching in 2022, EdVoice has championed transformative early literacy policy changes that will uplift reading outcomes for millions of students. This includes universal screening for reading difficulties in all K-2 classrooms and statewide adoption of evidence-based reading instruction and materials. In addition, both organizations have influenced legislation to place more qualified teachers in high-needs schools. Looking forward, EdVoice and EdVoice Institute will continue to push for an education system in which all children—regardless of background—have access to the quality education they need and future opportunities they deserve.

The Opportunity

EdVoice and EdVoice Institute are entering a pivotal stage of growth and impact. With an ambitious long-term policy agenda designed to help transform California’s education system by 2040, the organization is building the operational, financial, and administrative infrastructure needed to sustain our momentum and scale.

EdVoice and EdVoice Institute are seeking a Vice President of Finance & Operations (VPFO) to serve as a core strategic leader, optimizing resources, architecting internal systems, and developing the teams that will support the organization’s next chapter of growth. This position sits at the intersection of three key functions: finance, operations, and people systems. It brings strategy, execution, and organizational stewardship together in service of the mission.

Reporting to the CEO, this leader will serve as a trusted thought partner and organizational backbone, partnering across teams to strengthen decision-making, build operational effectiveness, and uphold strong governance. They will be energized by a day spent moving between a strategic planning discussion that strengthens team alignment, the details of a financial audit, a compliance review, and an employee performance conversation. The ideal candidate is forward-looking, moving fluidly between the big picture and the details while taking initiative to create the conditions for teams to execute day-to-day with excellence. This is a meaningful opportunity to help shape an organization dedicated to ensuring every student in California has access to the high-quality education they deserve.

Essential Responsibilities

Finance, Compliance & Strategic Planning (40%)

• Partner closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to develop and implement a long-term financial strategy that strengthens organizational sustainability, supports growth, and advances the mission of EdVoice and EdVoice Institute
• Manage organization-wide financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning, and cash flow management, proactively identifying opportunities, tradeoffs, and financial risks that inform strategic decision-making
• Oversee all accounting and finance functions, including monthly close, GAAP-compliant financial reporting, cross-entity accounting, treasury management, and audit preparation across the 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PAC structures
• Coordinate organizational treasury functions, including cash forecasting, liquidity planning, banking relationships, reserves management, and oversight of investment and operating accounts
• Create strong financial controls, accounting policies, cost allocation methodologies, and reporting systems that ensure accuracy, transparency, and regulatory compliance in accordance with IRS codes, FPPC regulations, and applicable lobbying and campaign finance requirements
• Translate complex financial information into clear reports, dashboards, projections, and recommendations that equip leadership, the board, and key stakeholders to make informed decisions around planning, prioritization, and long-term sustainability
• Cultivate relationships with external financial partners, auditors, legal counsel, and consultants to ensure accurate reporting, responsible stewardship of resources, and operational excellence across all entities

Operations, Systems & Risk Management (30%)

• Drive the development and continuous improvement of operational systems, infrastructure, and workflows that strengthen organizational effectiveness, support growth, and enable seamless coordination across EdVoice and EdVoice Institute
• Oversee organizational administration, including vendor oversight, coordination with legal counsel, contract management, corporate compliance documentation, and facilities management
• Partner with department leads to assess operational needs, address challenges, and equip teams with the systems, resources, and tools needed to execute effectively
• Manage IT systems, infrastructure, and vendor relationships, keeping organizational technology reliable, secure, and responsive to evolving operational needs
• Direct organizational risk management, including identifying and mitigating operational, legal, and compliance risks and maintaining appropriate controls and safeguards
• Establish and codify operational processes, documentation, and knowledge management systems that drive consistency, scalability, and institutional continuity
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations and enhance productivity by modernizing workflows through the implementation of technology, automation, and artificial intelligence tools

Human Resources & Talent Infrastructure (15%)

• Oversee all human resources functions across the full employee lifecycle, including compensation and benefits, employee relations, compliance, leave administration, and record keeping, ensuring clear and effective systems that meet staff and organizational needs
• Design and implement talent strategies and processes to strengthen employee engagement, drive retention, and create a positive workplace experience, utilizing key people metrics and workforce analysis to inform decision-making
• Develop and maintain employee policies, internal guidance, and organizational documentation, including the employee handbook and related systems, keeping practices compliant and people-centered
• Architect and lead performance management processes that improve staff performance and foster accountability, including goal-setting, feedback practices, review cycles, and manager coaching
• Facilitate learning and development across the organization, coordinating trainings and workshops that advance staff skills and leadership capacity
• Spearhead employee engagement and culture-building initiatives, including team meetings, retreats, and activities that increase collaboration, connection, and team effectiveness

Team Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness (15%)

• Build and lead a high-performing operations team, setting a clear vision for what excellent finance and operations looks like at EdVoice, and developing the people, practices, and structures needed to deliver on that vision
• Work alongside the CEO and leadership team to advance strategic planning and goal setting, translating organizational priorities into coordinated execution plans and measurable outcomes across EdVoice and EdVoice Institute
• Steward organizational change across finance, operations, and people functions by anticipating shifts in ways of working, modeling adaptive practices, and supporting staff through transitions with hands-on coaching
• Establish operational workflows, progress monitoring practices, and communication rhythms that strengthen transparency, align staff around strategic initiatives, and support collaboration across all entities

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 10+ years of experience in finance, operations, human resources, business management, or related leadership roles, managing complex organizational functions in entrepreneurial and fast-paced environments
• 5+ years of experience leading and developing high-performing teams, establishing clear systems and expectations, and supporting staff growth and accountability
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and GAAP, including budgeting, accrual accounting, audit management, financial controls, and multi-entity financial operations
• Strategic yet hands-on leader who can balance big-picture thinking with strong execution in ambiguous and evolving environments
• Proven success building and improving operational systems, workflows, and processes that strengthen organizational effectiveness and support growth
• Skilled in project and operations management, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and move complex work forward with efficiency and attention to detail
• Entrepreneurial and solutions-oriented, with a track record of taking initiative and adapting quickly as organizational needs shift
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, maintaining discretion while fostering trust and strong collaboration across teams
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism, with a strong understanding of the systemic inequities impacting students, families, and communities
• Experience leading operations, strategy, or finance within education nonprofits, preferred
• Familiarity with IRS, FPPC, and multi-entity nonprofit compliance requirements (including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PAC structures), preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, HR and finance management systems, and operational tools that support planning and collaboration
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in business administration, finance, organizational leadership, or related field preferred

This is a full-time position based in California. EdVoice currently operates remotely, with 15%–25% travel expected for team and partner meetings across the state. Our organization is transitioning to a hybrid work model, and candidates must be located within driving distance of the Sacramento or Los Angeles office and available to work onsite several days per week.

EdVoice is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races, national origins, ages, religions, creeds, veteran or disabled statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions. Please visit our website for more information at www.edvoice.org.

The compensation range is $180k - $200k, commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
• 13 days of paid time off (PTO), 12 paid holidays, winter break from December 25th–31st, plus sick days
• Fully vested employer 1:1 match of employee 401(k) contributions up to 4%
• Reimbursement of up to $500 for a remote workspace and up to $750 for a cell phone (in accordance with organizational policy), and a $90/month technology stipend