We are seeking a Senior Director of Finance and Administration to join our growing team.

LOCATION: Minneapolis, MN, hybrid work week

Work is more satisfying when connected to making a difference in the world. Search Institute is a nonprofit applied research organization that believes all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive. Understanding how systems of access, opportunity, justice, and power intersect with our mission is essential to doing good and meaningful work. We tackle the complex challenge of creating innovative, evidence based tools and resources through rigorous research and authentic partnerships with practitioners. Search Institute provides high quality workshops, surveys, publications, and technical assistance to those working with and supporting positive youth development.

Our workplace is a positive and fast paced environment that invites a synergistic exchange of ideas. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, and a 403b retirement plan.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Finance and Administration will be responsible for planning, oversight and strategic direction of teams including finance, human resources, office management and technology. They will be a collaborative, relationship-driven leader adept at strategic financial management, technology advancements as well as people development. They will be responsible for planning, developing and enhancing operational policies, goals, and financial operations, including the execution of long and short-term plans and directives utilizing judgment, vision, strategic direction, and leadership. The Senior Director of Finance and Administration works closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on strategy, financial management and planning, federal grants, business development, and Board relationships and communications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

Lead in the development of best practices for office-based organization with a growing remote staff.

• Oversee the development, adherence and continuous improvement to policies and procedures that promote a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
• Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth helping to implement organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operating planning.
• Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, and retention of staff.
• Ensure that our mission to advance equity for youth is the foundation of organizational, departmental and individual processes and activities.
• Coordinate with the leadership team and staff to create and manage the annual organizational budget.
• Develop and utilize forward-looking, predictive models and activity based financial analysis to provide insight into the organization's operations and business plans.
• Lead the investment committee of the board of directors in investment policy and strategy development and implementation.

Accounting and Financial Management

• Oversight over the following services contracted services: payroll management, monthly financial reporting, project financial reporting, expense and purchasing management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, audit management and compliance with government and donor regulations.

• Optimize the handling of cash flow using appropriate strategies to maintain cash thresholds to meet operating needs
• Oversee adherence to external agreements and solicit legal advice when needed to ensure compliance with applicable government rules and regulations.
• Oversee and provide technical assistance and training to staff on finance, quality assurance, corrective actions, record management and compliance.
• Oversee self-funded unemployment insurance.
• Represent the company to financial partners, including donors, auditors, public officials, banks, etc.

Administration

• Oversee and continuously improve project planning, management and reporting processes.
• Oversee the optimal use of digital technology and technology equipment to support organizational effectiveness.
• Serve as a plan administrator on the 403b account.
• Oversee the contracted Professional Employment Organization (PEO) services for payroll processing, benefits administration and human resources services support.
• Ensure all business insurance policies are evaluated and renewed on an annual basis.
• Oversee and maintain the facility operations including office equipment and supplies management and facility maintenance.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a high-growth, fast paced environment.
• Excellent project management skills, people skills, with experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary, diverse team.
• Exceptional ability to communicate financial information to individuals without a financial background; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, Board of Directors, or other outside partners.
• Strong leadership, and management skills, high personal ethical standards, and energy, and demonstrated capability to be hands on and make difficult, but timely, decisions.
• Strong analytical skills and expertise in modeling, forecasting and analysis, development and utilization of management information and key business metric tools and translating a strategic vision into an operational model.
• Solid experience coordinating audit activities.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
• Have a high level of flexibility and excellent customer service skills when engaging with both internal and external parties.
• Detail-oriented and organized.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor degree in business, finance or accounting.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive supervisory and project leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in nonprofit organizations and/or public or private schools.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in Google Workplace, Microsoft Office Suite and accounting software (e.g. Netsuite, Quickbooks).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA and/or CMA Certification, or related field.
• MBA or Masters in Finance or Accounting.
• Federal grant experience highly desirable.
• Passionate about the mission of Search Institute.

SALARY

$115,000 -135,000 annually