Posted: June 28, 2011

Leading Educators aims to develop the capacity of teacher-leaders in order to maximize student and faculty success through three primary objectives:
• Directly improve high-need schools by increasing the skillfulness of teacher-leaders
• Retain highly effective teachers in high-needs schools by articulating a career pathway from teaching to teacher leadership
• Create national networks aligned around investment in teacher leadership in order to close the achievement gap
In January of 2008, Leading Educators launched a pilot program in New Orleans as a partnership between FirstLine Schools and New Leaders for New Schools. To date Leading Educators has trained 47 teacher-leaders from 29 schools across the city. Building upon the New Orleans pilot and Teaching Leaders (UK), Leading Educators is now an independent 501c3 organization assembling an ambitious team to expand the program nationally. In partnership with Absolute Return for Kids, Teaching Leaders, New Leaders for New Schools, NewSchools Venture Fund and FirstLine Schools, our expansion model aims to serve 13 regions by 2016.

The Director of Finance is responsible for building out financial systems and functions for the national Leading Educators organization, including: finance, accounting, budgeting, contract management, legal compliance and strategic planning. As a member of the management team, the Director of Finance will play an important role in the internal leadership of the organization and will influence the strategic growth plan. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Finance will also liaise with the Board of Directors.

Joining a start-up organization, the Director of Finance will be the sole contributor driving all finance-related functions from day-to-day accounting to providing strategic oversight for all financial operations. The role offers the unique opportunity to bring highly effective financial and business development practices into the education reform sector.
Responsibilities:
System Development and Strategy
• Start-up and drive financial and fiscal management systems, financial plans, policies and strategy
• Research accounting, payroll and financial management technology and systems in consultation with Director of National Expansion’s overarching systems design; oversee product implementation and training
• Lead financial modeling and analysis to support development of long term strategic initiatives and business plans
• Design and implement Leading Educators financial strategy for sustainable service delivery and growth, optimal fiscal health and alignment of best practices from business and finance sectors

Expansion Sites and New Business
• Enhance and own the national expansion cost model, working closely with CEO and consultants on scenario modeling and financial strategies around growth and expansion to new sites, staffing timelines and new business initiatives

Financial Management
• Manage day to day execution of financial operations for the organization, including:
o accounting processes, personnel, monthly/quarterly/annual reporting and close
o all financial transactions including fund transfers, bank reconciliations, general ledger entries, invoicing, bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable
o payroll, onboarding and offboarding processes in conjunction with Director of Talent
• Lead executive team on strategy and projections for annual budget preparation and monthly review/variance analysis
• Manage audit process, Form 990 submission, legal compliance, and budget development
• Manage fundraising compliance and documentation in conjunction with CEO
• Support senior staff in the management of operating budgets to ensure efficient use of organization’s funds

• 5+ years of professional experience, 3+ successfully managing the finance and administration of an organization or business unit, preferably in a non-profit environment
• Degree in preferably in Business, Accounting, or Finance
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a start-up, entrepreneurial environment through key phases of organizational growth
• Excel at financial and business development from strategy to execution and continuous improvement
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills
• Meticulous attention to detail within larger strategic goals
• Strong electronic and verbal presentation skills
• Fluency in financial management software
• Commitment to creating outstanding schools for social justice and educational equity