Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
Accounting & Finance
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Oct 3, 2024
WE ARE:
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) conducts and communicates research to inspire public dialogue, shape policy, and improve the lives and opportunities of women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. We are the leading think tank in the United States applying quantitative and qualitative analysis of public policy through a gendered lens.
IWPR advances women’s status through social science research, policy analysis, and public education. We develop new policy ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development. Our work also helps to change minds and improve the practices of institutions. IWPR operates on the principle that knowledge is power and that social science evidence based on strong data and analysis, compellingly presented and systematically disseminated, makes a difference in moving public policy.
Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality
At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff.
Statement on Inclusivity and non-discrimination
IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) at IWPR will provide strategic leadership, management, planning and enhancement of IWPR’s internal financial and organizational systems and infrastructure allowing IWPR to fulfill our mission and scale our impact. This CFOO is a part of the Executive Leadership team and will oversee and direct the operations and administration of the organization with direct oversight and day-to-day engagement in Finance, People and Culture, IT, administration, and compliance. The CFOO will have a strong day-to-day leadership presence and serve as a steward of IWPR’s values, supporting high performance, staff morale, and have an unfailing dedication to producing high quality, rigorous research on the economic security of girls, women and families.
The ideal candidate will be thoughtful, highly adaptable, strategic and operate with a strong equity lens, ensuring that this is reflected in the organization’s lived values and culture. They will have a strong “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude, understand that difficult decisions will have to be made from time-to-time, and have experience in designing and optimizing business and operations processes and systems. They will also have experience in managing teams through organizational growth and change and possess a deep understanding of motivating, mobilizing and supporting staff, as well as evaluating systems and policies to increase effectiveness. The CFOO will have strong analytical capabilities, including the ability to think critically and to propose and implement change successfully.
Strategy, Vision and Leadership
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and a thoughtful, relevant cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
Vaccine Policy: IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, fellows, (i.e.- IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.
Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) conducts and communicates research to inspire public dialogue, shape policy, and improve the lives and opportunities of women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. We are the leading think tank in the United States applying quantitative and qualitative analysis of public policy through a gendered lens.
IWPR advances women’s status through social science research, policy analysis, and public education. We develop new policy ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development. Our work also helps to change minds and improve the practices of institutions. IWPR operates on the principle that knowledge is power and that social science evidence based on strong data and analysis, compellingly presented and systematically disseminated, makes a difference in moving public policy.
Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality
At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff.
Statement on Inclusivity and non-discrimination
IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) at IWPR will provide strategic leadership, management, planning and enhancement of IWPR’s internal financial and organizational systems and infrastructure allowing IWPR to fulfill our mission and scale our impact. This CFOO is a part of the Executive Leadership team and will oversee and direct the operations and administration of the organization with direct oversight and day-to-day engagement in Finance, People and Culture, IT, administration, and compliance. The CFOO will have a strong day-to-day leadership presence and serve as a steward of IWPR’s values, supporting high performance, staff morale, and have an unfailing dedication to producing high quality, rigorous research on the economic security of girls, women and families.
The ideal candidate will be thoughtful, highly adaptable, strategic and operate with a strong equity lens, ensuring that this is reflected in the organization’s lived values and culture. They will have a strong “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude, understand that difficult decisions will have to be made from time-to-time, and have experience in designing and optimizing business and operations processes and systems. They will also have experience in managing teams through organizational growth and change and possess a deep understanding of motivating, mobilizing and supporting staff, as well as evaluating systems and policies to increase effectiveness. The CFOO will have strong analytical capabilities, including the ability to think critically and to propose and implement change successfully.
Strategy, Vision and Leadership
- Serve as a strategic financial adviser and thought partner to the President and CEO in organization-wide planning and development.
- Develop and implement organizational systems and processes to maximize efficiency, increase transparency and support future growth;
- Support the implementation of IWPR’s strategic plan with a particular focus on financial planning and sustainability and strong talent management;
- Through action and behavior, model best practices, habits, and practices for IWPR staff;
- Identify and assess emerging operations gaps, working to proactively overcome and address issues and gaps;
- Build a culture that attracts and retains top talent for all positions at IWPR; and
- Serve as an advisor to IWPR Leadership and senior staff.
- Lead the day-to-day internal operations of IWPR and work to solve issues quickly and effectively with an eye towards the best interests of the organization;
- Provide hands-on leadership of finance and accounting, including budget development and monitoring, grants management and compliance, cash and investments, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, tax, audit, and governance;
- Oversee the hiring, promotion, and termination process for staff, contractors and vendors;
- Serve as a partner, coach, and manager to staff responsible for directing the organization’s internal operating systems, including the Vice President of People and Culture, Office Manager, Finance staff, and IT support;
- Manage and oversee vendor relationships and partnerships, consultants; and
- Support the planning of leadership and staff retreats and in-service training on relevant issues and topics for IWPR staff in partnership with the Vice President of People and Culture
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in business, accounting, or nonprofit management, or equivalent experience/expertise. CPA preferred but not required;
- 10+ years’ experience in finance and operations management;
- Demonstrated strategic financial, budget, and human resource management skills and experience;
- Demonstrated experience with technology, systems, and project leadership;
- Excellent writing, editing and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills;
- Strong existing networks and leader in the field;
- Proven track record of effectively working to meet the needs and address the concerns of a diverse staff;
- Superior problem-solving, managerial and interpersonal skills;
- Judgment and discretion to manage confidential and difficult matters;
- Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization;
- Effective, versatile, and action-oriented; and
- Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and a thoughtful, relevant cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
Vaccine Policy: IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, fellows, (i.e.- IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.
Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.