Director of Finance and Operations

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The ACLU of New Mexico seeks a Director of Finance and Operations to ensure that the organization has the structure and resources necessary to achieve its vision. The position requires deep knowledge and experience with bookkeeping and other financial systems. The Director will help operationalize the Affiliate’s culture by creating systems and controls that promote efficiency and accuracy around the Affiliate’s critical finance, human resources, IT, operations, and administrative needs. The Director of Finance and Operations participates in setting organizational goals and priorities and developing and managing the Affiliate’s budget. The person in this role is adept at building systems and processes that enhance efficiencies and support continuous improvement goals. They are also committed to inclusive decision-making and promoting a culture of equity and belonging throughout the organization.

The Director of Finance and Operations is a full-time, exempt position which reports to and is a trusted partner of the Executive Director. Located in the Albuquerque office, this position participates in the organization’s Senior Leadership Team.

WHO WE ARE:

Our mission is to protect and advance justice, liberty, and equity as guaranteed by the constitutions of New Mexico and the United States. We are committed to ending racism and other inequities. This includes how we work with each other and with our partners and allies in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit our website at www.aclu-nm.org 

Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging are core values of the ACLU and central to our work. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization – one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Financial Management

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and controls. Supervise Staff Accountant and contract CPA to ensure accurate and efficient payroll, bookkeeping, accounts receivable, accounts payable, grants management.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Develop, monitor, and manage organizational and grant budgets. Support grant reporting.
• Manage annual audit and IRS 990s, including preparation or oversight of all supporting information and presentation to the Board of Directors.
• Manage board Finance Committee.
• Monitor financial performance. Present timely and accurate financial reports and analysis for the board of directors and keep Executive Director apprised and well-informed about budget and financial matters.
• Prepare and manage annual budget and perform financial modeling and forecasting to support well-informed, strategic decision-making.
• Assist in formulating the affiliate's future financial direction and supporting tactical initiatives.
• Manage and monitor investment portfolio based on investment policy. 
• Operations and Infrastructure Oversee and continuously work to improve the infrastructure and systems, of the organization, including but not limited to IT, physical workspaces, security, accounting, reporting, personnel, etc.
• Work in concert with National ACLU IT staff to modernize affiliate systems, tools, and processes
• Supervise the Executive Assistant to ensure smooth functioning of the office and organization, including management of IT (Information Technology), leases, office facilities, safety, etc.
• Develop, maintain, and update organizational policies and procedures, as needed.
• Ensure that operational and administrative systems support the equitable and inclusive treatment of staff, board, volunteers, clients, and members.
• Proactively engage national ACLU affiliate support staff in furtherance of all responsibilities.

People Operations

• Supervise Manager of People Operations to ensure development and delivery of people-centered HR (Human Resources) processes, including but not limited to benefits administration, compensation program design and administration, maintenance of personnel records, recruitment and onboarding, employee relations and retention, performance management, professional development, and effective management of staff personnel issues. Consult with legal counsel as needed on personnel matters.
• Review and make recommendations to improve policies, procedures, and benefits.
• Ensure that the organization’s commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging informs all HR decisions, policies, and systems.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Proactively mitigate risks and monitor key risk areas (financial, physical security, personnel, etc.)
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage.
• Construct and monitor reliable control systems.
• Ensure that all statutory requirements of the organization are met, including charitable status, withholding payments, and taxes.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU.
• Strong familiarity with and significant previous experience in financial management, operations, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated experience serving at a senior level at an organization or company, in partnership with executive management, and advising on organizational issues.
• Proficiency with software including Quick Books, Zenefits (or other HRIS)
• Expertise with GAAP, standard bookkeeping systems and processes
• Experience streamlining and implementing IT solutions
• Experience managing allocations to multiple sources and building streamlined bookkeeping processes
• Proven ability and a vision for building an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace, where all staff feel a sense of belonging. Demonstrated application of EDIB principles to organizational management and administration.
• Significant management experience, particularly supervising professional staff in a fast-paced environment. Able to provide clear direction, delegate well and assume ultimate responsibility. A management style that is accessible, flexible, decisive, and supportive.
• High level of organizational and planning skills with strong attention to detail complemented by the ability to see the big picture.
• Creative problem-solving skills. Able to research and provide information for decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex issues and work calmly and effectively under pressure including an ability to quickly adjust to new situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex points concisely and clearly; and communicate respectfully and directly with co-workers.
• Ability to negotiate conflict and maintain constructive working relationships with people at all levels within and outside of the organization.
• Creative, result-oriented, self-starting, willing to learn, and able to manage an aggressive schedule, working beyond 9-5 as needed.
• Ability to occasionally travel across New Mexico and out of state.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPA and/or bachelor’s in accounting
• 5+ years experience with non-profit financials
• Spanish language ability

No one person will have all the qualities enumerated above. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested and feel you could be successful in this role.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary is $80,000-100,000/year depending on experience. We offer excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and generous sick and vacation time, family and medical leave policies.

HOW TO APPLY:

All applications are treated confidentially. Please send cover letter no longer than one page and resume by email to HR@aclu-nm.org. Please include “Director of Finance and Operations” in the subject line and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Your letter should explain ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above. We also invite applicants to include in their letter information about how their background and/or experiences could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and advocacy work. Please indicate where you learned of this job posting. No phone calls, please. Note: we will not accept resumes that do not include a cover letter.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis beginning on May 2, 2023.

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of New Mexico reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice

COVID:

The Director of Finance and Operations, like most ACLU-NM staff, will work partially in-office and partially from home.

For the safety of our staff, their families, and the communities that we work with, ACLU-NM requires that staff be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC.

ACLU of New Mexico is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and promote an inclusive culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented and marginalized groups.

 “ACLU of New Mexico” refers collectively to two separate corporate entities, ACLU of New Mexico and ACLU of New Mexico Foundation. The two entities share the same mission, office space, and employees.