Vice President of Finance and Operations

Job Summary

The Vice President of Finance and Operations (VP) is a leadership position that plays a key role in the overall strategic management of Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. The VP serves on the Senior Leadership Team and plays a crucial role in creating a sustainable business model that aligns with our mission and strategic plan. The VP works closely with the Executive Director (ED) and other senior leaders to set and drive financial and operational goals for the organization. The VP advises on all fiscal matters, leads the budgeting process, and provides senior leaders with the sound financial guidance needed to make key strategic decisions. The VP reports to the ED and manages the Director of Administration.

The VP oversees finance, human resources, information technology and administrative operations, and together with the Director of Administration, supports a hybrid organization with a $2.9 million budget, 20+ staff members located in three states, and a Chicago office. The VP role is an ideal opportunity for a person who is a proven strategic finance and operations leader, who excels at coaching and managing others and who is committed to the mission of advancing civil rights and racial justice.

Our Organization

Founded in 1969, we are Chicago’s leading nonprofit civil rights legal organization. Our mission is to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all. We collaborate with grassroots organizations and other advocacy groups to implement community-based solutions that advance civil rights. We provide legal support through in-house staff and long-standing partnerships with over 30 member law firms. Our principal work areas consist of economic justice, education equity, equitable community development and housing, settlement assistance in federal civil rights cases, and voting rights.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Strategy

• Collaborate with the ED and Senior Leadership Team to set financial strategy to help achieve organizational objectives and priorities.
• Work with the ED and Vice President of Advancement to align fundraising strategies with organizational needs and capture new revenue opportunities.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to the ED and Board, especially to the Finance and Investment Committees.
• Anticipate and address opportunities and challenges related to financial matters.

Financial Planning and Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process, create mission-driven budgets, and monitor progress and changes.
• Manage all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash management.
• Prepare financial statements and reports for the organization, the Board, and funders.
• Assess and report performance against strategic metrics, financial targets, and grant requirements.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory reporting requirements, including audits and 990 filings.
• Oversee risk management, internal controls, and relationships with banks and investment firms.

Human Resources

• Lead and optimize HR operations, including personnel policies, recruiting and retention, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, and compliance processes.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to align HR strategies and processes with the organization’s mission and values of equity and inclusion.
• Maintain a competitive and equitable compensation and benefits program that attracts and retains employees.
• Employ best practice talent development and management processes to foster a culture of performance excellence and accountability.

Operations

• Optimize technology to streamline workflows and enable effective collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the organization.
• Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative operations and processes. Work with staff to proactively identify and implement improvements to better support organizational needs.
• Manage relationships with vendors to improve service and minimize costs.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Leadership style that is strategic and collaborative
• Proven ability to be both detail oriented and big picture
• Demonstrated success in overseeing different business functions such as Finance, HR, IT, Operations
• Skilled at presenting financial information in a clear fashion to audiences with varying levels of financial expertise
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Flexibility and ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects
• Excellent people skills, especially the ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in accounting, finance or related field. CPA, MBA or advanced degree is preferred
• At least 10 years of relevant experience that includes a senior leadership role, preferably in a nonprofit
• Experience with establishing and managing inclusive policies and processes
• Hands-on experience with Quickbooks is a plus

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $125,000-$140,000 depending on experience. Generous benefits package includes PTO and paid leave; health, dental, and vision plans; employer-provided life and disability insurance; participation in a retirement savings plan; and 1-month sabbatical after 6 years of full-time employment. Please note that we offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, with a requirement of one day per week in the office on a designated anchor day along with the option to work up to 4 days remotely.

To Apply: Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to: Elesha Jackson,

Director of Administration, ejackson@clccrul.org. Please, no telephone

inquiries. CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY BY November 18, 2024.

Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prioritize equity and inclusion in our organizational culture and hiring, and value candidates with lived experience in the communities we serve. We welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, service in the military or other identify factor.