Director of Finance

The Organization

The Population Health Learning Center (“Learning Center”) is a new organization that aims to become a catalyst for aligned statewide population health transformation in Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) and adjacent safety net programs. This includes aligning key funders and initiatives around a consistent approach to build capacity for population health management in the Medi-Cal delivery system, to advance health equity at scale in California.

The Learning Center serves as the Program Office for a statewide Medi-Cal focused practice Initiative, the Equity Practice Transformation (EPT) program, funded by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). The Learning Center’s broader goal is to build a just and equitable healthcare system for all Californians, especially the people and communities who have been historically underserved. A key part of our work is to build on our foundational partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services and expand our impact to additional primary care practices and partners statewide.

The Position

The Learning Center is seeking an experienced, hands on and strategic Director of Finance to build, lead and oversee all financial operations during this critical period of growth and organizational transformation. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role is pivotal as the Learning Center transitions from its current fiscal agent and establishes its own financial and operational systems.

The Director of Finance will serve as a key leader within the Learning Center, providing strategic financial oversight, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, and driving the development of systems that promote transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. This individual will also play a significant role in fostering a values-driven organizational culture and supporting the Learning Center’s long-term vision.

Responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership and Financial Oversight

• Lead the development and execution of financial systems and strategies that align with the Learning Center’s mission and goals, ensuring the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
• Oversee all aspects of financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and reporting, to ensure fiscal transparency and support financial management and operational effectiveness.
• Develop and manage contract and grant budgets, ensuring alignment with program goals, compliance with funding terms, and clear reporting to our funding partners.
• Partner with program teams to prepare accurate financial documentation for grant applications and reporting requirements.
• Develop, establish and refine financial systems, tools, and policies that support the Learning Center’s intermediary model and evolving business needs, ensuring scalability and adaptability.
• Collaborate with the COO to develop real-time financial analytics and dashboards that inform strategic decision-making and enhance financial performance.
• Provide leadership and guidance on funder-specific reporting requirements, annual audits, and the preparation of financial statements to meet compliance standards.
• Contribute to board meetings and discussions; present the annual plan, budget, and financial reports as requested.

Organizational Development and Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the leadership team, ensuring financial considerations are integrated into organizational planning and decision-making.
• Partner with senior leaders to align financial, operational, and programmatic strategies, driving the achievement of the Learning Center’s overarching objectives.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration by ensuring financial systems and processes enable efficient and effective workflows across the organization.
• Foster a culture of transparency and accountability by building trust and engaging stakeholders in financial planning and management.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly pertaining to non-profit financial management, grant compliance, and data- sharing agreements.
• Lead the transition from fiscally sponsored to independent financial operations, including the establishment of payroll systems, accounting systems, insurance coverage, and contract management processes.
• Develop and implement financial policies and internal controls to safeguard the Learning Center’s assets and mitigate financial risks.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and financial audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Provide leadership and guidance on funder-specific reporting requirements, annual audits, and the preparation of financial statements to meet compliance standards.

Team and Culture Building

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports professional growth and development.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance financial processes, systems, and team capacity.
• Provide financial training and guidance to non-financial staff and program teams to build organizational capacity and ensure alignment with financial goals.
• Act as a cultural steward, ensuring the Learning Center’s values of equity, inclusion, and collaboration are reflected in the finance team’s work and interactions.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications Including:

The ideal candidate will be a mission-driven leader with deep expertise in financial operations, compliance, and organizational development. They will bring a collaborative spirit and a commitment to equity, along with the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required; an advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA) or CPA designation is highly preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in financial management, preferably within mission-driven or intermediary organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing financial systems, policies, and tools that support organizational growth and adaptability.
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets, conduct financial forecasting, and oversee audits with a focus on transparency and accuracy.
• Strong understanding of compliance requirements for non-profit organizations, including grant management, restricted funding, and tax regulations.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Commitment to advancing health equity and supporting underserved communities through effective financial stewardship.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Must reside in California (San Francisco/Oakland/ East Bay preferred).

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $210,000. As a fiscally sponsored project of Tides, the Learning Center offers a generous benefits package that reflects Tides’ and the Learning Center’s shared commitment to team member health and wellness. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, unlimited paid time off, life and disability insurances, a retirement plan, annual wellness days, and other resources designed to support the passion, commitment, and energy that is vital to our team members.

The Population Health Management (PHM) Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.