Director, Operations & Finance
The Federation of State Humanities Councils (the Federation) seeks a Director, Operations & Finance (the Director) to provide internal leadership of the membership-based organization as it enters a new phase of building its capacity to support and strengthen its membership and advocate for the humanities across the nation. We are seeking a passionate and dynamic team player with strong analytical and math skills, as well as financial acumen. Candidates should have at least ten years of broad finance and operational experience. Staff and Board are currently developing and will be operationalizing both a strategic framework for FY27-FY29 and a vision for the next chapter for the organization.
This is a full-time position that requires at least 1 day a week in the Arlington VA offices; proximity to the Washington, D.C. area is preferred. Employees must comply with all applicable organizational policies and workplace health and safety requirements. Staff members are expected to be available during typical office hours in the Eastern Time Zone, with some flexibility available, as well as access to reliable internet service. Out-of-state travel is required up to two times a year, ranging from 2-4 days.
Position title: Director, Operations & Finance
Salary range: $98,400-$103,400
Benefits: 24 days of paid time off (not including holidays), 16 paid holidays; health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) employer contribution after 6 months of employment
Reports to: President
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: At least 1 day in the Arlington VA office is required; out-of-state travel is required up to 2 times a year, ranging 2-4 days
Hours: Typical office hours are at Eastern Time Zone, with some flexibility available
Organization Overview
Founded in 1977, the Federation of State Humanities Councils (“Federation”) is the national membership organization for the state and jurisdictional humanities councils. Rooted in the distinctive places and people they serve, the councils are independent nonprofit organizations that conduct and fund public humanities programs, engaging millions of people in community and civic life. The Federation serves the councils by fostering connections and deepening their networks, providing resources and capacity-sharing opportunities, and advocating to Congress for federal funding.
Position Summary
The Director of Operations & Finance leads the Federation’s operations, including management of financial and accounting functions, as well as the management of relationships with external vendors, including the audit firm, the external accounting firm, the bank, insurance brokers, investment managers, and others. The Director plays a vital role in ensuring the Federation’s strong leadership and impact in the field, sustainability, and sound fiscal position through financial stewardship, overseeing Operations, IT, and HR functions. The Director will work collaboratively across the organization and be supported by an external accounting team and HR firm.
Mission
The Federation advocates for increased investment in and engagement with the national network of humanities councils. We support, connect, and amplify the work and voices of our members, demonstrating councils’ value for communities and their collective impact on civic health and cultural vibrancy.
The Director of Operations & Finance will support the Federation’s mission by ensuring the organization’s work and strategic priority areas (advocacy, NEH relationship, member resources, and leading with equity) benefit from sound fiscal management, transparent polices, and organizational sustainability. The Director will lead budgeting, fiscal management, and operations with direction from the President and in collaboration with Board and Staff.
Vision
We envision a fully resourced, inclusive, and thriving humanities council network that builds capacity for people and communities throughout the country to understand one another and navigate together towards a just future.
The Director of Operations & Finance will support the Federation’s vision by working to ensure that the Federation has a strong financial position and long-term sustainability to ensure that member councils have the resources they need to thrive.
Our Values
All team members are expected to operate in line with the Federation’s values. In support of our history, mission, and vision, the Federation seeks to embody and promote:
· Accountability. We take responsibility for our journey of becoming an equitable organization and commit to taking action for positive change in all aspects of our work with members and external stakeholders.
· Inclusion. We expand access, remove barriers to participation, and intentionally invite participation from historically marginalized people and all communities.
· Service. We serve members by providing valuable resources, guidance, information, expertise, convenings, and advocacy that reflects their diverse interests, needs, and concerns.
· Transparency. We invite shared decision-making and collaboration through openness and clarity with our stakeholders.
· Understanding. We participate in active listening, purposeful interactions, and reflective practices.
Key Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Financial Management (30%)
· Prepare and analyze financial reports and forecasts for stakeholders and communicate critical matters to the Board
· Lead annual budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization while monitoring progress and changes to the Federation’s financial status
· Monitor grant and expense allocations and assist with funder reports
Accounting Leadership (30%)
· Manage external accounting firm to support its day-to-day management of accounting systems, including bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and grants accounting
· Review, process, and manage contracts and revenues, including annual dues assessments/collections
Membership Liaison (10%)
· Manage annual dues assessment and implementation.
· Act as a member resource for financial questions and dues process
Board Governance (10%)
· Lead preparation and materials and set agenda for Annual Business Meeting
· Staff Nominating Committee and support the annual Board recruitment process
· Work with the Audit Committee, Finance Committee, and Development & Communications Committee to support each of their functions in ensuring accurate reporting of the Federation’s finances
· Attend and report on finances at quarterly Board meetings
Human Resources (10%)
· Manage and implement the employee handbook, employee benefits (including onboarding and offboarding), retirement plan payments and filings, and insurance policies, all in compliance with federal and state laws
· Assist the President in advancing the full employee life cycle with an equity lens
· Work closely with external HR firm, insurance brokers, and retirement plan vendors to review and renew plans and ensure compliance
Administrative (10%)
· Act as the main point of contact with IT contractor
· Update and implement Operating Policies & Procedures
· Support, staff, and attend the Federation’s two largest member events each year, Humanities on the Hill, and annual member gathering
Supervisory Responsibilities
Act as main point of contact for Federation contracted audit, HR, IT, and accounting firms
Skills and Attributes
The Director of Operations & Finance will be a collaborative leader with at least 10 years of broad finance and operational experience, including:
· Minimum of ten years of related professional experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector with track record of effective management, accomplishment, and growth; advanced degree is a plus, college credential required
· Experience gathering, evaluating, and interpreting financial information, as well as presenting and making recommendations to senior leadership
· Experience managing federal grants
· Demonstrated ability in overseeing Operations and HR functions
· Advanced skills in Excel and strong analytical skills required
· Ability to dive into details of a project when needed and synthesize learnings to inform developing priorities and strategies
· Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-performing environment
· Strong customer service orientation: patience, listening, resourcefulness, and attention to detail
· Entrepreneurial spirit and drive
· Ability to work autonomously and with a small team
· Good interpersonal skills, including a desire to learn, curiosity, and creativity
· Experience updating manual and/or inefficient processes into effective internal workflows strongly desired
The Federation uses Sage and Bill.com as its accounting platform, ADP to process payroll, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat to create and edit documents, and Google Docs and Coda to work collaboratively with internal and external teams. The Federation has selected a new all-in-one platform (MonkeyPod), launched this year, into which the Director will migrate accounting processes in the next fiscal year.
In addition to the above, a demonstrated ability to cultivate positive and productive relationships and partnerships with a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations and a commitment to access are central to our work. Hence, we are intent on reaching applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Physical Requirements
· Primarily sedentary work performed in a remote and/or office-based professional environment.
· Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
· Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms.
· Ability to use standard office equipment and technology.
· Occasional travel for meetings, training, conferences, or business-related activities.
· Ability to lift and carry office materials up to 15 pounds on an occasional basis.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to [email protected] by August 10. Resume reviews begin immediately. We realize there are great candidates who won’t check all these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
If you require reasonable accommodations for a disability so that you may participate in the selection process, please email [email protected].
The Federation of State Humanities Councils does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, members, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.
Pay: $98,400.00 - $103,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Arlington, VA 22209
