Director of Finance & Performance

About New York Sun Works

NY Sun Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to integrating the science of sustainability and climate education into K-12 urban schools. Through our hydroponic classrooms, we provide hands-on learning experiences that foster scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship. We bring quality education to the communities where it’s most needed. Together with our 300+ partner schools, we're shaping the next generation of environmental innovators empowered to create solutions to global climate challenges.

NY Sun Works serves a diverse population of students primarily across the five boroughs of New York City, with a small but growing number of schools in the greater metropolitan area. We strive to make our program accessible to all types of learners, especially to students who are at-risk, require special accommodations, or are currently underrepresented in STEM fields.

NY Sun Works is an EPA, NAAEE, and HBSCNY award-winning organization, and maintains a platinum-rated status on Guidestar and a top-rated status on Great NonProfits.

Title: Director of Finance & Performance
 

Position Summary
 

The Director of Finance and Performance plays a crucial role in optimizing organizational resources through strategic financial oversight. This encompasses comprehensive management of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and external auditing. Moreover, the Director collaborates with the Executive Director to establish and supervise best practices in standard operating procedures, assessments, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

In addition to steering financial operations, the Director of Finance and Performance acts as an integrator, providing essential strategic leadership. Working closely with the Executive Director and other area directors, the Director helps define and achieve NY Sun Works’ objectives. In this role, they play a pivotal part in executing organizational plans, leading, managing, and ensuring team accountability for their commitments. Proactively tackling obstacles, standardizing operations, and integrating critical functions within NY Sun Works, the Director's collaborative effort with the Executive Director is central to converting innovative ideas into actionable and effective organizational plans.

Primary Responsibilities

Finance:

• Oversee and review month-end closing activities, ensuring accuracy in monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings.
• Develop internal and external reports, including monthly/quarterly board financial packages.
• Lead and optimize the finance function to maximize organizational resources.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and internal financial plans and processes.
• Coordinate and spearhead the annual audit process, acting as a liaison with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors.
• Manage the annual insurance renewal program, encompassing workers' compensation, medical, general liability, property and casualty, fiduciary, and cyber coverage.
• Develop and maintain processes and systems to collect payments effectively from different clients and funding sources.
• Partner with the Executive Director and the Development team staff to prepare and monitor restricted funds and grant expenditure reports.
• Provide vital support for strategic decision-making through financial modeling and analysis.
• Participate actively in internal planning for program expansion, ensuring alignment of program, outreach, and training plans with financial projections.
• Regularly engage with the Executive Director, Director of Development and Government Relations, Education Director, and CEA Director to achieve organizational goals and drive innovation at NY Sun Works.

NYC agencies + Partner Schools Contract Management

• Oversee the development of budgets and proposals for recurrent school contracts
• Develop and maintain critical relationships with City agencies, government agencies, as well as school administrators to secure contract approvals and timely payments
• Support school contracts materials purchasing process and monitor budget execution effectively.

Performance and Operations 

• Innovate and propose streamlined processes and systems to enhance organizational efficiency and bolster data management capabilities across various workstreams.
• Foster collaboration across different organizational domains, actively participating in the development, implementation, and execution of data-driven processes, programs, and initiatives.
• Conceptualize, synthesize, analyze, and establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each program to gauge efficacy and evaluate impacts effectively.
• Contribute to regular grant reports targeted at funders and other stakeholders.
• Develop comprehensive dashboards for both internal use and external distribution.
• Take charge of overseeing a portfolio of projects involving monitoring and evaluation with third-party partners.
• Design purposeful and feasible data collection tools and surveys to support organizational objectives.
• Collect, analyze, and monitor data concerning program activities, outcomes, and outputs.
• Define protocols and processes for the Accelo-CRM system to optimize its functionality.
• Generate reports and conduct analyses using the Accelo-CRM system to derive actionable insights and support decision-making processes.

Qualifications:

• Financial Expertise: 10+ years of progressive financial management experience including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and auditing, ideally within nonprofit or educational settings.
• Nonprofit Financial Management: Prior experience in nonprofit financial management, 
• Grant Reporting and Fundraising: Demonstrated experience in contributing to grant reports, engaging funders, and supporting fundraising through financial reporting and analysis.
• Program and Project Management: Experience overseeing projects, monitoring programs, and contributing to grant reports and dashboards for stakeholders and funders.
• Technology Proficiency: Hands-on expertise in financial software such as QuickBooks, Paychex, and CRM systems (preferably Accelo-CRM) for efficient financial data management and process streamlining.
• Leadership and Strategic Vision: Track record (3-5 years) in leadership roles overseeing finance operations, setting strategic financial goals, and aligning strategies with organizational objectives.
• Project Management and Analytics: Proven (3-5 years) project management and data analytics experience, particularly within education or sustainability-focused nonprofits, establishing KPIs and analyzing data effectively.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated history (3-5 years) of collaborating across departments to develop and execute data-driven processes and initiatives.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong analytical and mathematical skills to discern patterns, conduct financial modeling, and synthesize complex information for decision-making.
• Commitment to Integrity: Dedication to maintaining high data integrity standards and ensuring accuracy and compliance within financial operations.
• Multi-tasking and Autonomy: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently, meeting deadlines with initiative and drive.
• Communication and Organizational Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, coupled with strong organizational efficiency in managing tasks and implementing streamlined systems.
• Collaborative Approach: Ability to foster cross-departmental collaboration, implementing data-driven processes for enhanced organizational performance

Principal Relationships:

• Executive Director (Supervisor)
• Finance Associates x2  (Direct Reports)
• Purchasing Officer (Direct Report)
• Finance Controllers - External  (Direct Report)
• Director of CEA Operations
• Operations Manager
• Director of Education
• Director of Development & Government Relations
• Head of People & Culture

Job Location:  New York City

The heart of this role is in-person, allowing you to be at the center of our dynamic work environment. You'll typically enjoy standard working hours from 9 am to -5 pm. However, we understand that life sometimes calls for flexibility. With that in mind, we are open to occasional remote work options, especially when travel or special circumstances arise. 

Compensation:

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $90,000- 120,000 USD.

Benefits

• NY Sun Works offers comprehensive and competitive medical benefits covering 100% of an individual’s medical, dental, and vision expenses.
• Full-time employees at NY Sun Works enjoy 15 paid vacation days in addition to paid holidays provided by the organization. Furthermore, we provide 10 paid sick/personal days to ensure your well-being.
• Additionally, we extend the privilege to our employees to enroll in our 401(k) plan. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive package of benefits, including short-term disability coverage, life insurance, accident insurance, and illness insurance.
• Work/Life balance- we prioritize fostering a healthy work environment that supports flexible schedules. We recognize that occasionally, employees may need to address personal matters, and in such instances, they have the option to adjust their work hours to accommodate these needs rather than taking a full day of leave. These arrangements are permissible once mutually agreed upon with departmental supervisors, ensuring a balanced and accommodating approach to work-life integration.
• Professional Development- We are committed to nurturing the growth and advancement of our team members. We consistently explore avenues for professional development, and exposure to new skill sets, and foster a culture that encourages continuous learning.

How to Apply:

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume, cover letter, and the contact details of three professional references here.

We are eager to learn more about your accomplishments and how your unique skills and experiences can make a positive impact on our team.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early applications are encouraged. Please note that due to the volume anticipated, we will not be able to respond individually to each applicant.  We kindly ask that you do not send duplicate applications via mail or email, and no phone calls. 

Research suggests that women and structurally marginalized and/or underrepresented groups of people believe they need to meet 100% of the requirements in job postings to apply.  

NY Sun Works encourages anyone who believes they have the skills and motivation necessary to succeed here to apply for this role, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, as no one applicant ever does.  

New York Sun Works is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

New York Sun Works values diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depends on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about New York Sun Works’ mission, please visit www.nysunworks.org.