New Visions is seeking a strategic, process-minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the Senior Management Team. Reporting directly to the President, the CFO will be responsible for providing leadership, hands-on management, and continuous improvement for the organization's day-to-day financial operations and office administration systems. This role requires a proven leader with experience in managing a Finance team and cultivating a performance-driven culture among diverse, talented individuals. The ideal candidate will possess the skills, sensitivity, and confidence necessary to collaborate effectively across teams to develop efficient systems that enhance organizational productivity.
The CFO's core responsibilities will include overall management of the Finance Unit, with a focus on budgeting, financial management and reporting, and accounting. Additionally, the CFO will manage the Administration Team to ensure a smoothly running office environment.
Core Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategy and Leadership
- Serve as the internal leader, directing the allocation of resources and budget to effectively support the organization’s operations, programs, and infrastructure.
- Ensure the long-term financial stability and proper use of the organization’s assets through sound fiscal management.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Finance and Administration teams, focusing on building professional capacity, accountability, and organizational alignment.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key constituents; representing the organization in those interactions.
- Assess and improve financial systems and data infrastructure to promote data fluency and automation across the organization to optimize decision-making and streamlined workflows.
- Build multi-year financial models incorporating revenue diversification, scenario analysis, and cost structures across multiple programs.
- Analyze funding trends and identify opportunities to optimize the organization’s revenue mix across city contracts, philanthropy, and earned income.
- Developing financial frameworks to support earned-revenue initiatives, product lines, or program expansions.
- Partner with program and development teams to translate program design into scalable, fundable business and financial models.
Budgeting and Financial Management
- Oversee annual operating budget, manage effectively within this budget, and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.
- Drive the financial oversight and relational strategy necessary for successfully navigating intricate and, at times, delayed payments on government contracts, ensuring compliance, minimizing risk, and securing timely revenue.
- Provide analysis of complex situations, prepare formal presentations, and present to senior management and Board of Directors on the overall financial health of the organization.
- Work with the New Visions’ Development Unit to prepare budgets for funding applications.
- Manage the administration of New Visions’ grant programs, including the application, award, and monitoring functions.
- Lead the annual budget process and midyear forecast for all New Visions programs.
- On a monthly basis, provide accurate and timely financials, reports, and other information that support the operations and business plans of NVPS programs.
Accounting
- Provide leadership and guidance to the accounting team to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions.
- Continually assess, improve, and document general accounting, accounts receivable, cash receipts, accounts payable, and cash disbursement controls and procedures.
- Oversee annual audits, regulatory, compliance, and tax filings.
- Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly and annual financial statements.
- Oversee cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds when needed.
Office Administration
- Provide executive leadership and oversight of the Administration Team, including reception, property/facility management, and provision of furnishings and equipment necessary for effective operations.
- Oversee the management of all leases, contracts and other financial commitments.
- Oversee planning of organization events.
Education and Experience:
- MBA, CPA or other advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including senior management roles within nonprofits or government-funded organizations.
- Demonstrated success leading financial strategy for organizations with $20M+ operating budgets.
- Experience developing long-term financial plans, forecasts, and scenario models to support organizational growth and impact.
- Experience managing NYC and NY State government contracts, including budgeting, billing, compliance, and audit preparation preferred.
- Proven track record overseeing audits.
Required Skill Set and Knowledge Base:
- Excellent management skills, plus strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Strong technical skills and experience managing complex implementation of financial management and related software products.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to think strategically and creatively, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them into the organizational plan.
- Capacity for managing and leading people in a complex and changing environment.
- Broad experience with a range of business functions and systems.
- Initiative and proven ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to translate financial concepts for non-financial stakeholders, including program leads, board members, and senior leadership.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to traverse an office environment to attend meetings and interact with colleagues
- Ability to operate a computer and other relevant technology, such as phones, screens, printers, and tablets
- Ability to carry up to 10 pounds (such as for a laptop and carrying case)
The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Pay Range
$200,000 minimum – $266,000 maximum
Disclaimer:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Our offices are currently operating in a hybrid model, with staff expected to work in person several days per week. Additional details will be shared if selected for an interview.
Who We Are
For over three decades, New Visions for Public Schools has played a central role in improving the quality of New York City public schools and removing barriers to the success of low-income students and students of color. We provide educators with the tools, resources, and supports to build and continuously improve strong and responsive systems—through investments in curriculum, technology, student planning tools, and innovative college and career preparatory programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
New Visions believes that our teams are most effective when they include representation from the diverse communities we serve, as their perspectives are critical to the work we do. Diversity, equity, and inclusion do not determine who gets hired—that is based on qualifications. They ensure that people who have traditionally had less access to opportunities are considered and, once chosen, feel supported and valued as part of our team.
New Visions provides a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package in addition to the opportunity to make a significant impact on education reform and in the lives of urban youth.