Arena Careers

Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR)
Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Comp: $187,525 – $224,830
Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

ABOUT IWPR:

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) conducts and communicates research to inspire public dialogue, shape policy, and improve the lives and opportunities of women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. We are the leading think tank in the United States applying quantitative and qualitative analysis of public policy through a gendered lens.

IWPR advances women’s status through social science research, policy analysis, and public education. We develop new policy ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development. Our work also helps to change minds and improve the practices of institutions. IWPR operates on the principle that knowledge is power and that social science evidence based on strong data and analysis, compellingly presented and systematically disseminated, makes a difference in moving public policy.

IWPR is based in Washington, DC. It has an annual budget of around $10M and a staff of 32 committed, passionate leaders who bring interdisciplinary expertise to a broad range of policy issues with one common goal: to inform policy, inspire change, and improve the lives of women, families, and communities.

Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality

At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff.

To learn more about IWPR’s mission, values, priority areas, history, and impact, please visit https://iwpr.org/about/#mission

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the President and CEO, the inaugural Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) will provide strategic leadership, management, planning, and enhancement of IWPR’s internal financial and organizational systems and infrastructure, allowing IWPR to fulfill our mission and scale our impact. The CFOO sits on the Executive Leadership team and will oversee and direct the operations and administration of the organization with direct oversight and day-to-day engagement in Finance, People and Culture, IT, administration, and compliance. The CFOO will have a strong day-to-day leadership presence and serve as a steward of IWPR’s values, supporting high performance and positive staff morale, and have an unfailing dedication to producing high-quality, rigorous research on the economic security of women, children, and families.

The ideal candidate will be thoughtful, highly adaptable, and strategic. They will operate with a strong equity lens, ensuring that this is centered in the organization’s lived values and culture. They will have a “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude, approach difficult decision-making with care and intention, and have experience in designing and optimizing business and operations processes and systems. They will also have experience in managing teams through organizational growth and change and possess a deep understanding of motivating, mobilizing, and supporting staff, as well as evaluating systems and policies to increase effectiveness. The CFOO will have strong analytical capabilities, including the ability to think critically and to propose and implement change successfully.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned CFOO to grow the finance and operations team and infrastructure at a critical time of impact for IWPR’s gender equity work.

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Serve as a strategic financial adviser and thought partner to the President and CEO in organization-wide planning and development;
• Develop and implement organizational systems and processes to maximize efficiency, increase transparency, and support future growth;
• Support the implementation of IWPR’s strategic plan with a particular focus on financial planning and sustainability and strong talent management;
• Through action and behavior, model best practices, habits, and practices for IWPR staff;
• Identify and assess emerging operations gaps, working to proactively overcome and address issues and gaps;
• Build a culture that attracts and retains top talent for all positions at the organization; and
• Serve as an advisor to IWPR Leadership and senior staff.

Operations Management

• Lead the day-to-day internal operations and work to solve issues quickly and effectively with an eye toward the best interests of the organization;
• Ensure the organization has the necessary infrastructure, including technology and facilities, to operate effectively and scale as needed;
• Oversee the organization’s risk management and compliance responsibilities, implementing policies and systems to ensure the organization adheres to all relevant regulations and federal employment laws;
• Manage and oversee vendor relationships and partnerships and consultant contracts; and
• Ensure that office operations (reception, security, supplies procurement) and maintenance of the physical office work effectively and smoothly.

Financial Management

• Advise the President and CEO regarding opportunities for continuous improvement of the organization’s fiscal function and performance;
• Provide hands-on leadership of finance and accounting, including budget development and monitoring, grants management and compliance, cash and investments, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, tax, audit, and governance;
• Manage and work closely with finance consultants; and
• Collaborate with the Finance Committee and Board on investment policies and financial planning, attending triannual board meetings, overseeing investment portfolios, and guiding the Board Finance Committee on strategic movements.

Team Management and Culture

• Partner with the President and CEO, Executive and Senior Leadership Teams to cultivate a culture of transparency, equity, and inclusion;
• Serve as a thought partner, coach, mentor, and manager to staff responsible for directing the organization’s internal operating systems, including the Vice President of People and Culture, Office Manager, Senior Director of Grants and Contracts, Finance staff, and IT support;
• Partner with the VP of People and Culture on hiring, onboarding, promotion, and offboarding processes for staff, as well as support the planning of leadership and staff retreats and in-service training on relevant issues and topics.

Desired Qualifications

Strong candidates for this role will bring a diverse set of experiences, skills, abilities, and leadership qualities. IWPR understands that no single candidate will have every skill and bring all of the experiences listed below. We are focused on a holistic view of potential candidates and actively seek interest from candidates with a wide range of professional and lived experiences, especially those from historically underrepresented groups.

• Deep commitment to gender equity and IWPR’s mission and values;
• Master’s Degree in business, accounting, or nonprofit management, or equivalent experience/expertise. CPA preferred but not required;
• Senior management experience working cross-functionally across finance, operations, administration, human resources, and IT in complex organizations. Experience working within nonprofits and/or think tanks is strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated strategic financial, budget, and human resource management skills and experience;
• Demonstrated experience with technology, systems, and project leadership;
• Effective and persuasive communicator, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with a broad range of audiences;
• Strong existing networks and leader in the field;
• Proven track record of effectively working to meet the needs and address the concerns of a diverse staff;
• Superior problem-solving, managerial, and conflict-resolution skills;
• Judgment and discretion to manage confidential and difficult matters;
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization;
• Personal and professional integrity, unwavering commitment to equity, and a growth mindset;
• Effective, versatile, and action-oriented; and
• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.

POSITION and SALARY:

This role is in a hybrid environment (two days in office, three days remote) and is a full-time, exempt position. It is an Admin VI, and the salary range for this position is $187,525 – $224,830, based on education and experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) has retained the executive search firm LeaderFit to partner with them on this search. Interested candidates should upload a resume and a thoughtful, relevant cover letter here, or by clicking the apply now link.

IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until it is filled.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Vaccine Policy: IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, and fellows are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.