The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is seeking a Director of Finance & Staff Operations. This senior leadership role oversees CDT’s finances and accounting and manages the team responsible for human resources, information technology, and office administration for a dynamic 40+ person nonprofit advocacy organization based in Washington D.C.

The Director is a member of the senior executive team and reports directly to the CEO. In their Finance capacity, the Director develops and executes all aspects of CDT’s financial management and accounting, including: managing CDT’s accounts and payments; budget planning; tracking restricted and unrestricted donations; and maintaining systems for internal control and compliance.

In their Staff Operations capacity, the Director oversees CDT’s human resources, IT and office administration functions, and plays a central role in cultivating and supporting CDT’s collaborative workplace culture.

The Director manages two full-time employees, the Operations Associate and the Systems Administrator/Web Technician, and maintains relationships with CDT’s auditors, financial advisors, and the professional employer organization (PEO) in which CDT participates. The Director also serves as a resource and liaison to the CDT Global Board and its Finance Committee.

About CDT

CDT is a 28-year old nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates to protect people’s civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age. CDT fights for tech policies and practices that protect consumers’ interests — in areas ranging from data privacy and AI, to online content moderation, to democracy and elections, and the use of technology in education and government services.

Our team is made up of lawyers, technologists, researchers, and communications, development, finance and operations professionals who support CDT’s short- and long-term goals. The majority of CDT’s staff work from our Washington D.C. office, with some remote employees in the U.S. and a sister office in Brussels, Belgium.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Lead annual financial planning and budgeting processes, including preparing annual operating budget and working with program directors to develop and implement program-specific budgets. 
• Administer all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes; regularly review the organization’s financial status with senior leadership.
• Coordinate the annual audit, ensure tax forms are properly prepared and timely filed, and oversee licensing, reporting, insurance, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure efficient functioning and documentation for all financial systems including receipts, disbursements, billing, bookkeeping, and accounting. 
• Manage relationships with consultants and vendors; ensure appropriate contracts are in place and payments are tracked and on schedule.
• Work with the Director of Development to ensure proper and timely budgets and financial reports for foundation and federal grants. Oversee tracking, receipt, allocation, and expenditures of restricted and unrestricted donations.
• Maintain appropriate internal accounting controls, including appropriate segregation of duties between Director and other personnel. 

Staff Operations & Human Resources

• Create a supportive and effective professional space in which CDT staff can achieve their goals.
• Oversee the administration of human resource programs including, but not limited to: hiring, compensation, benefits, and leave; performance and talent management; occupational health and safety.
• Lead orientation and onboarding of new staff members as well as termination and offboarding employees for exiting employees.
• Oversee payroll, payroll liabilities, and benefits including PTO accrual, insurance and retirement plans, in partnership with CDT’s PEO. 
• Monitor performance and compliance of retirement, medical, dental, life, and all other benefits programs; conduct yearly benefit analysis.
• Register, maintain and manage necessary contracts, leases, and other legal documents and agreements.
• Oversee Information Technology processes carried out by Systems Administrator/Web Technician, including establishing and implementing technology strategies and solutions that align with business objectives, increase operational efficiency, and appropriately manage risks.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will thrive in a mission-driven environment that emphasizes relationship building, teamwork, integrity, attention to detail, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. Desired qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, or equivalent experience, required. 
• MBA and/or CPA certification required.
• 5–10+ years of experience in practical accounting, organizational budgeting, finance management, and administration in non-profit organizations.
• Experience with grant tracking, managing donor restricted net assets, payroll management, and general business systems and functions.
• Quickbooks experience required.
• Experience managing human resource functions and benefits programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, & inclusion.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Attention to detail in written deliverables and project coordination, as well as the ability to organize events and manage multiple projects. 
• An energetic, entrepreneurial and collaborative working style.

Compensation

The compensation for this position ranges from $135,000 to $160,000. Compensation is determined on a tiered pay scale based on years of experience and the responsibilities of the role. Candidates may request guidance on where they would fall within the salary range at any time during the application/interview process. CDT provides a generous benefits package that includes health care and dental coverage for employees and dependents, a retirement plan, paid vacation, sick days, and parental leave.

This position is based in CDT’s Washington, D.C. office, which operates on a hybrid schedule with an expectation of 3 days in office per week. A different hybrid schedule may be considered in exceptional cases, and is available if needed as a disability accommodation.

To Apply

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting on October 5, 2023. Application materials should be sent to [email protected]. Please submit:

• a cover letter explaining your interest in working at CDT, what skills you would bring, and why those skills would allow you to be successful in this position; and
• a current resume.

The Center for Democracy & Technology is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in any of its activities or operations. We believe that a diverse staff enables us to do better and more impactful work. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA+ and other historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.