Director of Finance and Administration

Overview:

For over 30 years, SOWA has been supporting an equitable ecosystem of expanded learning programs for Washington’s youth by helping after-school, summer, and child care programs become more robust and accessible. Anchored in collaboration, we secure funding, advocate for the youth development sector, and provide tools and trainings to professionals who work with young people, ages 5 to 24. Our efforts benefit communities throughout the state by prioritizing youth most impacted by systemic inequity.

Position Summary:

SOWA’s Director of Finance and Administration has primary responsibility for the organization’s financial operations, as well as data systems, information technology (IT), and office administration. A key leadership position at SOWA, the director contributes to overall organizational strategy while leading the daily management of the financial and operations services. In collaboration with the CEO and leadership team, the director plays a key role in supporting SOWA’s strategy and capacity to maintain organizational health and staff wellbeing, deliver impactful services, and advance equitable access to high quality expanded learning opportunities across Washington state.

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: 625 Andover Park West, Tukwila, Washington. This is a hybrid position. Some of the job duties are required to be performed onsite at SOWA’s Tukwila office, hence candidates must reside within a reasonable daily commuting distance to Tukwila, Washington. Some duties can be done remotely.

Start date: Preferred start date is April 2026

Responsibilities:

Financial Operations and Strategy (60%)

• Manage all SOWA’s finance and accounting operations, including accounting transactions, banking, financial analysis, reporting and planning, budgetary control, and payroll.
• Lead the development of short- and long-term financial plans, including budgets, cash flow projections, financial reports, and background for fundraising and new programs and contracts.
• Advise the CEO and other key members of SOWA’s leadership team on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
• Serve as the management liaison to the board’s finance committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at select board of directors and committee meetings. Provide appropriate budget and program performance reports and analysis.
• Manage the annual financial audit as the primary liaison with the independent auditors, providing all information and reports requested by our independent auditors for completion of the annual audit report on a timely basis. Ensure completion of all fiscal aspects of the annual Federal Form 990.
• Manage all audits and financial reporting required by government and other funders.
• Lead SOWA’s risk management activities including information security, contract review, insurance, and compliance
• Support program leads and system improvements to ensure contractual, legal, and financial compliance and effective revenue capture.

Team Development/Leadership (30%)

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the internal staff teams supporting finance, office administration, data systems, and IT.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach; Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals.

Operations and Information Technology (10%)

• Provide support and oversight to human resources with benefits administration, compliance, policy development, and staff communication, and collaborate with the CEO and HR Generalist around performance management and compensation strategy and improvements. Over time, this position may assume full HR oversight, including supervision of the HR Generalist.
• Oversee and negotiate contracts with key vendor partnerships, including for office space and technology systems. Ensure SOWA’s vendor partners provide high quality services and support to the organization
• Oversee SOWA’s management of information technology including hardware, software, security and subscriptions.
• Oversee efforts to evaluate and improve current technology and systems to support SOWA’s infrastructure, streamline operations, and allow the organization to scale.

Other Responsibilities

• Address racism, sexism, heterosexism and other discriminatory practices, including reflecting and addressing how racism and bias may appear in the context of your work with others.
• Work toward racial equity through undoing institutional and structural racism, including active participation in organizational learning.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization, both formally and informally.
• Respond to requests for information and resources and make referrals to outside resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of related work experience, including senior finance-level experience as a CFO, Director of Finance, Controller, or equivalent, with a strong preference for experience in the nonprofit sector and/or experience managing government grants and contracts
• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business or related field; Equivalent experience may be substituted for education
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP) and experience with audit requirements and procedures for non-profits; Single audit experience preferred
• Proficiency using applicable accounting software (QuickBooks currently) as well as MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook
• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization, and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, train, delegate, and develop staff
• Experience and commitment to working with diverse individuals, groups, communities, and organizations
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to translate complex financial concepts to, and to effectively collaborate with, individuals at all levels, including those without finance backgrounds
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and complete multiple tasks amidst competing priorities, paired with an ability to evaluate and adjust course of direction based on internal capacity, new data, or emerging priorities
• Ability to work collaboratively across staff teams, providing strong customer service and helping create conditions for employees to thrive
• Commitment to racial and social justice and experience working toward racial equity within organizations and community initiatives
• CPA preferred
• Experience with effective human resources and personnel management practices preferred
• Training, education, or work experience in information system security preferred

HOURS AND BENEFITS:

40 hours per week, Monday-Friday Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification: Exempt

Hiring range: Pay band 32, $127,000-$153,000 annual salary range based on relevant experience. Over time, the employee in this role may earn up to $178,000 per year with additional years of service at SOWA.

Benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, 403b retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off.

Our Equity Commitment: School’s Out Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a commitment to addressing racism, sexism, heterosexism and other discriminatory practices and a commitment to working toward racial equity through undoing institutional and structural racism. People of Color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.