Director of Finance & Operations

About this role

About SSWEF Southern Service Workers Education Fund Inc. (SSWEF) is a worker organization building power with low-wage workers across the South. We organize alongside workers and community partners to advance economic justice. Our programs and campaigns combine deep organizing, worker leadership development, and community solidarity to win real improvements in workers’ lives while building a broader coalition in the South. About the role - Director of Finance & Operations The Director of Finance & Operations is responsible for building, managing, and strengthening the financial and operational infrastructure of the organization. This role ensures the organization’s financial health, operational effectiveness, compliance, and internal systems can support a growing, ambitious mission. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director of Finance & Operations will oversee the day-to-day financial and operational functions of the organization, lead internal administrative systems, manage cross-functional operational staff, and serve as a strategic partner on budgeting, organizational planning, and growth. Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership Financial Planning & Strategy: Lead organizational budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and scenario planning in close partnership with the Managing Director and Board. Accounting & Compliance: Oversee day-to-day accounting, monthly close cycles, internal controls, and the annual audit and tax filings while managing bookkeeping support. Grants & Revenue Tracking: Partner with the Development team to manage grant budgets, track restricted funding, and ensure full compliance with funder requirements. Reporting & Analysis: Give leadership and the Board a clear, accurate picture of the organization’s financial health to guide major organizational decisions. Operations & Administration Systems & Processes: Build and maintain practical administrative workflows, operating policies, and internal systems that help the team work efficiently. Facilities, Vendors & Risk: Manage vendor contracts, business insurance, facilities, procurement, and legal/regulatory compliance alongside external advisors. IT & Workplace Tools: Manage external IT providers to ensure staff have reliable hardware, software, and everyday tech support. Team Leadership Managing Director Partnership: Work alongside the Managing Director to turn big-picture goals into realistic operational, staffing, and financial plans. Team Management: Directly manage and support the finance and operations staff, setting clear priorities and helping them grow. Operational Ownership: Take full ownership of day-to-day operations so executive leadership doesn’t have to get bogged down in administrative weeds. What You’ll Need 8–12+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit operations, finance, administration, and/or organizational leadership. Significant experience managing organizational finance, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, grants management, audits, and financial controls. Experience overseeing multi-million-dollar nonprofit budgets and supervising finance staff. Deep familiarity with nonprofit compliance, including 501©(3) and 501©(4) operational requirements. Experience building systems and operational infrastructure in growing or entrepreneurial organizations. Experience managing vendors, contracts, organizational technology systems, and administrative operations. Proficiency with nonprofit financial and operational systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Ramp, Bill.com, Salesforce, EveryAction). Experience in movement organizations, advocacy nonprofits, civic engagement, labor, or mission-driven organizations. Experience supporting rapidly growing organizations or organizational transitions. Familiarity with fiscal sponsorship structures and complex funding models. Who You Are: An Enabler, Not a Gatekeeper: You see finance as a tool to empower others, not a gatekeeping function. You proactively partner with non-financial team members to hel