The Stimson Center seeks an energetic, proactive, innovative, organized senior leader capable of juggling multiple priorities with ease and grace. Reporting to the President and CEO, and serving as an integral member of the senior management team, the Vice President, Finance and Operations (VP) will plan, develop, and oversee of the Center’s operations: Finance, Human Resources (HR), Information Technology (IT), and Administration, as well as contribute to the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic goals. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced executive with operational experience and a proven track record of creative problem-solving and change management to join a high-growth, mission-driven organization.

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Advise the President and CEO and other key members of executive, Board of Directors, and senior management on financial, operational, staff structures, short-term and long-term planning, budgeting, investment priorities, and policy matters;
• Support the growth of a technology forward organization prepared for the future;
• Effectively communicate and present critical matters at select Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Stimson’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization;
• Draft and implement policies and best practices to support and ensure compliance in all areas of finance, HR, IT, and administration;
• Ensure ongoing risk assessments, and observance of relevant laws and regulations, taking appropriate action as necessary;
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and is focused and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion;
• Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the President informed of all critical issues;
• Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and talent retention;
• Represent the organization externally, as necessary.

Financial Management

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work and effectiveness of both in-house and outsourced finance teams;
• Oversee all aspects of the accounting cycle and financial systems;
• Lead the preparation and implementation of organization’s annual operating budget;
• Prepare cash flow projections and recommendations and manage cash according to investment objectives;
• Manage payroll service and related tax obligations and reporting;
• Develop, prepare, and deliver timely financial and managerial reports to the President, the Board of Directors, and program directors;
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and organizational laws, regulations, guidelines, and best practices, including but not limited to tax laws, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and federal acquisition regulations (FAR);
• Ensure effectiveness of internal controls and serve as the internal transaction auditor and fraud prevention expert for the organization.

Human Resources & Administration

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work and effectiveness of in-house and outsourced administrative, HR, and IT teams;
• Lead the development, documentation, and execution of efficient, effective, and consistent systems and processes;
• Interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and organizational laws, regulations, guidelines, and best practices;
• Develop and manage competitive compensation and benefits plans, performance appraisals, training curricula, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, etc.
• Develop and manage the technological infrastructure, implementing and maintaining critical IT systems, and researching new technologies and opportunities for process or system improvements;
• Evaluate, negotiate, and manage office space requirements as well as lease agreements and relationships with the landlord, building management, subtenants, and vendors.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 15 years of work experience and at least 5 years experience in an executive management role (MBA or CPA preferred);
• Solid understanding of finance, administration, HR, and IT;
• Strong judgment and discretion;
• Proven track record of leadership and results driven performance;
• Ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• A good listener who inspires trust and confidence, remains open to the ideas of others, and who is eager to receive input and feedback;
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, including exceptional attention to detail, the ability to resolve disputes, and maintain a high degree of discretion and confidentiality;
• A management style that is accessible, flexible, decisive and inclusive;
• A team builder who inspires staff to work together in pursuit of a shared goal and holds them accountable for the accomplishment of objectives;
• Ability to negotiate conflict and maintain constructive working relationships with people at all levels within and outside of the organization;
• A person with integrity, self-confidence, a high level of energy, and a sense of humor;
• An ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure and transmit that composure to others;
• Outstanding communications skills (oral & written) and the demonstrated ability to handle controversial issues, respond rapidly to crises and translate complex information for broader audiences;
• Strong alignment with Stimson’s core values.