Overview of AJWS

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 14 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all.

Position Summary

AJWS seeks a Vice President (VP) of Finance and Administration to lead four key functions:  (1) Finance; (2) Information Technology (IT); (3) Risk Management; (4) Facilities Management.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President (EVP) and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), this role represents an incredible opportunity for a strategic thinker who is passionate about human rights.

As a member of the ELT, this leader will be responsible for both divisional and organizational results and thus must exercise an enterprise-first mindset so AJWS can continue to advance the rights of marginalized people in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.

The VP of Finance & Administration also holds key board relationships and serves as the senior staff lead of three important board committees: Finance & Audit Committee, Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Investment Committee. The VP of Finance & Administration is a strategic partner to the EVP, CEO, Board Treasurer, VP of People & Culture, VP of Development, VP of Programs, and others.

Job Description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Executive Leadership: 

• Lead and manage the Finance & Administration division to deliver operational excellence and advance organizational goals
• Serve as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and bring a forward-looking and proactive stance to leading the organization’s financial, risk, facilities and IT functions
• Ensure that all elements of the Finance & Administration division are aligned in support of strategic and programmatic changes
• Excellent communication skills with key internal and external stakeholders (CEO/President, EVP, ELT, Board of Trustees, Division, Departments, donors, vendors, consultants, contractors)
• Partner with members of the Board of Trustees to provide comprehensive presentations and reports to the Finance and Administration, Audit and Risk Management, and Investment Committees of the board
• Monitor and approve policies and procedures relative to financial, administrative, and IT processes and systems to ensure stability, compliance, and sound risk management, while improving operational effectiveness
• Partner with ELT on major fundraising initiatives and ensure all compliance processes are maintained and reviewed

Finance:

• Advise on long-range financial implications and organizational planning and regularly report on financial results and provide financial analysis
• Partner with the CEO, EVP, Board Treasurer, and Investment Committee Chair and committee members to ensure the socially responsible and effective investment of AJWS assets
• Ensure timely and accurate budget modeling, analysis and financial reporting for the ELT and Board of Trustees
• Create clear and user-friendly financial reports that support various levels of the organization to understand our financial position and make data driver decisions
• Direct long-term revenue and cost management to advance organizational strategy
• Certify audits, ensure tax returns are filed and required financial reports are submitted to regulators on a timely basis
• Ensure that all relevant information is compiled in financial statements, with accompanying disclosures, and present this information to various internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure that the finance staff maintains financial record systems and processes in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and monitors the use of all funds

Information Technology (IT):

• Identify opportunities and champion the development of new strategies for effective digital transformation
• Ensure the IT strategic plan harnesses potential and maximizes productivity
• Certify IT staff maintains appropriate records and compliance in accordance with best practices and audit recommendations
• Provide strategic guidance on the evaluation of internal systems and business processes to ensure efficiency and responsiveness to the organization’s needs
• Ensure that AJWS maintains competitive data security practices

Risk Management and Administrative Services (RMAS): 

• Lead an enterprise-wide approach to risk management at AJWS, and the continued evolution of risk management capabilities
• Partner with members of the ELT community in quickly and respectfully addressing matters related to Safety & Security
• Mitigate operational risks including maintaining internal controls, reviewing insurance coverage and providing updates to the ELT and the Board as needed
• Inspire risk-aware thinking to enable AJWS to run effectively, operate efficiently and manage risk thoughtfully
• Provide strategic guidance on the mitigation and assessment of domestic and international security risks including regular participation in the Crisis Management Team
• Provide leadership and guidance regarding the development and implementation of capital planning and facilities projects as well as the maintenance of AJWS Global Headquarters in NYC
• Ensure compliance with relevant internal policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations applicable to all organizational activities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or a related discipline; MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred
• Minimum of 15 years of senior leadership experience working across multiple functional areas such as financial planning, investment, IT and risk management
• Significant experience overseeing Information technology, risk management and other administrative operations for an organization
• Proven experience overseeing the financial responsibility for a complex nonprofit organization and knowledge of GAAP
• Prior experience overseeing safety and security at an international organization
• Strong written and oral communicator with excellent presentation and organizational skills
• Proven high standards of performance, eager to pursue aggressive goals, and works hard and smart to achieve them
• Must be persistent, decisive, resourceful, proactive, and results-oriented
• Must be flexible and adaptable in a rapid response environment
• Ability to work well in teams, as well as independently, and must be able to collaborate and build consensus internally and externally
• Proficient with spreadsheets, analytical tools and financial and administrative software and webtools
• Demonstrated knowledge of the best practices employed in financial, administrative and operational functions
• Passionate about the mission of AJWS and understands the realities of the nonprofit sector

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a Global Humanitarian Organization
• International/Global Finance experience

Additional Information:

• Salary Range: Executive
• This role is full time (40 HRS), Exempt
• This is not a union position

Location:

Remote – US-based, location-specific (NY-metro area)

*This role is flexible in nature, having some responsibilities that can be performed virtually from a home office and some responsibilities that must be performed in person at AJWS Global Headquarters.

Compensation and Benefits Information

• AJWS is committed to a salary framework that aligns with our culture and values. The compensation range reflected is in alignment with our framework and individual pay decisions will vary based on skills and experience while still allowing for growth.
• Paid Time Off: 15-22 Federal and religious holidays off each year in addition to generous vacation and sick days;
• Full health benefits coverage with minimal contribution by employees;
• 403(b): 4.25% company match (safe harbor);
• Flexible Spending Account and Commuter Benefits;
• Workplace flexibility and generous leave policy.

Additional Considerations

Black, Indigenous and People of Color; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Trans and Gender non-conforming people; women; and differently abled people are encouraged to apply. We also encourage applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual and cultural backgrounds.

As an organization committed to promoting social justice around the world, it is essential that we incorporate a diverse, equitable and inclusive lens into all aspects of our work at AJWS. We encourage applicants with a global perspective and a commitment to values around diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply.

Authorization to work in the US is required.

This is a complex financial leadership role and candidates who do not demonstrate experience in a global setting with wide and deep financial and investment experiences will not be considered.

How to Apply:

For immediate consideration, apply below. Applications submitted without a resume and personalized cover letter will not be considered. We thank you for your interest in career opportunities with AJWS. Due to high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.