Vice President, Administration and Finance: Heights Philadelphia

About this Role

The Vice President oversees finance, technology, administration and benefits, managing and coaching a layered team to lead and develop the organizational systems, processes, and practices that will propel Heights into its next phase of growth, sustainability, and impact. Working closely with the Co-Presidents and serving as a member of the senior management team, the VP’s primary focus will be evolving Heights’ financial and operating model to support and accelerate its goals, and collaborating with members of the senior management team to ensure that Heights is implementing a business plan that is ambitious and actionable.

This is an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial finance leader with operational experience, who brings a big-picture approach centered in creative and collaborative problem solving.

You’ll help us to achieve:

In pursuit of our mission and with a goal of serving 5,000 Philadelphia students by 2025, the Vice President provides the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure that Heights’ has the infrastructure in place to effectively scale with financial strength and operational efficiency.

You’ll be responsible for: 

Organizational  & Team Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a business and operating model that is strategic, innovative, and financially sound
• Contribute to the development of Heights’ strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the senior management team and board of directors, providing financial, operational, and technology insights to support decision-making
• Liaise to the Finance and Investment Committees, effectively communicating and presenting critical financial matters to key stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and promote the professional growth of a diverse, layered team of 5+ professionals, including the Director of Finance and Administration; Associate Director, Finance, part-time bookkeeper Office Manager; Systems and Technology Coordinator, and administrative interns.
• Collaborate on annual goal setting for the team, driving and executing team roadmaps, setting objectives, and providing feedback to ensure a high level of teamwork and performance toward goals.
• In alignment with Heights’ values, foster a commitment to continuous improvement and learning, quality services, and innovation

Financial Management

• Develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure effective financial management, accountability, and financial health for the organization
• Manage the Finance team to implement strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, accounting principles, and internal controls
• Direct the organization’s annual budget process – providing guidance and direction to budget owners, and modeling annual, and multiyear financial projections to inform recommendations
• Oversee the management of organizational investments in conjunction with the Finance and Investment Committee
• Oversee all accounting policies, procedures, and operations, including payables, receivables.
• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, working with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors.
• Collaborate with Advancement to ensure financial sustainability by supporting revenue diversification models, as well as by partnering on grant proposals and reports

Operations & Compliance

• Ensure efficient, consistent, and student-centered operations through management of key administrative functions and facilities
• Support program delivery with contract negotiations (and budget development), facilities planning and event planning, and by cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, university and nonprofit partners
• Oversight of organizational-wide operational matters and compliance issues, including program and student safety, cybersecurity and data protection
• Direct the Administrative team in managing all aspects of organizational liabilities and insurance, as well as all contracts with vendors and consultants

HR Administration & Benefits

• In conjunction with the VP, Talent, oversee the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures, including the maintenance of our employee handbook and administrative policies
• Oversight, implementation and evaluation of all benefits offerings for the organization, including health insurance, paid time off and retirement.
• Direct the Administrative team in all aspects of payroll administration

Technology

• Recommend, plan, and direct new information technology strategies, systems, and policies to advance organization objectives.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of technology systems, including Salesforce, G-Suite,  QuickBooks, computers, printers, telephone, internet, and security.
• Oversee the deployment and support of staff and student computers as well as office technology.  Support the onboarding and access of all staff to office technology.
• Work in conjunction with the VP, Data and Innovation to ensure staff have the technology and information needed for program operations, measurement, and evaluation.

About You

You have…

• At least 10 years of professional experience, with at least  6+ years of progressive financial and operations management experience
• At least 3 years of leadership responsibility for the quality and content of financial data, reporting and/or audit coordination
• Experience with managing and coaching a layered team, leading through change with a with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams
• Evidence of building structure, iterating and making lasting change to improve processes or programs; they have driven innovation while navigating existing policies, procedures and interdependencies
• Experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; knowledge of and facility with accounting and reporting software including QuickBooks Online; Salesforce and G-Suite
• Experience with benefits administration
• A college degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field; CPA or CFA is preferred

You are…

• Analytical by nature with a proven capacity to think strategically and make data-driven decisions that increase efficiency, sustainability, and drive impact
• A big-picture thinker who can take a systems view, while also able to implement and “get in the weeds”
• An effective communicator, able to translate financial concepts to – and effectively collaborate with – colleagues with and without a background in finance
• Not just savvy, but tech forward. Inclined to stay abreast of technology trends and advancements, at-the-ready to recommend innovative solutions to enhance Heights’ operations across functions
• A collaborator with strong relationship-building, able to effectively engage and influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels and across lines of difference
• Consultative in their approach to problem solving. Though they bring subject matter expertise, they lead with curiosity, demonstrating empathy for others’ challenges, and help to build the capacity of others to take action
• Inclined to take an active role in building community at work and ensuring Heights continues to be a great place to work

Benefits