WHO ARE WE?

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank created in 1986 to include the needs of low- and middle-income workers, women workers, and workers of color in economic policy discussions. EPI believes every working person deserves a good job with fair pay, affordable health care, retirement security, and the power to bargain effectively for their fair share of wealth and income. EPI uses the tools of economics to achieve these goals, conducting research and providing data and analysis that informs and shapes the way the people in Washington, DC and in state capitals across the country think about the economy and economic policy. EPI’s research helps policymakers, opinion leaders, advocates, journalists, and the public understand the bread-and-butter issues affecting working people.

EPI has a staff of 45 and a budget of $12 million in 2023.  Revenue comes primarily from foundation grants, contributions from labor unions, and individual donations. For more information about EPI, please go to www.epi.org.

 

THE POSITION AND ITS PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to EPI’s Vice President and working closely with colleagues on the senior management team, the Director of Finance and Operations’ primary responsibility is to ensure the fiscal health of the organization. This person will also oversee Human Resources and IT, much of which are carried out by outside firms.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Serving as a strategic partner to management and the board, assessing the financial implications of key opportunities and decisions the organization is considering.
2. Analyzing and assessing all existing policies and procedures related to finance and accounting and recommending any changes that will improve the organization’s ability to manage its finances effectively and efficiently.
3. Producing financial reports that are timely, accurate, and useful for senior management and the board.
4. Leading an organization-wide process to produce an operating budget that reflects the organization strategic plan and is integrated with the accounting system.
5. Creating and assessing budgets for grant proposals to be submitted to foundations and other donors.
6. Oversee computer, communications, and network operations; supervise IT contractors; monitor infrastructure requirements and plan for upgrades; provision and arrange set up of workstations for new employees.
7. Collaborate with development staff on fundraising, projections, budgeting, reporting, and soliciting, tracking, and realizing projected and existing grants and donations.
8. Manage the accounting system (Sage Intacct) and ensure it is meeting the needs of the organization.
9. Serving as a member of the senior management team, which includes the President, Vice President, department heads and deputy directors.
10. Serving as primary staff liaison to the board finance committee that focuses on financial oversight, including investments and annual audit.
11. Familiar with best practices in human resources management and IT to accurately assess current staffing and systems and recommend improvements.

This job is available because EPI Director of Finance and Administration is retiring.

 

DESIRED SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

As the person overseeing EPI’s finances, the Director of Finance and Operations should have:

• A BA in Accounting, Finance, or related field. An active CPA license is desirable, but not required.
• Ten years of financial/accounting and business management experience; highly experienced in financial management at organizations whose revenue comes primarily from foundations and donations.  
•  Knowledgeable in managing the finances of an organization that has two distinct entities within it, in this case a 501 (c )3 and 501 (c ) 4.  The organization produces separate financial reports for the two entities, plus consolidated reports, as needed.
• Experience with calculating appropriate indirect cost rates to include in grant proposals to private foundations and other donors. (EPI does not seek funding from government sources).
• A superb communicator, orally and in writing, especially in articulating financial data to colleagues.
• A deep commitment to EPI’s mission, including EPI’s vision for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Collegial and open. The Director of Finance and Operations must have a personality and work style that ensures that the internal atmosphere will remain open and collaborative at all levels of the organization.
• Experience that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, performance, and organizational integrity.

 

COMPENSATION:

• The salary for this position ranges from $150,000 to $170,000 and is dependent on experience.
• EPI offers an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, a 9.25% employer-provided 401k retirement contribution, fully employer-funded medical, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance.
• EPI is a unionized workplace with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU).  Staff reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations will be members of the NPEU bargaining unit. The Director of Finance and Operations is not in the bargaining unit.

This position is in EPI’s Washington D.C. office. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, EPI is currently operating under a trial hybrid work policy. EPI is exploring its return to in-office work policies, but it is anticipated that the Director of Finance and Operations will be expected to comply with a hybrid work schedule.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and interest in working at EPI, along with a resume, to hr@epi.org with Director of Finance and Operations in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications without a cover letter WILL NOT be considered.

EPI believes that having a diverse and inclusive workplace not only strengthens the institute’s work but is also essential for understanding and creating economic policies that support all working people. EPI is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law.

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