Managing Director of Finance

The American Immigration Council (the Council) works to strengthen America by shaping how America thinks about and acts towards immigrants and immigration, and by working toward a more fair and just immigration system that opens its doors to those in need of protection and unleashes the energy and skills that immigrants bring. The Council brings together individuals adept at solving problems and employs four coordinated approaches to advance change—litigation, research, legislative and administrative advocacy, and communications.

Position Summary

The Managing Director of Finance is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and plays a senior leadership role in the organization, serving as a strategic partner to the Executive Director. This role is ideal for a business-minded, entrepreneurial leader with strong financial acumen and a strategic mindset. The Managing Director of Finance will help forecast and interpret financial data, identify opportunities to strengthen the Council’s financial standing, and contribute to scaling key initiatives.  They will work closely with the Executive Director and the Executive Team to ensure that the Council’s finance systems and strategies support long-term sustainability and growth.  

The Managing Director of Finance works with the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to set the organization’s finance policies and oversees the finance team in its execution of all finance operations. In addition, the role leads the budgeting process and works with staff directors to ensure effective use of Council resources. 

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the Council’s financial strategy and infrastructure during a period of organizational innovation. As with all positions at the Council, this position requires commitment to the Council’s mission and the organization’s culture of philanthropy.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership

• Serves as a thought leader and strategic advisor to the Executive Director, providing insight and guidance on forecasting, financial modeling, and identifying opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Applies a business-minded and entrepreneurial lens to financial strategy, with a focus on scaling the Council’s revenue-generating initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Executive Director and the Executive team to align financial planning with organizational vision and strategic priorities.  
• Develops strategies by contributing financial and accounting information, analysis, and recommendations to department leaders in line with organizational objectives.
• Evaluates and studies economic trends and revenue opportunities; projects acquisition and expansion prospects; identifies opportunities for financial improvement, cost reduction, and systems enhancement.
• Develops financial strategies by forecasting capital, facilities, and staff requirements; identifies monetary resources; and develops action plans.
• Monitors financial performance by measuring and analyzing results, initiating corrective actions, and minimizing the impact of variances.
• Reports financial status by developing forecasts, reporting results, analyzing variances, and developing improvements.
• Serves as a liaison to the Board of Directors, engaging with board members to communicate financial strategy, performance, and opportunities for growth.
• Collaborates with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Council’s sister organization, on shared financial matters, joint initiatives, and compliance where applicable

Finance and Sustainability

• Leads efforts to identify and implement innovative financial models and revenue strategies that support long-term organizational sustainability.
• Sets, manages, and communicates the Council’s financial policies and procedures (including but not limited to audits, financial statements, payroll, lobbying, investments, expense reconciliations, campaign finance/legislative reporting and compliance and other corporate reporting, taxes, multi-state charitable registrations, business, and tax registrations). This includes ensuring the Council’s continuous improvement of finance systems and tools.
• Manages risk assessment processes, including managing the work of consultants, and collaborates with Council leadership to ensure risk is minimized.
• Convenes senior staff leaders to identify and employ strategies to ensure that decision-making is data driven.
• Manages daily accounting, cash, and investment activities.
• Leads and facilitates the annual budget planning process, ensuring the annual operational budget is in support of the Council’s mission, goals, programs, and strategic objectives; and collaborates with the Council’s senior staff leaders to ensure that department budgets are used appropriately and effectively.
• Coordinates annual audit activities with the audit agency and members of the Finance Committee.
• Directs the preparation of comprehensive monthly financial statements and budget analysis.
• Runs or advises the Chief Development Officer on certain processes related to grant administration and reporting.
• Collaborates with the Executive Director on cross-functional activities related to sustainability issues, including risk management.
• Performs other related duties and tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

Supervisory Responsibilities:   The Managing Director of Finance oversees a small but high-performing finance team, including the Finance Manager and Accountant, and manages relationships with external auditors. Given the lean structure, the Managing Director is expected to be hands-on in day-to-day financial operations, including oversight of accounting functions delegated to team members. 

 Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, accounting, or equivalent experience; MBA, CPA, or other advanced degree or certification preferred, especially with a focus on strategic finance or nonprofit leadership.
• Knowledgeable about accepted accounting procedures (GAAP) and understands 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations - including 990 tax preparation, budgeting and forecasting, and nonprofit management.
• Must have expertise in managing non-profit finances.
• Must have previous experience working on non-profit grants.
• Previous experience working on federal grants is preferred.
• Experience in scaling financial operations and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is a plus.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• A strong understanding and commitment to the Council’s mission and values.
• 7-10 years of relevant work experience.
• Prior demonstrated leadership in leading the finance function in a non-profit organization. 
• Proven ability to serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership, with experience in financial forecasting and long-term planning.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset and ability to identify and leverage opportunities for financial growth and operational scale.
• Experience supporting or engaging with a Board of Directors on financial matters.
• Strong leadership skills, including experience supervising and mentoring staff members.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and work strategically.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
• Proficiency in accounting software such as Sage Intacct, Ramp or other similar systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Demonstrable ability to develop and manage a strategic plan with multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex financial and business issues and explain information to a general audience.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and shift focus quickly.
• Capacity to form positive working relationships with people from varied backgrounds and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to align financial operations with organizational growth objectives a plus.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Financial planning and strategy
• Managing profitability
• Strategic planning and vision
• Forecasting
• Budget development
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to connect financial strategy with programmatic impact and collaborate across departments to align resources with mission-driven outcomes.
• Ability to demonstrate diligence, accuracy, and thoroughness.
• Ability to prioritize and manage competing demands/multiple assignments through effective time management.
• Ability to follow through on commitments and take responsibility for actions. 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, strategies, and circumstances. 
• Ability to implement plans, make mid-course corrections as necessary, and overcome obstacles.
• Ability to display initiative and openness to change. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Ability to form positive working relationships with people from varied backgrounds. 
• Ability to exhibit professionalism in representing the organization, both internally and externally.

Occasional travel may be required for this role.  This position typically travels to Board meetings, staff retreats, and conferences approximately 1-2 times per quarter.

The Council is a fully remote employer, and this role operates in a remote work environment. Our team collaborates virtually, and we provide the necessary IT equipment to support your work. 

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range provided reflects a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on The Council's commitment to equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, years of experience, certifications or professional licenses, job-related skills, internal equity, and business needs. 

Our compensation structure is based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations. Typically, individuals are hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the unique facts and circumstances of each applicant. 

Additionally, full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in The Council's comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employee assistance program, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 3 months of employment, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, professional development opportunities, and employer-paid life insurance and disability benefits. 

Application Process: To ensure a complete application, all candidates must submit the required materials, including a resume and cover letter, through our application portal. As part of our interview process, candidates may be asked to participate in virtual interviews, which will require on-camera presence. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible interview experience. If you require accommodations due to a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs—such as an alternative format or assistance during the interview—please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to support your needs. 

Eligibility to Work:  In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we are required to hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. Applicants selected for employment will need to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. The Council participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please visit dhs.gov/E-Verify. 

The American Immigration Council ("The Council") is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.