Chief Financial Officer (Make the Road States)
THE OPPORTUNITY
MRStates is seeking a strategic and equity-minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its senior leadership team. This is a pivotal moment for the organization as it navigates the challenges associated with managing multiple funding sources, billing, collection processes, and various projects across multiple entities. The CFO will be responsible for the financial stewardship of multiple related nonprofit entities (C3 and C4), overseeing budgeting, compliance, reporting, and internal controls. They will manage a large, multi-tiered finance department and serve as a key advisor to the Executive Directors, executive team, and Board on financial planning, risk management, and organizational sustainability.
The overall budget for all combined entities is $55,000,000, with approximately 400 employees.
Position Title: Chief Financial Officer
Organization: Make The Road States
Reports to: Co-Executive Directors
Location: Brooklyn, NY (Hybrid work schedule negotiable)
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Range: Up to USD $200,000/year (Salary range $150,000 - $200,000)
Application Deadline: Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and will continue on a rolling basis. The final deadline for consideration is September 1, 2025.
ABOUT MAKE THE ROAD STATES
This multi-state, community-based nonprofit works at the intersection of direct service, education, grassroots organizing, and policy advocacy to advance equity and justice for working-class, immigrant, and historically marginalized communities. Its model is rooted in the belief that lasting change requires both immediate support and long-term structural transformation. Through accessible legal and survival services, the organization helps individuals navigate urgent challenges through leadership development and political education, it prepares community members to lead change from within. Organizing efforts build collective power to confront unjust systems, while policy advocacy channels that power into tangible reforms at the local, state, and national levels.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Directors, Executive Team, and Board on all financial matters.
- Lead long-term financial planning in collaboration with State Directors, Development, and Program staff.
- Represent Finance in leadership and cross-departmental meetings (e.g., Senior Management Team, Strategic Planning, Budget Committees).
Financial Oversight
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning across all entities.
- Oversee the preparation and accuracy of internal and external financial reports.
- Lead annual audits and ensure compliance with all regulatory and grant requirements.
- Monitor financial health and recommend corrective actions as needed.
Team Management
- Directly supervise senior finance personnel, including the Assistant Controller and the Director of Government Grants & Compliance.
- Indirectly, oversee a finance and compliance team of 15+ staff, including associates, analysts, and managers.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
Operational Systems
- Oversee all AP, AR, payroll, and general accounting activities.
- Maintain and improve financial systems and policies, ensuring strong internal controls and compliance with FASB, IRS, and state-level requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required, master’s preferred
- CPA required
- 8-10 years of experience with financial management in the nonprofit sector, including experience in a senior and/or managerial role
- Expertise in nonprofit accounting (including restricted funds and accrual-based systems)
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing diverse and complex teams
- Experience with government grants and restricted funding models
- Proficiency in financial systems (Sage Intacct experience a plus)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with other common workplace tools such as cloud-based file sharing, video conferencing, and team communication platforms
COMPETENCIES AND PREFERENCES
- Strategic financial visioning
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Diverse team leadership
- Effective collaboration across teams and departments
- Attention to detail with a systems mindset
- Equity and accountability in decision-making
- Clear, empathetic communication
- Change management and adaptability
- Decision-making under uncertainty
- Expertise in grants and compliance
- Orientation toward technology and process improvement
- Union experience and understanding of unionized environments (preferred)
- Ability to translate financial information for non-financial audiences
- High level of emotional intelligence
- Ability to manage difficult situations with tact and diplomacy
- Relevant lived experience, including, but not limited to, having been a member of a low-income, immigrant community
- Government grant billing and collection processes
- Bilingual in Spanish (preferred)
The salary range for this position is from $150,000 to $200,000. MRStates offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, 401K, and generous paid vacation, sick, and personal days.
TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and will continue on a rolling basis. The final deadline for consideration is September 1, 2025.
Applications should be submitted via the following link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3430195
This search is being led by NonProfit Fiscal Management (NPFM) on behalf of the organization. You may see references to NPFM in communication platforms or application systems throughout the process. All applications will be shared directly with the hiring organization, and all inquiries will be treated confidentially.
Questions, inquiries, and referrals may be directed to [email protected].