Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is the leading advocacy organization in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones. NILC’s mission is grounded in the belief that everyone living in the U.S. — regardless of race, gender/gender identity, immigration status, or economic status — should have equal access to justice, resources, and educational and economic opportunities that enable them to achieve their full human potential. NILC is committed to advancing its mission — which intersects race, immigration status, and class — through a racial, economic, and gender justice and equity orientation.

Headquartered in Los Angeles with an office in Washington, DC, NILC seeks to achieve just laws and policies that address systemic inequities, create narrative and culture change for an inclusive and equitable society, and build a healthier and more powerful movement. For more information, please visit www.nilc.org. and www.immigrantjusticefund.org/

The Interim Chief Operations Officer and Financial Officer (COO/CFO) will serve as a subject-matter expert on the operations and finance teams for a duration of 9-12 months. This person will oversee the strategic and day-to-day management of our organization’s operations to ensure that the development of goals, strategies, and processes are effectively executed, and the duties of the Operations Department (Finance and Accounting, IT, and Administration including facilities responsibilities) are executed. The Interim COO/CFO will assess and make recommendations to improve processes and procedures currently in place. The Interim COO/CFO is a member of our Senior Leadership Team and plays a key role in implementing NILC’s strategic priorities and advancing racial equity through our organizational systems and policies, especially during this critical time of change and transition.

NILC is in the midst of change. The organization expects a new Executive Director to start in the second half of 2022, capping the transition of the incumbent after a 20+ year tenure with the organization, there have been other key leadership transitions throughout the organization in 2021-22. NILC has a recognized union, and the first Collective Bargaining Agreement is expected in 2022. NILC is still working remotely due to the Covid pandemic. This role will be remote until an LA office is secured and opened, and then a regular presence in LA is strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate has a strong commitment to NILC’s mission and diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, strong project management skills, and excellent written and oral communications skills.

This role is not a member of the Bargaining Unit.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Ensure Operations departments, including IT, Finance/Accounting, and Administration are carrying out the organization’s Strategic Framework, in close coordination and communication with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Working with the Executive Office, ensure successful Executive Director transition from the perspective of organization operations
Conduct an assessment and provide recommendations for improvement in processes, structure, and staffing based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis; IT functionality and operations; Administrative effectiveness
Serve as a thought partner and resource to the SLT in the areas of finance and accounting, IT, and administration
Ensure the continued financial viability of operational units of the organization through sound fiscal management
Working with other senior leaders, implement financial compliance and best practices across our 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities and confirm that we have the appropriate systems and controls in place.
Advise the SLT and other key leadership team members on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters for both short- and long-term financial planning and projections
Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with NILC’s strategic plan
Provide support to the board and its finance, executive and audit committees; effectively communicate and present financial matters at Board of Directors and committee meetings, as appropriate
Work closely with the development team to ensure fundraising meets financial quarterly and annual goals
Work with IT to help deliver on IT Roadmap
Work with Administration function to locate and secure a new office space in Los Angeles
Responsible for the risk management process, in collaboration with the Executive Director and SLT. Effectively and clearly communicate potential risks, and makes recommendations for mitigating such risks, to the Executive Director in a timely manner
Working in collaboration with the Program Directors, ensures that the finance and accounting functions are integrated, well-coordinated, and in strong communication and alignment with the program work

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support, coach, and develop the skills of operations leadership. Assess operational strengths and gaps and provide recommendations. Address performance issues, as needed
Supervise (directly and indirectly) the execution of operations works plans
Lead, coach, and develop management team with an emphasis on developing capacity in strategic analysis and planning and program budgeting
In partnership with managers and HR, establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments
Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach
Leader of the Finance and Operations teams and will hand off to new Executive Director with recommendations

Education and Experience

A minimum of a BS in Business, Accounting, or related field with a CPA/CMA required; Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in accounting or nonprofit management preferred
Prior experience as an Interim COO/CFO preferred.
10 - 15 years of progressive in-house operations management experience in either a grant- or sponsor-funded organization, with at least 10 years in a senior management role, including supervisory experience
Experience as an employee of a nonprofit organization, or familiarity with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations
Deep experience in program budgeting and fiscal management
Track record of effectively leading a nonprofit operations team with a complex array of programs with the ability to leverage strengths across program areas; excellent project management skills
Experience with Kronos a plus

Qualifications

Skill in examining, developing, reengineering, and recommending operations policies and procedures
Demonstrated experience working in collaborative ways with senior leaders
Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into organizational structures
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Values aligned with the mission of defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income
A strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion for all
Collaborative, proactive, and flexible working style with a strong service mentality
Ability to create and update substantive written materials including comments on proposed regulations and articles
Strong project management skills
Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management
Passion, humility, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and critical thinking skills
Displays sound judgment in decision making
Change Agile and able to deal with ambiguity

Work Environment:

The work environment is generally quiet and in an office setting. Travel to DC or other locations where staff or board meetings are held- estimated 3-4 nights monthly.

Physical Demands:

· Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods

· Communicating with others to exchange information.

· Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

· Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

NILC is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. NILC does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, ethnic background, religion, political orientation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative.