Vice President of Finance & Operations

About Anera:

Anera (formerly American Near East Refugee Aid) is one of the oldest and largest US non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing humanitarian assistance and human development programs exclusively focused in the Middle East’s Levant region. Since 1968, Anera has worked with and on behalf of displaced and vulnerable Palestinians, Syrians, Lebanese, Jordanians, and Iraqis. In 2023, Anera delivered more than $175 million in assistance. Anera is consistently a top-rated charity with the Better Business Bureau, Charity Navigator and Guidestar, and is a trusted partner of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations agencies, scores of foundations and institutional donors, and thousands of private individual and family donors.

Anera is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Overview:

Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a critical member of Anera’s senior executive team, the Vice President for Operations and Finance will play a pivotal role in leading and optimizing operational strategies, processes, and efficiencies within our dynamic international nonprofit. This position holds a primary focus on operational and financial excellence, ensuring effective delivery of Anera’s mission, particularly in the context of the Middle East.

Remote eligible in following states: NY, MA, D.C, VA, MD, NC, SC, GA, FL; preference for DMV area

For applicants located in the U.S salary range starts at $175,000 per year.

Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight and Strategic Support (50%)

• Collaborate closely with the CEO, Comptroller, and Board to align operational strategies with financial objectives and strengthen operational financial health.
• Provide oversight of financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management processes, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and regulations..
• Oversee annual audits, IRS filings, and regulatory compliance in both the United States and the Middle East, with a strategic focus on operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
• Mentor and guide the operational team to achieve ambitious goals, integrating financial acumen into operational decision-making processes.

Operational Strategy and Management (40%)

• Provide strategic leadership across core functional areas of Finance, Operations, Gifts-in-Kind, Information Technology Management and Human Resources for growth, improved organizational efficiency and effective risk management in a mission driven environment. 
• Develop and refine comprehensive operational strategies that align with Anera’s mission, objectives, and priorities, with a specific focus on operations in the Middle East. Serve as a catalyst for innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement for the organization.
• Lead the enhancement of internal systems, controls, and procedures to drive operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Streamline cross-functional workflows and processes to improve organizational agility and maximize mission impact.
• Oversee and coordinate organizational risk management processes.
• Manage performance and actively support the development of direct reports.
• Initiate and oversee special initiatives aimed at elevating operational excellence, including supply chain optimization and program delivery enhancements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership (10%)

• Act as a key liaison between the Comptroller, CEO, senior leadership team, and external stakeholders, representing Anera's operational interests and fostering strategic relationships
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and Board on strategic decision-making processes, offering operational insights and solutions to advance Anera’s mission objectives
• Contribute significantly to the organization's leadership team, aligning operational strategies with Anera's mission and vision while advocating for operational excellence

Travel:

This role requires approximately 15% of international and domestic travel.

Required:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in operational management, strategic financial planning, and leadership roles within nonprofit or international organization settings.
• 5+ years of experience within a senior leadership role within nonprofit operations, preferably in an international organization
• 3+ years within nonprofit grant and financial management
• Career history of progressive responsibility to include leadership experience across multiple teams and projects and experience managing one or more of the following functions: Finance, Operations, IT and HR
• Analytic and effective process facilitator and decision maker with the ability to prioritize key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals
• Proven success in driving operational efficiencies, process improvements, and strategic initiatives, particularly in diverse operational environments
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance within the nonprofit sector
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, fostering a culture of operational excellence and achievement
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Professional level fluency in English and Arabic 
• Experience working in or with the Middle East

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Understanding of nonprofit financial regulations for U.S 501 (c)(3) and Middle East regulations (Lebanon, Jordan, and/or Palestine) 
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and leadership within international nonprofit organizations.