Director, Program Finance

AIRs Corporate Finance Office is seeking a Director Program Finance to join its forward-thinking and supportive team. The Corporate Finance Office is a dynamic workplace with a clear mission to develop and maintain a service-oriented organization aligned with business objectives.

In this pivotal role within the Program Finance team the Director will lead financial oversight and strategic planning for the Human Services Division managing a portfolio of approximately $175 million. This position requires a seasoned finance leader with deep expertise in government contracting program finance budgeting and long-term financial planning.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Program Finance the Director will play a critical role in shaping financial outcomes and supporting the divisions success. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are ready to make a lasting impact we invite you to bring your leadership and vision to AIR.

This position offers hybrid work flexibility from AIRs Crystal City VA or Rockville MD offices with occasional travel required for meetings training sessions and conferences.

About AIR:

Established in 1946 with headquarters in Arlington Virginia AIR is a nonpartisan not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education health the workforce human services and international development to create a better more equitable world.

Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead the financial planning process for programs including budgeting forecasting and variance analysis to ensure financial targets are met and resources are effectively managed.
• Develop robust financial models and scenario analyses providing strategic insights and data-driven recommendations to support program leaders in making informed decisions.

Program Budget Management

• Develop manage and maintain accurate program budgets ensuring timely financial reporting and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Monitor and analyze program expenditures comparing actuals to budget conducting regular reviews and re-forecasting and implementing cost control measures to optimize financial performance.

Risk Management

• Identify assess and mitigate financial risks associated with program activities by conducting regular risk evaluations and maintaining a comprehensive financial risk register.
• Implement and monitor robust financial controls to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations safeguarding program integrity and financial accountability.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with program leaders to shape long-term financial strategies ensuring alignment with organizational goals and contributing to the development of the broader strategic plan.
• Deliver actionable financial insights to support informed decision-making and effective resource allocation reinforcing the connection between financial planning and strategic execution.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team by fostering a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous growth through coaching feedback and tailored development.
• Drive organizational effectiveness through proactive change management regularly assessing team structure and workflows to ensure alignment with evolving business needs and strategic priorities.
• Champion talent development and operational excellence identifying skill gaps implementing targeted training initiatives and guiding the team through transitions to support adaptability and long-term success.

Relationship Management and Communication

• Act as a strategic liaison between the finance department and division leadership fostering effective communication collaboration and alignment on financial goals and priorities.
• Present financial reports updates and performance insights to senior management and external partners as needed.
• Deliver expert financial guidance to support strategic decision-making including preparing and presenting clear data-driven analyses and presentations on division financial performance to inform planning and resource allocation.

Compliance and Audit

• Ensure full compliance with applicable financial regulations and standards (e.g. FAR CAS Uniform Guidance ASC 606) by maintaining rigorous oversight and up-to-date knowledge of evolving requirements.
• Lead and support internal and external audit processes including coordination implementation of audit recommendations and maintaining comprehensive documentation to uphold transparency and accountability in financial operations.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare and deliver comprehensive financial reports on a monthly quarterly and annual basis ensuring clarity consistency and alignment with organizational standards.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of financial data while providing in-depth analysis and actionable insights to program leaders and senior management to support strategic decision-making.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement opportunities for process optimization and automation within the finance function leveraging technology and innovation to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement by adopting industry best practices and staying informed on emerging financial trends ensuring the finance team maintains high quality aligned with evolving standards.

Duties responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time based on business needs.

Qualifications

Education Knowledge and Experience:

• Over 12 years of progressive finance experience including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles managing government contracting program finance supported by a Bachelors degree in Finance Accounting or a related field.
• Advanced credentials such as an MBA or CPA strongly preferred reflecting a commitment to strategic financial leadership and professional excellence.
• Working knowledge of financial systems and analytical tools including Costpoint 8 Cognos and Power BI with hands-on experience in leveraging these platforms for reporting forecasting and data-driven decision-making.

Skills

• Effective communicator with the ability to engage across all organizational levels and different backgrounds particularly in virtual and remote environments.
• Adept at delivering clear compelling presentations tailored to varied audiences ensuring alignment and understanding across partners.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively adapting seamlessly to team dynamics and project needs.
• Experienced in identifying and resolving complex financial issues with precision and strategic insight.
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously consistently meeting or exceeding deadlines.
• Recognized for sharp analytical thinking sound decision-making and creative problem-solving skills.
• Skilled in connecting diverse ideas into cohesive actionable solutions with meticulous attention to detail and a collaborative mindset.
• Able to maintain a strategic big-picture perspective while excelling in detailed hands-on execution and operational tasks.
• Proficient in using standard Microsoft 365 including OneDrive SharePoint Excel (advanced) Word PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age race color religion sex gender gender identity/expression sexual orientation national origin protected veteran status or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability please send an email to Taliba Boone ator call 202.403.5000.

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