Director, Financial Planning

Position Title: Director Financial Planning
Grade Level: Level 7/ FLSA-Exempt
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

About NED

The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world.

At NED we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington DC NED is a private nonprofit foundation mandated by Congress dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.

NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity justice and 2025 NED made 1552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries including some of the worlds most challenging and repressive environments.

We seek talented entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills curiosity and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence respect empathy accountability and adaptability.

Position Summary

The Director Financial Planning leads the organizations financial operations financial reporting budgeting processes financial systems compliance activities and continuous improvement initiatives. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the integrity of financial information the effectiveness of internal controls compliance with regulatory and funding requirements and the efficiency of finance-related processes and systems.

The Director serves as a key business partner across the organization collaborating with executive leadership department leaders external auditors and other stakeholders to support organizational objectives through sound financial management and operational excellence.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington DC.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Operations

• Lead all financial reporting activities including monthly quarterly and annual financial statements external and internal and management reporting.

• Monitor organizational financial performance and provide actionable insights to executive leadership.

• Develop and maintain financial reporting frameworks dashboards and key performance indicators.

Budgeting & Financial Planning Oversight

• Lead the organizations annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting activities.

• Partner with departmental leaders to align financial resources with strategic priorities.

• Review budget assumptions forecasts and financial analyses to support decision-making.

• Provide financial guidance related to organizational growth investments and operational initiatives.

• Support long-range financial planning and scenario modeling.

Finance Systems & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain the finance systems strategy and roadmap.

• Oversee implementation optimization and integration of financial systems and technologies.

• Partner with IT and business stakeholders to improve financial processes and reporting capabilities.

• Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and strengthen controls.

• Ensure appropriate system governance security and data integrity.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Support annual financial statement audits and other external reviews.

• Oversee tax filings regulatory reporting and compliance requirements.

• Manage NICRA development negotiations renewals and monitoring activities as applicable.

• Establish and maintain effective internal controls and financial governance practices.

• Ensure compliance with federal state local donor grantor and contractual requirements.

• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions.

Financial Policies & Governance

• Develop maintain and periodically review financial policies and procedures.

• Ensure policies remain aligned with regulatory requirements and organizational needs.

• Strengthen organizational accountability through effective financial governance practices.

• Provide guidance and training staff regarding financial policies and procedures.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Lead mentor and develop finance staff.

• Foster a culture of accountability continuous improvement customer service and collaboration.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on financial operations and business process improvement initiatives.

• Partner effectively with HR IT Programs Operations and other departments to achieve organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or related field.

• 12 years of progressively responsible finance accounting or financial operations experience.

• Minimum 5-8 years of management experience.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP financial reporting budgeting forecasting and internal controls.

• Demonstrated experience managing audits and compliance requirements.

• Experience with ERP accounting systems and financial reporting platforms.

• Strong analytical project management and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred

• CPA CMA MBA or equivalent professional credentials.

• Experience in nonprofit government contracting or grant-funded environments.

• Experience managing indirect cost allocations and NICRA development.

• Experience leading finance transformation ERP implementation or system modernization initiatives.

• Project management certification (PMP or equivalent).

Talent in Action

Consistent with NEDs talent statement and grounded in our values the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NEDs efforts to advance democratic change:

• Purpose-Driven

• Reliable

• Expertise

• Respectful Collaboration

• Curiosity

• Results-Oriented

• An Optimistic Mindset

NED Total Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $103000 to $185000 annually.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individuals professional experience qualifications education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are based on the aforementioned circumstances.

NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.

To apply please attach a resume and cover letter to your application.