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The Reading League, Inc. (TRL) is a nonprofit organization created with a mission to advance the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction — it’s also a great place to work.
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Vice President of Finance
The Reading League, Inc. (TRL) is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to advance the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction. The Reading League (TRL), based in Syracuse, New York, focuses on improving literacy outcomes for ALL students. By using the body of knowledge known as the science of reading–which culminates over 50 years of research, we can improve literacy instruction and outcomes. We believe all children deserve to learn to read, and all teachers can learn to teach them.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Finance serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for advancing the organization’s financial strategy, stewardship, and long-term fiscal sustainability in support of its mission. This role extends beyond traditional accounting functions to provide strategic leadership in financial planning, Human Capital Investment, nonprofit compliance, and organizational sustainability. The Vice President of Finance ensures transparency in financial operations and resource allocation, supports effective board oversight, and aligns financial strategy with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Leadership and Strategy
- Provide strategic leadership for the organization’s financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and long-range fiscal sustainability
- Oversee all accounting, financial reporting, cash flow management, internal controls, and audit functions
- Develop and implement financial strategies that support organizational growth, operational excellence, and mission impact
- Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent reporting of financial performance to executive leadership and other key stakeholders
- Monitor financial risks and recommend strategies to strengthen fiscal stewardship and long-term sustainability
Nonprofit Operations, Compliance, and Funding Oversight
- Ensure compliance with all applicable nonprofit, financial, tax, audit, grant, and regulatory requirements
- Oversee financial management related to restricted and unrestricted funds, grant reporting, and funder compliance
- Support the organization’s audit and tax preparation processes, including Form 990 and other required filings
- Partner with leadership to ensure financial practices and reporting align with donor expectations, grant requirements, and nonprofit best practices
- Strengthen and maintain policies, systems, and procedures that support sound financial management and accountability, and organizational efficiency
Human Capital Investment
- Provide strategic oversight of Human Capital Investment, ensuring workforce-related expenditures align with organizational goals and financial capacity
- Oversee compensation, benefits, and payroll structures to support equitable, competitive, and sustainable people practices
- Partner with executive leadership on staffing models, workforce planning, and organizational design decisions
- Analyze and manage the financial implications of talent investments, succession planning, and organizational growth initiatives
- Support change management and cross-functional planning by aligning people strategies with financial priorities and mission needs
Board & Governance Support
- Partner with the Chief Operating Officer and executive leadership to support the Board of Directors in fulfilling its financial oversight responsibilities
- Prepare and present clear, accurate, and timely financial reports, forecasts, dashboards, and analyses for board meetings and committee meetings
- Serve as a key financial liaison to the Board and relevant committees, providing insight and recommendations on financial strategy, risk management, and long-term sustainability
- Ensure board materials related to financial performance, budgeting, audit, and organizational sustainability are comprehensive, transparent, and aligned with strategic priorities
Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnership
- Partner across departments to support strategic planning, resource allocation, programmatic sustainability, and data-informed decision making
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing finance and operational staff
- Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continious improvement
- Promote financial understanding across the organization to support effective planning and responsible use of resources
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in finance, accounting, business operations, or a related field
- Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, internal controls, and risk management
- Experience developing and aligning financial strategy with organizational goals, long-range planning, and sustainable growth initiatives
- Experience overseeing workforce-related financial functions, including payroll, compensation, benefits, budgeting, and workforce planning
- Knowledge of nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, audits, restricted funds, grant compliance, and regulatory reporting
- Strong knowledge of financial, tax, audit, and regulatory compliance requirements
- Demonstrated success partnering with executive leadership and boards on strategic planning, organizational development, and change management
- Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable strategies
- Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a demonstrated ability to mentor and inspire a diverse team
- Commitment to transparency, sound judgment, ethical leadership, and mission-driven fiscal stewardship
- Ability to envision and convey The Reading League’s mission
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA, MBA, or other advanced degree or professional certification
- Senior or executive leadership experience in a nonprofit organization
- Experience integrating financial strategy with Human Capital Investment and organizational sustainability
- Knowledge of nonprofit revenue models, including grants, philanthropy, contracts, and donor-restricted funding
- Experience supporting a Board of Directors and board finance or audit committees
- Experience in compensation strategy, organizational design, and succession planning
- Proven ability to build strong financial systems, improve processes, and support data-informed decision-making across the organization
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Salary range $130,000 to $145,000, bonus eligible
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 403B plan
- Paid time off
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
- Work is performed in a typical office setting; hybrid work is an option
- Some occasional nights and weekends
The Reading League is an equal-opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered 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.
Our work is most impactful when led by a team that represents diverse cultural backgrounds. Acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives, The Reading League is committed to employing individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with diverse experiences. Members of historically marginalized communities and candidates impacted by the systems we seek to change are strongly encouraged to apply.
This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Read our diversity statement.
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