About Us

Behind the Book is a literacy nonprofit that partners with New York City public schools and community-based organizations to inspire young people to become engaged readers and writers. Through innovative programs centered on diverse books and their authors, we help students discover the power of their own voices and cultivate their vast potential.

When you join the Behind the Book team, you become part of a creative, collaborative environment dedicated to equity in literacy and education.

Position Overview
Behind the Book seeks a Finance & Operations Manager to help ensure the financial health, operational strength, and organizational sustainability of our growing nonprofit. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing the organization’s financial systems, operational infrastructure, and HR administration. The Finance & Operations Manager works closely with the Executive Director and Board Finance Committee to maintain strong financial oversight while building systems that support the organization’s programs and strategic goals. The Finance & Operations Manager reports directly to the Executive Director.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented systems thinker who enjoys identifying inefficiencies, improving systems, and creating processes that allow a small, mission-driven team to work more effectively. The anticipated start date for this position is May 18, 2026, though some flexibility may be possible for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• The Finance &Operations Manager will work closely with the Executive Director, staff leadership, and the Board of Directors.

Financial Management

• Manage the organization’s annual budgeting process in partnership with the Executive Director and Board Finance Committee.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for leadership and the Board.

• Oversee day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll coordination, and bank reconciliations.

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards.

• Support the annual audit process and preparation of the organization’s Form 990.

• Track restricted and unrestricted funding and support grant-related financial reporting.

• Monitor cash flow and provide financial forecasting to support organizational planning.

Operations & Organizational Systems

• Evaluate and implement project management and operational tools that support cross-team collaboration and accountability.

• Oversee and maintain organizational technology systems, including financial software, databases, cloud storage, and project management platforms.

• Manage relationships with external vendors, including IT providers, insurance brokers, and other contractors.

• Oversee organizational policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and compliance.

• Support internal reporting and data analysis that helps leadership assess organizational performance and program impact.

• Coordinate operational logistics for organizational events, including board meetings, fundraising events, and program-related gatherings.

Human Resources & Administration

• Manage HR administration, including offer letters, employee records, benefits administration, and compliance with labor regulations.

• Support staff onboarding and ensure personnel documentation and systems remain organized and compliant.

• Maintain organizational policies related to employment, benefits, and staff operations.

Board & Leadership Support

• Work with the Executive Director and the Board Finance Committee to prepare financial reports and materials for board meetings.

• Support staff understanding of financial procedures and operational policies.

• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director in strengthening systems that support the organization’s mission and growth.

• Support the Executive Director with coordination of financial reporting, board materials, scheduling, and key operational priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, nonprofit management, or a related field (CPA or MBA a plus).

• 5–8 years of experience in nonprofit finance, operations, or organizational management.

• Strong understanding of nonprofit budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.

• Experience supporting audits and grant-related financial reporting.

• Familiarity with HR administration and employment compliance practices.

• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online, Excel, Salesforce, and Google Workspace.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to balance financial oversight with hands-on operational work.

• Collaborative mindset and commitment to working in a mission-driven environment.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

• This role is well-suited for someone who takes ownership of their work, communicates proactively, and is motivated by strengthening the systems that support a growing nonprofit organization.

Key Performance Indicators

• Accurate and timely financial reporting to leadership and the Board.

• Successful completion of annual audits with no significant findings.

• Strong financial systems and operational processes that support staff effectiveness.

• Compliance with HR, financial, and organizational policies.

• An operations infrastructure that enables program and fundraising goals to be achieved.

Salary Range

$90,000 – $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits include: health care benefits, paid time off, holidays, flexible work environment (hybrid reporting), and 401K. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter to info@behindthebook.org describing their interest in the role and experience relevant to nonprofit finance and operations. In your cover letter, please include one example of a financial, operational, or organizational system you helped improve or build.

Behind the Book is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization.