Senior Director of Finance

About the ABF

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research institute that seeks to expand knowledge and advance justice through rigorous empirical research on law, legal processes, and legal institutions. Primary funding sources of the ABF’s $9 million budget include an annual grant from the American Bar Endowment (ABE) and contributions by the Fellows of the ABF – a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, and scholars whose careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession. The ABF offices are located on Northwestern University’s Chicago campus.

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Finance will direct and oversee the day-to-day and long-term finances of the ABF. Reporting to the Executive Director/CEO, the Senior Director will lead the ABF finance team and work closely with other ABF staff, faculty, Board members, and external stakeholders. The Senior Director will be a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director/CEO and will play a critical role in all financial aspects of the ABF’s newly-adopted 2024–2029 Strategic Plan. The position carries a high level of responsibility and requires full confidentiality and discretion in all areas of business.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Oversight (70%)

• Direct and manage the ABF’s financial strategy, compliance, and day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with the ABF’s mission and strategic plan.
• Develop the annual budget and revised midyear forecasts; develop financial targets and multiyear forecasts; and analyze variances and key drivers of performance.
• Oversee implementation and improvement of financial and accounting policies and practices.
• Assess and analyze opportunities for revenue generation and operational efficiency. Advise on financial impacts, outcomes, and risks.
• Oversee cash management, including approving payments.
• Oversee investment policies, procedures, and controls, including liaising with external investment advisors.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative reporting to Board of Directors and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective benefits administration, including 403(b) Plan compliance and oversight (e.g., annual audit, nondiscrimination testing), in partnership with Director of People and Culture.
• In coordination with Chief Operating Officer (COO), ensure significant contracts are compliant with all policies and procedures.

Team Management & Collaboration (30%)

• Supervise Director of Finance in their oversight of audit, yearend close, grants management, and regulatory filings. Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to Senior Finance Associate as well.
• Collaborate with senior management to set annual budgets; develop budget monitoring procedures and guidance to enhance monthly financial review process.

Other duties not listed above may be assigned to the Senior Director of Finance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance-related field
• Seven years of financial and/or accounting experience; two years in a managerial role.
• Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of GAAP, financial planning, analysis, forecasting, and nonprofit fundraising processes.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology to ensure efficient, timely, and accurate processes and reports for stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to influence and motivate multiple audiences.
• Ability to set priorities, solve problems, and flex between strategic and tactical priorities.
• Commitment to the ABF’s mission and to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin residency and U.S. work authorization required throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Financial Edge strongly preferred
• Experience in a not-for-profit, research, and/or higher education environment preferred

Work Structure and Environment

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), exempt position. ABF employees are expected to work at the ABF offices at least two days per week and to work in their state of residence the other days. Close mental and visual attention are required, primarily for using a computer and/or extensive reading. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with a one-hour lunch period. Occasional work outside of these hours is expected in connection with ABF events (e.g., Board meetings). Out-of-state travel is required approximately three times per year.

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is firmly committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons, including providing reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants. All decisions regarding employment will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age; ancestry; certain arrest or criminal history records; citizenship; color; disability; gender; gender identity; genetic information; housing status; marital status; military status; national origin; order of protection status; parental status; pregnancy; protected activity (e.g., reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment); race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture or hair styles); religion; reproductive health decisions; sex; sexual orientation; source of income; status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of such violence; unfavorable discharge from the military; or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. For questions or comments, please contact Jessie Lowinger, Director of People and Culture, at jlowinger@abfn.org.