Associate Director, Finance & Compliance

About Run for Something 

Run for Something recruits and supports young, diverse progressives running for down-ballot races to build sustainable power nationwide. Since 2017, RFS has engaged nearly 150,000 potential candidates, endorsed over 3,000, and celebrated 1,000+ election victories. RFS alumni drive impactful changes in housing, abortion access, and education, shaping the Democratic Party's future.

RFS fosters a culture emphasizing work-life balance, sustainability, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With strategic, year-round initiatives, RFS is dedicated to long-term democracy-building. 

Learn more about our work and values on our Careers page.

Position Name: Associate Director, Finance & Compliance

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Vice President, Finance & Compliance

Location: Remote (U.S.)

Job Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Position Summary: 

Run for Something is seeking an Associate Director, Finance & Compliance to join our Finance and Compliance department. This role is critical in managing our daily financial and accounting operations, safeguarding our organization's financial integrity, and improving financial infrastructure and compliance systems. The Associate Director will also manage the Associate Manager, Finance & Compliance, fostering professional development and teamwork.

The Associate Director, Finance & Compliance also supports organizational priorities, maintains alignment with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals, and contributes to a collaborative, inclusive culture.

The Associate Director, Finance & Compliance also supports organizational priorities, maintains alignment with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals, and upholds core values while contributing to a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Key Responsibilities

Financial and Accounting Management (40%):

-Lead the daily financial operations, overseeing accounting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable for the following entities: Run for Something Action Fund (501(c)(4)); Run for Something Civics (501(c)(3) under fiscal sponsorship); Run for Something (527 non-federal PAC, including multiple state-level PACs)

-Ensure timely completion of monthly reports while maintaining compliance with GAAP standards.

-Record all contributions in the general ledger, monitor pledge receivables, and reconcile monthly with the Development team to inform fundraising strategies.

-Complete weekly bill/check runs accurately and in accordance with established procedures.

-Supervise the monthly financial close process, including reconciliations, journal entries, and variance analysis.

-Co-facilitate regular cash forecasting with the Director, Finance & Compliance, and present findings to the Executive Team for informed decision-making.

-Manage audit activities with external auditors and support the preparation of year-end financial statements and IRS Form 990.

Compliance Program Coordination (15%):

-Create and implement standardized processes and policies for campaign finance reporting, ensuring stakeholder input and compliance.

-Keep abreast of changes to state and federal campaign finance laws that affect RFS activities.

-Collaborate with the Vice President, Finance & Compliance to ensure all revenue and expenditures comply with municipal reporting requirements.

-Work with the Associate Manager, Finance & Compliance, to maintain the organization’s reporting calendar, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.

Internal Controls and Policies (20%):

-Establish and maintain robust internal controls and accounting policies in collaboration with the Director, Finance & Compliance.

-Organize and preserve historical records related to financial operations, payroll, and grants to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

-Stay informed about federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements and best practices in nonprofit finance.

Financial Reporting (15%):

-Collaborate with the Director, Finance & Compliance to compile, analyze, and review financial statements, presenting this information to the Executive Team and Board on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

-Assist in preparing and distributing official financial reports and correspondence as necessary.

Broader Department Responsibilities (10%):

-Propose innovative ideas to enhance internal processes, contributing to the overall goals of the organization.

-Manage and coach the Associate Manager, Finance & Compliance, ensuring alignment with RFS values and performance standards.

-Build a strong collaborative culture within the Finance and Compliance team and across the organization.

Your role responsibilities may evolve to ensure they align with organizational priorities and that you can continuously contribute to our mission of recruiting and supporting young progressives running for down-ballot offices.

Key Competencies and Qualifications

-A strong background in financial management, accounting, or a related field, ideally within a nonprofit organization.

-A minimum of 5 years in accounting or financial roles, with experience in multi-entity nonprofit fund accounting preferred.

-Experience with accounting software implementation and management; proficiency in accrual accounting and advanced Excel skills.

-Ability to effectively explain financial concepts to non-finance staff and collaborate with diverse teams.

-A resourceful, strategic thinker who fosters a positive working and learning environment for all staff.

-A demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and the wider community.

Plus Qualifications

-Firsthand user experience and expertise with NetSuite ERP

-Experience with unionized work environments, including collaboration with unions or managing within collective bargaining frameworks, is a plus but not essential for this role.

Work Environment

-Run for Something operates as a fully remote organization, with team members collaborating from across the U.S. You will work from home or a location of your choosing.

-This role involves attending approximately two all-staff or team events per year, which may include overnight travel. Reasonable accommodations are available for employees unable to travel or participate in gatherings.

-The position requires working core hours from Monday to Thursday, with occasional night and weekend work.

-To prioritize employee health and safety, all Run for Something employees must provide proof of COVID vaccination, with reasonable accommodations considered for disabilities, medical advice, or sincerely held religious beliefs. 

Run for Something is committed to building diverse teams and fostering equitable, inclusive environments that maximize the skills, potential, and unique perspectives of our employees. We strongly encourage individuals from marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with disabilities, to apply—especially those historically underrepresented in elected office. Learn more about our commitment here.

Learn more about what it’s like to work at Run for Something on our Careers page.

Compensation & Benefits 

The salary for this position is set at $120,000. In order to counter pay inequality and uphold internal parity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current employees. Run for Something salary bands for a given staff level are benchmarked to the 75th percentile for our sector, and all new employees are paid at the entry point of those bands. Employees then have the opportunity to progress through current salary bands through annual cost of living increases and performance-based pay increases and into new salary bands through promotions. 

Benefits at Run for Something include: 

-Four-Day Work Week (learn more here)

-Unlimited Paid Time Off policy 

-Platinum Medical Insurance (100% of premium covered for employees; 50% of premium covered for dependents) 

-Dental and Vision Insurance (100% of premium covered for both employees and dependents) 

-Professional Development Stipend

-Treat Yourself Stipend ($500 a year to do something that brings you joy)

-Equipment Stipend

-401k

-Work from Home Stipend

-Cell Phone/Internet Stipend  

-12 weeks of paid family leave

-Paid Sabbatical (after 3 years of service to RFS)

-Employee Assistance Program

~ Four weeks in organization-wide holiday closures, including a two-week winter break

-Flexible, remote work environment

-Transition payment for departing employees

Work Authorization

Due to campaign finance restrictions, candidates must have valid work authorization and cannot be foreign nationals. We are legally restricted to hiring only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) for this position.

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to early submissions.

If you need accommodations, contact us at hiring@runforsomething.net with the type of assistance you need. We offer various support, including alternative interview formats and application assistance, to ensure full participation.

For details on our interview process, please visit here.

Please do not contact us via phone, email, or social media for application inquiries. We cannot respond individually due to the high volume of applications. To ensure equity, we do not offer informational interviews for specific applicants. While applying can be challenging, we strive to keep all candidates informed about their status, though responses may occur after the application deadline.