Chief Financial Officer

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a national civil rights organization with offices in five states and the District of Columbia. Our organization has grown substantially over the last several years, with staff nearly doubling in size.

Having undergone significant internal transformation and leadership transitions over the previous two years, including the appointment of Margaret Huang as President & CEO in April 2020, SPLC is eager to launch a new chapter in our history as 2021 marked our 50th anniversary.

SPLC has since been actively refining our vision, mission, and impact statements as a 21st-century social justice organization and finalizing how to monitor, evaluate, promote accountability and learn from our work moving forward.

The Vision outlines forward-looking, progressive actions to:

• Confront hate and build trust in democratic ideals;
• Promote a fair and equitable criminal justice system while working to end mass incarceration;
• Promote a just, humane and welcoming immigration system;
• Expand ballot access and eliminate discriminatory barriers to voting;
• Promote health, safety and fairness in the workplace, schools and communities; and
• Promote opportunity and combat discrimination in schools and in the workplace.

SPLC Impact Statement:

W.E.B. Dubois said, “As the South goes, so goes the nation.” So many of the civil rights challenges that the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was established to defeat have echoed his words – laws and policies that have spread from the South to other parts of the country, disenfranchising and oppressing communities of color across the United States. To effectively counter the structural racism and other forms of oppression that exist today, we are committed to changing the South in order to lead the way for the rest of the country.

Whom we serve:

The SPLC focuses on communities of color and other marginalized groups in the South with the goal of defending their rights and mobilizing efforts to win progressive policies that transform the social and political context of the region. Our work is grounded in the communities of our five Deep South states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Our strategies include litigation, policy advocacy, research and documentation, community organizing, and public education.

We strive to work with community partners to transform the political agenda, mobilize constituencies to demand change and build political power, and achieve racial justice in the places where slavery, genocide, and Jim Crow were drivers of society. Today, the legacy of these injustices perpetuates inequities and discrimination for Black, indigenous, and communities of color, particularly in the South.

Achieving our mission:

We have identified four areas of work that offer the greatest opportunities to achieving our mission. While there are many urgent needs, we recognize that one organization cannot do everything very well. We choose to prioritize these areas of work in order to achieve maximum impact. With this focus in mind, we adopt the following goals:

1. Eradicating poverty.
2. Decriminalizing and decarcerating Black and brown people.
3. Protecting voting rights and civic engagement.
4. Dismantling white nationalism and protecting democracy.

Reports to:                          President/CEO

Interacts with:                   Partners with the CEO to set and execute a financial plan that supports the organizations’ strategic plans. 

Partners with the General Counsel, in relation to risk management. 

In collaboration with the Director of Finance, is responsible for developing the Center’s financial, fiscal and administrative policies and procedures and directing their implementation.

Works closely with the Treasurer of the SPLC and the SPLC Action Fund, as well as the audit and finance committee of the SPLC Board of Directors. 

As a member of the Executive Team, the CFO is responsible for taking a leadership role and contributing to a positive organizational tone, culture and climate.

Position Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees the finance and accounting functions and financial compliance for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the SPLC Action Fund, as well as offices and facilities for both entities. They will additionally be responsible for the financials and compliance for the New Southern Leaders PAC and the New Southern Majority IE PAC.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop the operational and strategic plans for the finance and administrative functions;
• Oversee the financial planning process and $100M operating budget;
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Development Officer to budget and monitor fundraising progress;
• Provide financial and compliance guidance to the staff of the SPLC Action Fund and the two PACs to ensure that these institutions fully comply with relevant state and national regulations and laws;
• Ensure clear lines of control over revenue streams and expenditures for different institutions to meet compliance obligations;
• Manage financial institution and investment advisor relationships;
• Monitor internal control environment and activities;
• Provide timely, accurate, and useful financial and management reporting for federal and state; funders, foundations, and the board of directors; prepare and communicate monthly and annual financial statements;
• Remain current on state and federal law regarding nonprofit financial operations; ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions;
• Ensure timely and accurate financial audits, and preparation and filing of tax returns;
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions;
• Serve as a key leader and build internal relationships with colleagues and staff, in order to understand the programming and support functions that enable strategic resource allocation for the greatest impact;
• Manage a comprehensive risk program, identifying and mitigating risks across the Center, including insurance, processes, and policies;
• Manage long-term facility planning and maintenance in collaboration with the General Counsel;
• Manage a large team of staff, providing mentoring and coaching to support the work;
• Hire, train, establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign duties, and conduct performance reviews; and
• Other duties as assigned to assist the President & CEO.

The Person:

Education and Related Work Experience:

• A minimum of twelve (12) years of non-profit accounting experience;
• At least seven (7) years of managerial experience of a team of professionals, managing performance, encouraging professional development, and setting high standards;
• Experience working with c3 and c4 organizations is required and experience with PACs is desirable;
• Experience developing budgets and tracking budget expenses; and
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or equivalent;
• CPA or equivalent with public accounting experience is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams;
• Possess strong communication skills;
• Ability to mediate between stakeholders with conflicting priorities;
• Strong analytical and organizational skills;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing tasks and demands;
• Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; and
• Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

 Other Special Considerations:

• This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer:

• The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

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Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.

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To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please contact:

Tory Clarke                                                                                           Ryan Whitacre

Partner, Bridge Partners                                                    Partner, Bridge Partners

[email protected]                          [email protected]