ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization that combats the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color. ACDs foundation of civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration achieves and inspires justice and equitable outcomes for people throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.

ACD envisions a society liberated from systems of oppression where the promise of justice and racial equity is realized; communities where our approach to public safety prioritizes investment in well-being, health, and transformation without relying on criminalization and incarceration; and people living freely in their communities, thriving regardless of their race or income.

ACD and its partners in the organizing and advocacy community are at the center of efforts in the St. Louis region to:

Re-envision public safety, promote community well-being through policy change, and hold public actors and institutions accountable for misconduct through litigation and zealous holistic representation.
Challenge a system of policing, courts, and jails designed to meet municipal financial needs rather than the needs of those they purport to serve. Such practices attracted national spotlight during the 2014 Ferguson Uprising and remain widespread throughout our region.
Engage in litigation and collaborative advocacy designed to bring abusive practices to an end and empower those communities that have been targeted by such practices.

ACD seeks a diligent and creative individual with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, community organizers, and media and communication advocates who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of poverty and involvement with the legal system.

The Director of Finance and Operations is primarily responsible for three aspects of ACD - Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, and Operations. The Director of Finance and Operations will report to and partner with the Executive Director on internal practices and board management while also working closely with the operations team on office and vendor management. This position will require diverse backgrounds including strong finance and accounting experience, knowledge of human resources and overall operational and office administration skills. The Director of Finance and Operations will hold supervisory responsibility for an operations team that currently includes two full-time staff members.

ACD has recently undertaken a major capital investment and is currently developing a property that will serve as the office location for ACD and another organizational partner, as well as a community convening space. The Director of Finance and Operations will play a critical role in designing and stewarding the financial and operational infrastructure for this project. This will include collaboration with partners, project managers, general contractor, third-party accountants, and ACD staff and board leadership.

As appropriate when opportunities arise, this role may lend technical expertise when supporting external partners in an operational capacity thereby strengthening relationships and efficiencies.

Specific responsibilities include:
Financial Management & Systems Support
In collaboration with Executive Director, oversee financial operations including execution of financial strategies and processes including annual operating budget, annual audits, 990 tax preparation, and update monthly cash flow projections based on approved budget.
Review monthly financial reports prepared by the third-party accountant and develop and provide appropriate analysis and updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors to ensure the financial stability and growth of ACD.
Make sound investment decisions to increase a companys portfolio and analyze trends to reduce financial risks associated with making investment or spending decisions.
Establish quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines, and standards by which the companys efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated; identify opportunities for improvement.
Coordinate financial functions, including banking, investments and investment strategies, review financial controls and recommend improvements when needed, and preparation of monthly financial reports in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Manage the organizations accounting procedures.
Human Resources Support
Partner with the Executive Director to identify and organize resources, opportunities, and experiences for team and individual development and learning.
Research best and emerging practices for people policies that support a productive environment for retaining high capacity team members. Oversee the management and maintenance of employee policies and procedures handbook.
Oversee and coordinate the scopes of work and payment for external HR/PEO, accounting, IT, legal, and facility vendors. Working with our HR/PEO vendor, coordinate annual benefits package and enrollment.
Oversee payroll and employee benefits, including PTO, health plan, insurance, retirement funding, and other benefits as appropriate.
Organize and manage timelines, processes, and documentation for annual reviews, raises, and promotions.
Periodically review and provide guidance on improving annual review process, content, and outcome.
Support team leads in developing performance improvement plans for their team members when needed.
Oversee employee recruitment and onboarding processes with staff and contractors as appropriate.
Strategic Leadership, Compliance, and Reporting
Serve on the Senior Leadership Team guiding management and oversight for office operations, policy development and implementation.
Oversee the management of third-party contracts for organizational propriety
Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement appropriate operational reporting processes and insights.
Provide support to the organizations Board of Directors, including support to the Finance Committee and Board Treasurer, as well as support for full board and committee meetings.
Oversee management and maintenance of office space, equipment, computer technology, inventory and supplies.
Ensure compliance with all required agencies and groups.
Oversee completion of local, state, and federal corporate reporting, including procuring and coordinating professional services to support completion of reporting as needed.
Maintain calendar and deliverable timelines for all local, state, and federal corporate reporting.
Periodically review vendor contracts, scopes, and performance and assess continuation, amendments, and termination of contracts as needed.
Provide timely communication, information, and access as required to support vendors successfully fulfilling scopes of work.

Essential skills and experience include the following:
Relevant advanced credentials, including an MBA, CPA or commensurate experience.
Significant experience in financial management and stewardship. Other operational, administrative, or nonprofit management experience is a plus.
Proven ability to build and nurture a diverse, respectful, and positive working environment and to coach direct reports.
Clear, concise, efficient written and verbal communication style when relaying policies, processes, and solutions.
Generative mindset for troubleshooting problems and general nimbleness when exploring and navigating solutions.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, keep organized in a fast-paced environment, manage simultaneous tasks, and adjust strategy to changing demands.
Strong understanding of accounting and office operations and procedures, including human resources, payroll, bookkeeping, contract management, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and laws related to nonprofit corporations.
Demonstrated ability to work with financial management, budgeting, and administrative systems, annual audits, Form 990 processes, and other nonprofit financial processes and requirements.
Attention to detail and strong time and project management skills.
Ability to meet deadlines and to work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to engage in critical reflection and create a team dynamic of feedback and learning.
Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.
Center principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in all work, embedding the values in program development and organizational practices and processes.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity within the office and using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socio-economic circumstance.

This is a full-time position with benefits. The starting salary for this position is $95,000 annually per ACDs transparent salary structure, with annual cost-of-living adjustment and salary reviews in alternating years. ACD offers a robust benefits package which includes health/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) match, 26 days PTO annually, paid gym membership, work cell phone, and paid continuing education opportunities. New hires are eligible for benefits on their first day of employment.

ArchCity Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQIA+, and gender non-conforming applicants.

To apply, complete the form and upload a cover letter and a resume to the following website: (link