Chief Financial Officer
- New York City, NY
- Permanent
- Full-time
The CFO plays a critical role in overseeing UFT's financial health and providing both strategic and operational leadership across all financial functions-financial planning, budgeting, grants, real estate, technology, and business operations. The Chief Financial Officer will lead a robust Accounting Department consisting of more than 25 professionals and will be responsible for managing an annual budget of $100M. Given the organization's diverse structure-including multiple legal entities such as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(5), and LLCs-experience with labor-specific compliance and union-focused financial reporting will be essential. Reporting directly to the UFT President and working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, this is an outstanding opportunity to shape the long-term fiscal strategy of one of the nation's most influential unions, ensuring its mission-driven work continues to benefit members and the broader community.ABOUT THE UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS:
The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is one of the nation's largest and most influential local labor unions, representing nearly 200,000 members across New York City's public schools and related institutions. Its membership is diverse, encompassing teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, school counselors, and a significant body of retired educators. As the official bargaining agent for most non-supervisory education professionals in the city, UFT plays a vital role in advocating for the rights and working conditions of its members, shaping education policy, and supporting the professional and personal well-being of New York's public educators through robust collective action and community engagement.RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for all financial activities, including multi-year financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and audit preparation.
- Oversee complex budgets, multiple grant programs, real estate interests, technology initiatives, and the management of several related legal entities (such as LLCs and non-profit classifications).
- Lead, coach, and develop a diverse finance team, with a focus on talent development, succession planning, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
- Ensure transparent and effective communication of financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences, serving as a trusted advisor to the organization's executive leadership.
- Maintain the organization's fiscal health through rigorous oversight of compliance, clean audits, timely reporting, and the strategic use of separate legal and financial entities.
- Support and enhance a mission-driven, collaborative work culture that values both financial rigor and human-centered leadership.
- Proactively identify and address financial risks and opportunities in the context of evolving organizational priorities and a shifting economic or political landscape.
- Proven experience with 5+ years in senior financial leadership roles, preferably within complex, mission-driven environments in the public, education, union, or nonprofit sectors.
- Union or public-sector experience is a must.
- Demonstrated expertise overseeing large, multifaceted budgets, grant management, and financial planning for organizations with multiple legal entities.
- Track record of successfully leading teams through periods of leadership transition, talent development, and organizational change.
- Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills; skilled at presenting financial information to a variety of audiences and serving as a strategic partner to executive leaders.
- Comfortable navigating internal politics, setting and shifting priorities, and managing strong personalities with professionalism, pragmatism, and low ego.
- Commitment to high ethical standards, with a reputation for transparency, fairness, and sound judgment.
- Experience with financial systems (such as Salesforce), audit processes, and compliance requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; advanced degree or relevant certification (e.g., CPA) strongly preferred.
This full-time opportunity offers the chance to make a significant impact in advocating for the rights and working conditions of its members. The position offers a competitive base between $220,000 and $240,000 (DOE), along with comprehensive benefits.APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:
The United Federation of Teachers has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via:Please address applications to:Joanne MacGregor, Senior Executive Search Principal
Scion Executive SearchReview of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.ABOUT OUR FIRM:
is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found .
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