Chief Financial Officer

AACTE seeks a visionary, mission-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its executive leadership team, with a start date in November 2025. This is a pivotal moment in AACTE’s history—an opportunity for a strategic financial leader to help guide the organization into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact in the field of educator preparation. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CFO will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the stewardship and strategic oversight of the association’s financial health and operational excellence.

This includes leadership of AACTE’s finance and accounting, human resources, grants management, legal and regulatory compliance, investment strategy, and banking relationships. The CFO will play a critical role in ensuring that AACTE is financially strong and operationally agile, while fostering a high-performing and mission-aligned culture that supports the organization’s commitment to excellence in educator preparation. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who combines strong technical and financial expertise with a passion for mission-driven work.

How to Apply

Below is the complete position description including hiring salary range If you are interested in applying, please forward a cover letter describing your interest in the role, and your resume to . We will begin our candidate review and interview process immediately.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy and Organizational Turnaround

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of the annual budget, financial forecasts, and multi-year strategic financial plans.

• Design and execute turnaround strategies to stabilize and strengthen AACTE’s fiscal position, including cost containment, revenue diversification, and operational streamlining.

• Oversee cash flow management.

• Monitor and analyze the organization’s financial trends, including strategic initiatives, and provide regular financial updates to the CEO, staff, and Board of Directors.

• Evaluate and enhance internal controls, financial systems, and risk management practices to improve efficiency and accountability.

• Provide clear, data-informed guidance to the CEO and Board of Directors on financial sustainability, opportunities, and risks.

• Oversee audit processes, banking relationships, and investment accounts, ensuring alignment with board-approved policies and long-term goals.

• Prepare quarterly financial statements, including statement of financial position, statement of activities, and statement of functional expenses for Management and Board review.

• Provide narrative commentary regarding the above and keep management and the board apprised of key drivers, trends, and financial highlights.

• Ensure appropriate accounting processes and procedures are in place and directly supervise and review the work of the Senior Accountant.

• Lead the organization’s work with the external auditors to complete the annual financial audit and Form 990.

• Prepare cash projections and present monthly to management and the board.

• Operations and Compliance

• Lead and modernize finance, IT, HR, and legal operations to ensure efficient, compliant, and scalable processes that support a growing and evolving organization.

• Supervise HR functions including payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and personnel policy administration in collaboration with internal staff and external vendors.

• Supervise IT Vendor, ensuring AACTE makes best use of available technology and staff are trained in and operate according to best practices in IT security.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and internal governance policies, particularly in the areas of nonprofit finance, employment, and contracts.

• Support financial management of grant funding, from application and budgeting through implementation and reporting.

• Collaborate on non-dues revenue generation strategies, including new funding models, philanthropic partnerships, and earned income opportunities that align with AACTE’s mission.

Leadership and Culture

• Supervise and mentor the Senior Accountant and related staff, fostering…