Director of Finance & Administration
The National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education (NFEAIE)

About the National Fund
The National Fund is the Congressionally chartered 501(c)(3) foundation supporting the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and its 183+ schools. Amid a rapidly shifting federal landscape, the National Fund is advancing a bold, Indigenous-centered vision for Native education - maintaining strategic alignment with BIE leadership, Tribal Nations, and federal and foundation partners while seizing key moments to drive sustainable, community-led impact. The National Fund was created by Congress to address a systemic challenge - difficulty in resourcing and innovating a federally operated school system. The National Fund plays an important role in:

• Supporting the BIE in applying for Federal funds (e.g., Dept. of Education and Dept. of Agriculture grants)
• Serving as the 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor for the 183 schools, enabling contribution to the government agency
• Gathering other public, private, and philanthropic resources to accelerate progress in supporting the students, families, and communities of BIE funded schools
• Advancing thought-leadership, advocacy, and public-private-partnerships

Position Summary

The National Fund seeks a seasoned, strategic, and values-driven Director of Finance & Administration to serve as a core member of the executive leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role provides organizational leadership across finance, grants management, legal compliance, human resources oversight, and records governance, ensuring strong systems, accountability, and long-term sustainability in support of NFEAIE’s mission.

The Director is responsible for the oversight of all financial operations, grant compliance and reporting, audit and risk management, and the oversight of organizational policies, controls, and administrative systems. This position also provides executive oversight of human resources administration and legal compliance, partnering with external counsel, HR vendors, and leadership to ensure adherence to all regulatory, employment, and governance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic and values-driven leadership for all financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash management, in support of the organization’s mission to strengthen educational opportunities for Native American children.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial information to support informed decision-making by the Executive Director, senior leadership, Board of Directors, funders, and community partners.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on financial sustainability, long-term planning, and responsible growth that honors community priorities and commitments.
• Support the Board and Finance Committee in fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities through clear, accessible financial reporting and analysis.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the development of the annual budget and multi-year financial plans that reflect programmatic goals, community impact, and organizational values.
• Ensure budgets align with strategic priorities, grant and contract requirements, and the needs of partner schools and communities.
• Monitor financial performance and cash flow, analyze variances, and recommend thoughtful, mission-aligned corrective actions.
• Collaborate with program leaders to support financial planning that strengthens educational programs while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

Grants Management & Compliance Oversight

• Oversee grants management systems and financial processes supporting federal, state, foundation, and private funding.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), while minimizing administrative burden on program staff.
• Oversee timely and accurate financial reporting to funders, reinforcing trust and accountability.
• Partner with program and development teams to support grant budgeting, financial tracking, and closeout, ensuring resources are used as intended to benefit Native students and schools.

Audit, Tax & Risk Management

• Coordinate the annual independent audit and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee preparation and filing of required tax documents and financial regulatory reports.
• Ensure appropriate insurance coverage and support proactive risk management practices.
• Maintain financial policies and procedures that promote transparency, accountability, and strong internal controls.

Legal Compliance & Governance

• Oversee financial and administrative compliance related to contracts, agreements, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure adherence to organizational bylaws, nonprofit governance standards, and ethical financial practices.
• Support Board and committee work by preparing financial and compliance-related materials that are clear, accurate, and accessible.

Human Resources Oversight

• Oversee HR-related systems and administrative processes in coordination with leadership and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, payroll processing, and benefits administration.
• Support equitable and accurate allocation of personnel costs across programs and funding sources, reflecting the true cost of delivering mission-driven work.

Systems, Records, Technology & Controls

• Oversee financial and administrative systems to ensure reliability, efficiency, and data integrity.
• Strengthen internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and uphold funder and community trust.
• Ensure effective records retention and secure maintenance of financial, personnel, grant, and contract records.
• Support continuous improvement of systems and processes to better serve staff, partners, and the organization’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (CPA or MBA preferred)
• Proven understanding of Finance principles, practices, and operational management
• Experience with analyzing Financial Statements/Reporting - generating insights, efficient budget planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
• Exceptional Analytical Skills and a background in financial analysis or modeling
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and tools - Excel, ERP & Payroll systems
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to operate effectively in a culturally inclusive environment
• Experience working with schools, educators, and/or tribal or Indigenous communities (preferred)

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $135,000 – $175,000
Competitive benefits package includes health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plan (and match).
Location: Preferred locations are Albuquerque, NM, Washington, DC, or Dallas, TX, but may be remote. 

NFEAIE is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and references to info@nfeaie.org. The application deadline is March 1, 2026. However, we will schedule interviews on a rolling basis.