Career Opportunities

 
 
 

Director of Finance & Operations

We’re hiring!

The Abigail Adams Institute (AAI), located in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is seeking an enthusiastic, highly organized, and self-driven Director of Finance & Operations.

AAI is an independent humanities institute dedicated to promoting open and civil inquiry at Harvard and other leading universities in the Boston area. Through engaging programming such as reading and discussion groups, workshops, intellectual retreats, lectures, and mentorship, AAI cultivates a cross-disciplinary environment with events that supplement students’ formal academic courses. Inspired by Abigail Adams—whose wisdom, insight, and commitment to education deeply impacted the early development of our nation—AAI is dedicated to fostering an intellectual community that understands the profound role of the humanities in the pursuit of wisdom and the good life. 

Job Description

As Director of Finance & Operations, you will play a key role in overseeing the Institute’s day-to-day operations, finances, grant management, donor relations, programming, and organizational logistics. This is a unique opportunity to develop nonprofit administration skills while engaging with a community that values intellectual growth. You will also enjoy access to AAI’s enriching programming, offering continuous intellectual formation alongside your professional responsibilities. 

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Management:

  • Oversee the Institute’s bookkeeping and work with external accountants to ensure smooth financial operations

  • Manage and execute bi-monthly payroll and employee benefits operations

  • Create, maintain, and monitor the annual operating budget

  • Prepare financial reports for internal review and bi-annual board meetings 

  • Work with the Director, Board of Trustees, and Director of Marketing & Communications to analyze data and make financial decisions for the advancement of the Institute’s mission and operations

  • Ensure compliance and lead the annual audit

Grant Management:

  • Assist in drafting proposals and narrative reports for new and existing grants

  • Manage financial tracking and reporting for grants

Donor relations & development:

  • Ensure that all donation data is accurately and promptly recorded and updated in QuickBooks and Bloomerang (nonprofit CRM)

  • Directly solicit individual donors via direct mail, in person, phone, and email communications

  • Facilitate donor relations through gift acknowledgements and communications

Programming/Event Management & Student Mentorship:

  • Coordinate with fellow staff, faculty, students, and other organizations to plan and execute programming and events

  • Serve as a mentor and role model for students engaged in AAI programs

General Administration & Project Management:

  • Maintain database integrity

  • Utilize IT skills to keep financial and operational processes running efficiently.

  • Assist with administrative support and office tasks as needed

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • Strategic and analytical mindset

  • Experience in Excel, Google Suite, and Adobe, with curiosity and ability to quickly master new platforms

  • Commitment to intellectual growth and understanding of the importance of the humanities

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail

  • A self-starter with the ability to juggle multiple projects and work independently

  • Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed

Preferred/Bonus Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with QuickBooks or other accounting software

  • Experience with CRM platforms

  • Understanding of GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) and nonprofit accounting principles

  • 1-2 years of bookkeeping or grant management experience

Why You Should Apply:

  • You’ll be part of a passionate, intellectually vibrant community that is committed to reinvigorating liberal arts education

  • You’ll gain valuable financial management experience and develop administrative and leadership skills in the nonprofit sector

  • You'll have the opportunity to mentor bright, motivated students

  • You’ll work in a collaborative and supportive environment

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Health insurance.

Paid vacation and standard holidays.

To Apply

To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, and the names/contact information of two references. Please compile all documents into a single PDF file and send them to Danilo Petranovich, Director, at director@abigailadamsinstitute.org.

We look forward to learning how your unique talents, experiences, and vision will help further the mission of the Abigail Adams Institute.