Overview
About One Million Degrees : One Million Degrees accelerates community college students’ progress on career pathways to economic mobility. OMD’s holistic support model helps students toward degrees and careers with personal and academic coaching, financial assistance, and professional development, transforming futures for generations. OMD’s model is rooted in evaluation and evidence : a randomized controlled trial with the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab shows that OMD scholars are 70% more likely to enroll, 94% more likely to persist, and 73% more likely to earn a degree. Currently, OMD serves scholars in all 7 of the City Colleges of Chicago and is scaling to reach nearly 3,000 Chicago students by 2026. OMD partners with employers to build on-ramps to in-demand jobs through internships and apprenticeships, and works with higher education institutions and partners across Illinois and nationwide to support holistic student support models.
Through this growing body of work, OMD is becoming a national model for sustainable, scalable, and systemic change.
OMD Values
OMD is deeply committed to our core values :
- Equity : We address systemic inequities by taking a holistic approach to supporting students on their path to economic mobility.
- Excellence : We provide exceptional support so students can achieve their ambitions.
- Community : We unite around putting students first, collaborating with partners, and celebrating collective wins.
- Learning : We adapt to a changing world and refine our approach to support students, staff, and stakeholders.
- Amplify : We advocate for our students and share what we’ve learned as field leaders.
Position Summary
Position Summary : One Million Degrees (OMD) seeks a strategic, data-informed, and operationally innovative Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO) to steward the organization’s financial health and operational excellence. Reporting to the CEO, the CFOO will oversee finance, accounting, human resources, compliance, technology, and facilities, and drive systems, policies, and initiatives to enhance efficiency and impact. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, embraces change, and brings a strategic mindset to scaling the organization. The CFOO will shape OMD’s strategic plan, ensure capacity to meet growing needs, and deepen impact on scholars’ economic mobility, while fostering accountability and innovation and serving as a primary liaison to the Board on financial and operational matters. Grounded in OMD’s commitment to social and racial justice, the CFOO will lead with vision and integrity to advance infrastructure and capacity for future opportunities and scale. This is a unique opportunity for a senior financial and operations leader to join a mission-driven, rapidly scaling organization.
Specific duties and responsibilities
Provide ultimate oversight of the organization’s financial, administrative, and human resources activitiesCollaborate with Leadership Team to establish operational strategy and evaluate progress against strategic goalsOversee annual operating budget (currently $14M); work with finance to ensure fiscal stewardship, transparency, forecasting, and financial modeling to support current and emerging workAudit, implement, and maintain internal systems; move from manual to automated processesOversee public funding and grant management; review and systematize MOUs to align with strategy, feasibility, and complianceOffer interdepartmental insight and develop consultative relationships across the organizationManage facilities and leases; negotiate as appropriateDrive knowledge management to improve quality and efficiencyEnsure excellence in core HR functions, including employee lifecycle, performance management, and benefits administrationEnsure optimal software platforms and technology infrastructureManage relationship with OMD legal counselCoordinate key functions to maximize impact; implement strategic changes based on data and reasoningCollaborate with and mentor staff across Finance, Operations, Technology, Compliance, and HR; including labor responsibilities as OMD is partially unionizedLead and develop a high-performing team that embodies service excellence and meets performance expectationsOversee other responsibilities as they arise (e.g., financial and regulatory reporting, contract review, indirect cost rate negotiation, retirement plan oversight, budget planning, cash forecasting, and board engagement)Qualifications and requirements
Required and preferred background :
Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field required; MBA or professional certification (CPA or CFA) preferredProven experience as a CFO, COO, or senior finance / operations leader in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization; 7+ years of management experienceDeep expertise in nonprofit finance, accounting, and complianceDemonstrated success in scaling organizations and leading changeStrong strategic thinking and analytical skills; data-informed managementExceptional communication and leadership abilitiesStrong collaborative spirit and a team-player mindsetExperience working closely with a Board of DirectorsAdditional skills and capabilities
Financial & Operational Expertise : oversee finance, HR, IT, facilities, and compliance; budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planningAbility to build out systems, policies, and infrastructure for stability and growthStrong financial acumen to align resources with strategy and growthExperience with annual financial audits and ensuring audit readinessEnd-to-end operations oversight; redesign cross-functional systems for efficiencyExperience leading organizational change and ensuring adoptionData-driven decision making and continuous improvementCollaborative partner to senior leadership and the BoardStrategic & Visionary Leadership
Set long-term goals, forecast needs, navigate ambiguityDecisive yet collaborative in prioritizing and ensuring accountabilityCreative problem solver; simplify complexityEntrepreneurial mindset; adapt strategies as the organization growsEquity-Driven Change Agent
Establish foundational tools and lead teams through operational change with transparency and careExperience leading change in complex environmentsBalance collaboration with decisivenessChampion equity, inclusion, and belongingInspire innovation and entrepreneurial thinking across teamsTeam Leadership & Culture Building
Skilled coach and facilitator for high-performing, mission-driven teamsFluent in HR practices for unionized and non-union staffFoster transparency, empowerment, and accountability; value staff inputCommitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibilityBuild trust with staff, partners, and Board; maintain composure under pressureMission Alignment
Passionate about OMD’s mission to advance economic mobilityLead with empathy, respect, integrity, and authenticityAim to address systemic inequities and support student successCompensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience; range is $180,000 - $205,000 plus annual bonus eligibilityFull health benefits for all full-time employees; OMD covers 100% of individual premium and 80% of dependent coverageEmployee assistance program for confidential support, legal guidance, financial resources, and moreRetirement benefits : OMD matches contributions up to 4%Generous PTO with 12 holidays and up to 15 days PTO in year one plus two weeks winter breakCompensatory time for duties outside normal hoursMonthly cell phone and internet reimbursement up to $5012 weeks of paid parental leaveProfessional learning opportunities funded by OMDHybrid work schedule; one in-office day per week with additional in-office days as neededSalary bands set based on market data and internal equityLimited Saturday / evening hours required for organizational eventsOne Million Degrees is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from all individuals are encouraged regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, and candidates are evaluated on merit.
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