Chief Financial Officer

Grade Level: 8 - FLSA Exempt

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

About NED

The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world.

At NED, we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.

NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity. In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments.

We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for NED’s financial strategy, planning, and operations, ensuring resources are managed with integrity, transparency, and discipline in support of the mission. As a core member of the Enterprise Leadership Team, the CFO serves as a key strategic advisor to the CEO, COO, and Board on resource allocation, financial risk, and long-term sustainability, enabling NED to maximize its impact while maintaining the highest standards of accountability.

The CFO oversees all finance functions. This includes budgeting, forecasting, accounting, treasury, and compliance while seeking to strengthen systems, processes, and controls to support NED’s performance and accountability. This role will lead efforts to modernize our financial infrastructure and improve the alignment of resources to institutional priorities. This role is central to NED’s effectiveness, and the ideal candidate will be able to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

The CFO will ensure responsible stewardship of NED’s public and private resources, including approximately $315M in annual appropriations and will lead an integrated financial planning and forecasting process to ensure alignment with Institutional Goals. The CFO is expected to identify and advance opportunities to strengthen financial sustainability, including new funding models and financing approaches. The CFO will also drive financial innovation, financing mechanisms, investment strategies, and digital-first approaches to optimize financial performance and support NED’s mission.

In support of NED’s goal to “make freedom investible,” the CFO will serve as a strategic partner on financial initiatives across NED. To this end, the CFO will serve as an advisor to NED’s effort to develop and raise philanthropic resources for its Venture Fund for Freedom and explore alternative investment vehicles capable of mobilizing capital for our mission. This effort also includes helping NED make grants that generate income and developing refundable grants.

This role is central to building the critical infrastructure that ensures NED serves as the SWIFT system for global freedom: a trusted, resilient financial infrastructure that moves resources safely and legally to democracy champions on the frontlines, delivering critical support and protecting partners from retaliation without compromising due diligence and accountability in more than 90 countries. This is a unique role inviting the CFO to contribute to an ambitious strategy to modernize how freedom is financed.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership & Planning

Lead NED's financial strategy, ensuring responsible stewardship of public and private resources.
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning to support organizational priorities and drive impact.
Provide the Board of Directors and senior leadership with clear financial insights to guide key decisions.
Drive financial innovation, exploring new funding models, investment strategies, and digital-first approaches to optimize financial performance.

Capital Mobilization and Freedom Financing

Advise on efforts to raise philanthropic resources, including NED's Venture Fund for Freedom, with experience catalyzing private and philanthropic capital alongside public funding.
Engage credibly with external stakeholders and philanthropists to help make freedom investible.
Explore and advance innovative financing approaches to ensure NED expands the pool of capital available for freedom.

Financial Operations, Compliance & Risk

Oversee all core finance functions, including accounting, treasury, accounts payable, and other financial reporting responsibilities.
Ensure effective internal controls and compliance with all relevant government, GAAP, and regulatory requirements.
Act as principal liaison between external auditors and oversee audit processes.
Develop, maintain, and implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential risks and ensure financial stability.
Navigate complex international financial environments, including cross-border payment challenges and compliance requirements.

Finance Team Leadership & Organizational Excellence

Leads and manages the Finance Department to ensure efficient, cost-effective, accurate and customer service-oriented operations to achieve NED’s mission of effectively strengthening democratic institutions around the world.
Champions the adoption of forward-looking technologies and automation to optimize finance operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
Evaluates and implements new financial systems, tools, and processes to enhance financial planning, analysis, and reporting, and to support data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

Required Experience and Expertise

CPA, MBA or equivalent advanced degree in accounting, finance, or business; relevant experience may be considered as an acceptable qualification.
15+ years of experience as a senior financial manager and team leader, with nonprofit financial and/or grant management leadership experience.
Demonstrated experience leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and investing in complex organizations.
Experience supporting and advising executive leadership and Boards on financial strategy and decision-making.

Preferred Experience

Experience in grantmaking, or mission-driven organizations, particularly those managing public funds
Familiarity with U.S. government funding, including Congressional appropriations or similar funding structures.
Experience developing or implementing innovative financing approaches (e.g., blended finance, impact investing, or similar models).
Experience operating in international contexts, including navigating cross-border financial and compliance environments.
Experience supporting fundraising, donor engagement, or capital strategy efforts.
Demonstrated track record of working with digital currencies and AI to enhance business operations.
Experience exploring or implementing innovative financing approaches.

Leadership Attributes

Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear insights.
Sound judgment and high ethical standards, with a commitment to accountability and stewardship.
Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
Collaborative and pragmatic leadership style, with effective communication skills
Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and service orientation
Appreciation for NED’s mission and ability to work effectively in a values-driven organization.

Talent in Action

Consistent with NED’s talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED’s efforts to advance democratic change:

Purpose-Driven
Reliable
Expertise
Respectful Collaboration
Curiosity
Results-Oriented
An Optimistic Mindset

NED Total Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $130,000 to $234,500.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education, and other business needs, along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are based on the aforementioned circumstances.

NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.

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