SPARK Is Hiring
Finance Director
This position is through December 2023 with possibilities for extension in 2024. Compensation is based on experience and whether the candidate is able to work full or part time. Full time is preferred, and full time employees receive PTO, sick leave, and a stipend for health insurance; all employees receive mileage reimbursement and a stipend for technology usage. This position is work from home with occasional need to meet in person. The ability to commute to and from Saint Paul is required
HOW TO APPLY:
Email a current resume to info@sparksaintpaul.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
ABOUT SPARK:
Saint Paul All Ready for Kindergarten (SPARK) is an effort by a broad coalition of education, business and civic leaders to ensure that early learning is accessible to all children in Saint Paul. The program will supplement existing funding so that all 3 and 4 year olds in Saint Paul, who live at or below 185% of poverty, will be able to attend an early learning program for free, while other households will qualify for subsidies.
All families deserve quality, culturally responsive early learning options that are right for them. SPARK would make early learning free or highly affordable for Saint Paul families and bridge racial disparities in access to early learning programs.
An online platform will allow families to view all available programs and apply for funding, and navigators will be available to assist families whether they choose school-based programs, HeadStart, a child care center, or licensed family child care.
A small, incremental yearly increase to property taxes over the next 10 years would provide equitable access to early learning opportunities for children across the city. The program will cost the average family $19.94 next year and over time could result in lower taxes overall because of increased economic development.
SUMMARY:
Saint Paul All Ready for Kindergarten (SPARK) is seeking a committed, passionate, and community-oriented individual to serve as our next Finance Director. The Finance Director is responsible for c4 fundraising from our donor base for relevant political programs, c3 fundraising from private donors and grant applications to service programs and leaders. This position is supervised by the Director of SPARK
The Finance Director will also work closely with our Fiscal Sponsor in order to maintain and approve invoices, operate our finances in accordance with all relevant State and Federal laws, and oversee the overall budget.
• NOTE: In this position, you will need to be able to flexibly work in a changing environment, ensuring budgeting and fundraising are adjusted accordingly.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EXPERIENCE:
• At minimum one cycle of campaign in experience
• Previous experience working with grant approval, application, or preparation
• Ability to work within the constraints of a budget, and make adjustments to a budget as fundraising and fundraising capacity changes
• Experience in Data Management and utilizing fundraising platforms such as GiveMN, EveryAction/NGP and ActBlue
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Campaign experience working in Finance and/or Operations
• Previous grant writing experience
• One cycle or more experience working with NGP/VAN and donation solicitation through ActBlue
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
NOTE: If applicants feel they have enough experience to be able to learn the required skills quickly on the job but do not meet all of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work with our Fiscal Sponsor and approval all internal and external invoices
• Supervise and maintain budget
• Apply for available c3 grants
• Solicit donations via an email program and private and corporate donors as well as cultivate /donor and foundation relationships
• Maintain and evaluate the budget of SPARK on an ongoing basis
• Ensure compliance with auditing, reporting, and campaign guidelines
REPORTING AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• The Finance Director reports to the Campaign Director
• The Finance Director will work closely with the Deputy Campaign Director
• This position will also be a part of Senior Staff and attend regular team meetings
SPARK provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.