Financial Operations Manager

Financial Operations Manager

Company:

The New School

Job Location:

New York, 10011

Category:

Business and Financial Services

Type:

Full-Time

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

The Tishman Environment and Design Center, also known as the "Tishman Center," is seeking an experienced professional to manage the financial and contract activities. The Tishman Center supports environmental and climate justice action, innovative design, and transnational movement building. We are committed to bringing an interdisciplinary and justice-oriented approach to contemporary environmental challenges. We have a strong history of building trusted partnerships with grassroots, frontline, and advocacy groups in the environmental justice and climate justice movements, both regionally and nationwide.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

The Tishman Center at the New School is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Financial Operations Manager to oversee finance operations, contract management, and related administrative functions. This role is integral to maintaining the Center's financial integrity, ensuring institutional and grant compliance, and supporting cross-functional workflows that enable programmatic and convening activities. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration, the position requires a systems-minded professional with strong project management skills, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to work effectively in a hybrid, collaborative environment with diverse stakeholders, including university departments, consultants, vendors, and grassroots partners.

This is a grant-funded position, with the possibility of an extension contingent upon funding and performance. The position is eligible for New York benefits and a tuition waiver.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations and Project Management (60%)

• Manage day-to-day financial transactions, including bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, ledger reconciliation, and cash flow tracking.
• Ensure accurate financial recordkeeping, adherence to internal controls, and preparation of standard reports in coordination with the Director.
• Oversee the processing of vendor payments, reimbursements, and honoraria in accordance with university finance systems and policies.
• Coordinate with external consultants on contracts, deliverables, and payments.
• Support budget planning, fiscal year-end closeout, and forecasting activities.
• Manage internal financial systems and administrative processes, providing staff training as needed and developing process guides.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with key university offices, including Finance, Accounts Payable, Procurement, Facilities, Events, IT, and ORS, by coordinating outreach and issue resolution in collaboration with other team members to resolve administrative matters and ensure compliance.
• Develop and maintain well-organized finance and administrative records, including tools and dashboards that translate data into actionable insights for Center-wide impact assessment.
• Analyze financial data, create dashboards, and support reporting to link financial performance with strategic objectives.
• May take on related projects or responsibilities as needed to support the evolving priorities and cross-functional initiatives of the Center.

Contract Management and Coordination (20%)

• Lead the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, reviewing, tracking, and ensuring timely processing in compliance with university guidelines.
• Maintain collaborative relationships across University departments to coordinate activities, support communication, and resolve issues in partnership with team members.
• Coordinate the timely execution of contracts related to operations, events, and external services.
• Provide contract oversight for convenings and special projects.
• Monitor financial obligations and compliance within partnership agreements, anticipate potential risks, and recommend strategies to ensure alignment with strategic and funding goals.

Convenings Support (20%)

• Support the Convenings Manager in planning and implementing logistics for regional and center-wide events, including managing contracts and payments, coordinating with partners and consultants, and overseeing the procurement of materials and supplies.
• Contribute to team planning meetings and help ensure an equitable distribution of event-related responsibilities across staff and throughout the annual cycle.
• Track and evaluate convening expenses to ensure alignment with Center priorities and identify opportunities for efficiency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and two to five years of professional experience in bookkeeping, finance operations, contract administration, or nonprofit finance.
• Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and workflows, along with proficiency in financial tracking, reporting, and reconciliations.
• Experience developing systems and processes that are inclusive, efficient, and scalable.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, balancing competing priorities while working independently and with cross-functional teams.
• Skilled at assessing needs and building inclusive, streamlined systems that enhance coordination and effectiveness.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in non-profit administration, finance, environmental or social justice, or related fields.
• Knowledge of The New School's administrative and budgeting systems and procurement processes.
• Experience managing grants, university systems, grassroots initiatives, external partnerships, and complex logistics for values-aligned events.
• A deep interest in environmental, racial, and social justice.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY

$80,000 - $85,000 annually

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that's reshaping the future of higher education. You'll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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