If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of people with low incomes, being part of a diverse and multidisciplinary staff, and having hands-on involvement in building better programs, then consider an opportunity with MDRC to be on the cutting edge of social research methodology.

MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and children with low incomes. We are committed to finding solutions to some of the most difficult social problems facing the nation—from reducing poverty and bolstering economic mobility to improving public education and college graduation rates. We design promising new interventions, evaluate existing programs using the highest research standards, and provide technical assistance to build better programs and deliver effective interventions at scale.

Candidates with immediate availability are highly encouraged to apply. As a Project Financial Services Associate, you will have the opportunity to work as part of multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as the primary financial business partner for policy area resource management.
• Build relationships with policy area management staff, project teams and all departments throughout the organization.
• Help create and maintain a department culture that emphasizes collaboration, contribution, and relationship-building.
• Develop and maintain a detailed spending plan/strategy for complex, multi-funded projects, considering funder preferences and constraints. Provide input and feedback, as necessary, regarding viability of the spending plan and levels of effort, based on prior experience.
• Prepare financial reports, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with agreement terms.
• Interpret provisions in grant/contract documents relating to payment terms, billing, limitations on cost, and requirements for budget modifications and extensions.
• Determine the correct allocation of expenses to funding sources.
• Interact with project teams, legal, and funding agencies to resolve financial issues.
• Perform financial analysis to support financial planning and decision-making.
• Monitor spending, compliance, and potential budget modifications or extensions.
• Prepare budgets and budget modifications for submission to funders.
• Prepare materials and lead meetings for effective management of financial issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience in pre- and post-award management of federal and foundation grants and contracts, including budgeting and financial reporting for projects with multiple funding services and compliance requirements.
• Solid understanding of revenue recognition, cost allocations, audit requirements, and indirect costs.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Excel skills required.
• Experience with automated accounting and budgeting systems and databases preferred.
• Excellent analytical/problem-solving skills and ability to think about a problem from multiple dimensions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

Compensation and benefits: Salary range is $90K - $100K and will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance offered. Some on-the-job training will be provided. Please see “What to expect from MDRC’s recruitment process” for more information.

Location: The position can be based in MDRC’s New York City or Washington, DC, offices; we are also open to remote work.

Instructions: When submitting your application, please include:

• Resume
• Cover letter

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that the health and safety of our employees and candidates is very important to us and that interviews (when scheduled) will be conducted via video conferencing. As a Federally Contracted employer, MDRC is in full compliance with all applicable regulations including, but not limited to, recent changes that require vaccination of employees of federal contractors. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccinations, unless they have sought and received an exemption from this policy due to a disability or other medical condition, or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Accommodations are granted in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Applicants must submit proof of vaccination or request and submit an applicable request for accommodation during the offer stage.

MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. No qualified applicant, employee, intern, volunteer, or apprenticeship trainee will be discriminated against on the basis of his, her, or their race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin (including physical, cultural or linguistic characteristics), marriage to or association with persons of a national origin group, tribal affiliation, membership in or association with an organization identified with or seeking to promote the interests of a national origin group, name that is associated with a national origin group, accent, language use, immigration status, citizenship, possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their lawful presence in the United States, and other definitions under California or other states’ laws, ancestry, creed, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), age, citizenship, veteran and/or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, gender transitioning or perceived gender transitioning, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, protected medical leaves (requesting or being approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act) or similar state family medical leave laws, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. Legal work authorization is required. To request a reasonable accommodation during any stage of MDRC&’s employment process due to a disability, please contact HRQuestions@mdrc.org.

MDRC’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion exceed compliance requirements. We believe that recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce of all backgrounds and perspectives improves the quality and relevance of our research, as well as the daily experiences of our staff. By fostering an equitable culture of inclusivity and belonging, we seek an environment in which staff feel welcomed, valued, and engaged in their work.