Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Finance and Administration

at Jewish Council for Public Affairs

🏢 About Jewish Council for Public Affairs

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is a unique nonprofit that translates Jewish values into advocacy for a more just and inclusive society. Working here means being part of a mission-driven team that builds coalitions across diverse communities, with a strong focus on democracy and pluralism. It's an opportunity to align your financial expertise with meaningful social impact.

About This Role

As Director of Finance and Administration, you will be the financial backbone of JCPA, overseeing all accounting, budgeting, and internal controls while managing administrative operations. This role is impactful because you'll enable the organization to focus on its advocacy mission by ensuring financial health and operational efficiency, and you'll serve as a key strategic advisor to leadership.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start your day reviewing cash flow and QuickBooks reports, then join a Zoom check-in with the CEO to discuss upcoming budget decisions. Mid-morning, you might audit a vendor contract or oversee payroll processing, followed by a virtual meeting with the Board Finance Committee to present quarterly financials. Afternoon could involve strategic planning with program directors or troubleshooting an operational issue—all while ensuring compliance and internal controls are maintained.

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🎯 Who Jewish Council for Public Affairs Is Looking For

  • A seasoned financial leader with 8+ years of nonprofit financial management experience, including budgeting, audits, and internal controls.
  • An MBA or CPA who is QuickBooks-proficient and can hit the ground running with the organization's accounting system.
  • A strategic thinker who enjoys advising CEOs and board committees, translating financial data into actionable insights.
  • A values-aligned professional passionate about democracy, pluralism, and Jewish communal work, comfortable in a remote, collaborative environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Jewish Council for Public Affairs

1

Tailor your resume to highlight nonprofit financial management, especially budgeting, audits, and QuickBooks—use specific metrics like budget size or audit outcomes.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience with JCPA's mission: mention how your financial stewardship supported advocacy or coalition-building in past roles.

3

Demonstrate remote work readiness by noting any experience managing distributed teams or using digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Asana).

4

Research JCPA's recent initiatives (e.g., their work on voting rights or combating antisemitism) and reference them to show genuine interest.

5

Prepare a one-page summary of your financial leadership philosophy, including how you approach internal controls and strategic advising—attach it as a supplement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with nonprofit financial management, particularly in mission-driven organizations, and your proficiency with QuickBooks.', "Show how you've served as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and boards, using financial insights to guide decision-making.", "Express your passion for JCPA's values—democracy, pluralism, and Jewish social justice—and how your work can amplify their impact.", 'Highlight your ability to manage administrative operations efficiently, freeing up resources for advocacy and community engagement.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review JCPA's website, especially their 'About Us' and 'Our Work' sections, to understand their advocacy priorities and coalition partners.
  • → Read their latest annual report and financial statements (if publicly available) to assess their financial structure and recent trends.
  • → Look into recent press releases or news articles about JCPA's campaigns (e.g., on voting rights or antisemitism) to speak knowledgeably in interviews.
  • → Explore their leadership team on LinkedIn to understand the backgrounds of the CEO and board members you'd advise.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach improving internal controls in a remote nonprofit environment?
2 Describe a time you advised a CEO or board on a complex financial decision—what was the outcome?
3 How do you ensure accuracy in budgeting when working with multiple program teams?
4 What experience do you have with grant financial reporting and compliance?
5 How do you stay current with nonprofit accounting standards and regulations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—failing to mention JCPA's mission or values signals lack of interest.
  • Avoid downplaying remote work challenges; instead, proactively address how you'll maintain communication and accountability in a distributed team.
  • Don't overlook the administrative component—this role is not just finance; show experience managing operations, vendor contracts, and benefits.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Jewish Council for Public Affairs!

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