Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Finance & Operations

at American Friends of Hand in Hand

🏢 About American Friends of Hand in Hand

American Friends of Hand in Hand supports a unique mission of fostering Jewish-Arab coexistence in Israel through integrated bilingual schools. Working here means contributing to peace-building and social impact in a deeply divided region, with a collaborative and values-driven team.

About This Role

As Director of Finance & Operations, you will ensure the financial health and operational efficiency of a growing non-profit, directly enabling the expansion of coexistence education. Your work will involve strategic budgeting, HR oversight, and IT systems management, making you a key partner to the executive team.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing cash flow projections and QuickBooks reports, followed by a check-in with the HR team on payroll or benefits. Afternoon could involve a Salesforce data cleanup project and a virtual meeting with the Israeli counterpart to align on budget timelines.

🎯 Who American Friends of Hand in Hand Is Looking For

  • A seasoned non-profit finance professional with 5+ years of experience, comfortable with both strategic planning and hands-on execution.
  • Proficient in Salesforce and QuickBooks, able to leverage data for decision-making and streamline operations.
  • A strong communicator and supervisor, capable of managing remote teams and handling sensitive HR matters with discretion.
  • Passionate about social justice and coexistence, with a commitment to the organization's mission of Jewish-Arab partnership.

📝 Tips for Applying to American Friends of Hand in Hand

1

Tailor your resume to highlight non-profit finance experience, especially budgeting and grant management.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills in Salesforce and QuickBooks to the role's responsibilities.

3

Mention any experience with remote teams or international organizations, as the role is remote and supports Israeli operations.

4

Demonstrate knowledge of Israeli society or Jewish-Arab relations to show cultural fit.

5

Prepare a brief example of how you improved operational efficiency or financial reporting in a previous role.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with non-profit financial management and compliance, including board reporting.', 'Highlight your proficiency with Salesforce and QuickBooks, and any experience integrating these tools.', 'Convey your passion for coexistence and peace-building, linking your personal values to the mission.', 'Showcase your ability to lead HR functions and manage operations in a small to mid-sized organization.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read about Hand in Hand's integrated schools and their impact on Jewish-Arab relations in Israel.
  • Review American Friends of Hand in Hand's recent annual reports and financial statements.
  • Understand the current challenges and opportunities in the Israeli non-profit sector, especially related to coexistence.
  • Familiarize yourself with the board of directors and key leadership to understand governance structure.
Visit American Friends of Hand in Hand's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach the annual budgeting process for a non-profit with multiple revenue streams?
2 Describe your experience with Salesforce; how have you used it to improve donor or operational data management?
3 How do you handle sensitive HR issues, such as payroll discrepancies or employee relations, with discretion?
4 What strategies have you used to manage cash flow in a non-profit, especially during uncertain times?
5 How do you stay informed about compliance requirements for US-based non-profits supporting international programs?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of the organization's mission and the Israeli context.
  • Overlooking the HR and operations components; focusing only on finance without showing supervisory or systems management skills.
  • Not preparing examples of how you've used Salesforce or QuickBooks in a non-profit setting.

📅 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 American Friends of Hand in Hand!