Lakewood, Washington, United States · Hybrid
$95k–$110k/yr
The Director of Finance & Operations at Palmer Scholars is a rare opportunity for a strategic, systems‑minded leader to shape the future of the organization. This role sits at the heart of the organization—driving operat…
Skills: Strategic Leadership, Financial Stewardship, Operational Excellence, Data Analysis, Compliance Tracking
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The Director provides strategic oversight of organizational operations, financial processes, and data systems to ensure long-term sustainability. This role translates organizational priorities into actionable plans and manages billing, compliance, and program infrastructure.
The candidate should be a systems-minded leader with experience in senior management or supervision. They must be capable of leveraging data for informed decision-making and driving operational performance within a nonprofit context.
The Director of Finance & Operations at Palmer Scholars is a rare opportunity for a strategic, systems‑minded leader to shape the future of the organization. This role sits at the heart of the organization—driving operational excellence, strengthening financial stewardship, and empowering program teams to deliver life‑changing outcomes for Scholars. If you thrive on building smart systems, translating big‑picture strategy into daily execution, and using data to fuel organizational growth, this position offers the chance to make a measurable, mission‑driven impact while helping lead a dynamic, values‑centered nonprofit into its next chapter.
The Director of Finance & Operations serves as a key member of the leadership team at Palmer Scholars, providing strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership across organizational operations, program support, financial processes, compliance, and data systems. In close partnership with the CEO, this role translates organizational priorities into actionable plans, clear workflows, and measurable outcomes that strengthen internal alignment and long-term sustainability.
This leader ensures that operational systems, program infrastructure, and data practices effectively support high-quality program delivery and responsible stewardship of funding. The Director oversees billing and contract processes, compliance tracking, reporting systems, and performance management while guiding continuous improvement efforts across departments.
The role also supervises operational and program leadership staff, fosters cross-team collaboration, and promotes a culture of accountability, learning, and shared problem-solving. By leveraging data and strategic analysis, the Director drives informed decision-making, strengthens financial and operational performance, and supports organizational growth.
Wherever they start. Whatever their path. We are committed.
The mission of Palmer Scholars is to support underrepresented Pierce County students of color to overcome financial, cultural, and social barriers in their pursuit of higher education. At Palmer Scholars we seek to identify talented young men and women of color from Pierce County who have a desire to receive a post-high school education but lack the financial support to do so. While we select students based on a wide array of criteria, including GPA, test scores, involvement, etc., what we really focus on is the character of each individual applicant. While our Scholars are as diverse as the community they represent, what they have in common is determination, a willingness to rise above their individual situations and make something of themselves, and the resilience and grit to not let anything take them off of their path. All of our Scholars, through the combined efforts of Palmer Scholars Board of Directors and staff, our generous donors and volunteers, mentors, and community support, will have the opportunity to assist in the improvement and quality of life for their community through attaining a post-high school education!
Offices: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, BLDG 2, Lakewood, Washington 98499, US
Wherever they start. Whatever their path. We are committed.
The mission of Palmer Scholars is to support underrepresented Pierce County students of color to overcome financial, cultural, and social barriers in their pursuit of higher education. At Palmer Scholars we seek to identify talented young men and women of color from Pierce County who have a desire to receive a post-high school education but lack the financial support to do so. While we select students based on a wide array of criteria, including GPA, test scores, involvement, etc., what we really focus on is the character of each individual applicant. While our Scholars are as diverse as the community they represent, what they have in common is determination, a willingness to rise above their individual situations and make something of themselves, and the resilience and grit to not let anything take them off of their path. All of our Scholars, through the combined efforts of Palmer Scholars Board of Directors and staff, our generous donors and volunteers, mentors, and community support, will have the opportunity to assist in the improvement and quality of life for their community through attaining a post-high school education!
Offices: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, BLDG 2, Lakewood, Washington 98499, US
