Position Profile

Chief Talent and Finance Officer

Overview:
The RISE Network seeks a dynamic Chief Finance and Talent Officer (CTFO) to join its mission-driven team. RISE leads networks where schools work together to use data and improvement methods to promote equitable student outcomes, advancing on-track achievement and postsecondary access for all students. This pivotal role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and innovate within an organization dedicated to student success and organizational excellence. As a hybrid role based in New Haven, CT, with some in-state travel, the CTFO will manage the organization’s core internal functions, including finance, talent, and office operations. Additionally, the CTFO will manage a team of specialists and external vendors to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness. The CTFO is a member of the organization’s Leadership Team, and will support strategic growth through long-range talent planning and financial modeling, using cross-functional collaboration to drive greater impact.
About CT RISE Network
The RISE Network’s mission is to ensure all students graduate with a plan and the skills and confidence to achieve college and career success. Founded in 2015, RISE partners with public high schools to lead networks where school communities work together to use data to learn and improve. Through its core and most comprehensive network, RISE partners with nine high schools and eight public school districts, serving over 13,000 students; the majority of RISE students identify as Black, Hispanic/Latin, and/or low-income. Through scale partnerships, RISE collaborated with 49 additional high schools during the 2023-24 school year, spanning six states. RISE high schools work together to ensure all students experience success as they transition to, through, and beyond high school by using data to pinpoint needs, form hypotheses, and pursue ideas to advance student achievement.

Over the past eight years, RISE Core Network high schools have achieved double-digit gains improving Grade 9 on-track achievement, graduation rates, and postsecondary planning.

Recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its excellence in continuous improvement, RISE is expanding its impact through consulting partnerships with other school districts and educational organizations.
Background of A Highly Favorable Candidate:
The ideal candidate for the CTFO role will bring over a decade of progressive experience in finance, HR/talent, and operations, with at least four years in a leadership capacity. They must have business acumen and change leadership skills to support revenue diversification. They must be strongly aligned with RISE's mission and values, including by demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism. They will possess experience working within or alongside communities similar to those served by RISE. This role requires a hands-on manager and strategic thinker with a proven track record of conceptualizing, building, and optimizing organizational systems change to support growth and effectiveness.
Professional Characteristics:
  • 10+ years of progressive professional experience in finance, HR/talent, and organizational operations.
  • Minimum of four years in a leadership role, managing teams in finance and talent.
  • Proficiency in managing external partnerships and vendor relationships.
  • Experience with managing/overseeing talent acquisition, on-boarding, professional development systems, performance management, and HR compliance.
  • Strong alignment with RISE's mission and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
  • Deep experience with non-profit budget development and management, accounting, contracting, longer-term forecasting, and financial/price modeling.
  • Proven ability to develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Strong team development and leadership skills, with the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
  • Strategic thought partner with experience in organizational leadership and goal advancement.
  • Excellent communication and relational skills to lead and develop diverse teams.
Responsibilities:
Team Leadership
  • Lead and enhance finance, talent, and operations functions.
  • Establish and monitor KPIs, ensuring team alignment with organizational goals.
  • Promote team coordination and communication through purposeful meetings and work plans.
  • Further professional development across the organization through a systemic approach to coaching, mentorship, and feedback.
  • Maintain a positive team climate, fostering diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration.
  • Serve on the Leadership Team, specifically contributing to financial and talent planning to achieve organizational priorities.
  • Manage key external partnerships and collaborate with other functional teams.
  • Oversee project management and KPI tracking systems.
Finance
  • Develop the annual budget, including by facilitating input and prioritization from department leaders.
  • Oversee accounts payable, receivable, and ongoing accounting functions with external accountants.
  • Serve as finance liaison to the Board of Directors and Treasurer.
  • Prepare quarterly financial reports and updates for the Leadership Team and Board.
  • Maintain internal financial policies and controls.
  • Oversee contracting processes and support efforts to diversify revenue.
  • Ensure compliance with financial grant requirements and annual filings.
  • Build and recommend longer-range financial models to support RISE’s strategic goals, developing financial and staffing models with thoughtful assumptions, dependencies, and risk mitigation strategies.
Talent Development
  • Enhance all stages of the employee life cycle and talent systems.
  • Oversee recruitment, hiring, and on-boarding processes.
  • Design and deliver performance management and professional development systems, including by building manager capacity.
  • Oversee employee benefits, HR compliance, and staff policies.
  • Monitor staff climate and create systems to support morale and retention.
Compensation:
$160,000-$210,000 annually with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, generous PTO, paid parental leave, 401k plan with a 5% match, and more. Most new hires' salaries fall within the first half of the range.
Organizational Information:
The CTFO reports to the Executive Director and manages a team specializing in finance, talent, and operations. The CTFO must serve as a strategic thinker and hands-on leader. The role also involves managing relationships with multiple external vendors providing key operational services. The CTFO is a member of the organization’s Leadership Team and works closely with the Board. The RISE staff is approximately 40 staff, including some staff who work in schools and other off-site locations around the state. The organization has a hybrid work policy in which employees are expected to be in person 1-2 days per week.
Relevant Financial Information:
In FY24, RISE had annual revenues of $6.9 million, deriving from philanthropic support and fee-for-service revenue. In support of the organization’s mission and sustainability goals, RISE is actively focused on revenue diversification and financial sustainability. The CTFO will play a crucial role in expanding talent and financial systems to support these objectives.
Application Process:
Email your resume to Kori Beaman Cheatham at CTRN@DiverseForce.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Confirmation of receipt of application will be sent by return email. Virtual screening with preferred candidates will be arranged forthwith. No phone calls, please.