Managing Director, Finance

ABOUT VOTE SOLAR

Vote Solar's mission is to realize a 100% clean energy future through a solutions-driven, people first approach. Founded in 2002, Vote Solar advances just and equitable clean energy policy in state legislatures and public commissions across the United States. Our expertise comes from a deep understanding of the legislative process, regulatory interventions, and the ability to identify and accelerate solar solutions. We are adept at bridging communities and bringing diverse stakeholders together to forge inclusive coalitions and winning campaigns. 

Our goal is to effect real, tangible change. And we have the track-record to prove we can do it: Twenty years in, our work has made it so that one in three people live in a state with a 100% clean energy commitment. We’ll not only expand that number, but ensure that more people can participate in holding utilities and decision makers accountable for greater equity and justice in our energy system.

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND JUSTICE

Vote Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in the workplace and in the communities with which we partner. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including multilingual and multicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

 

THE ROLE

The Managing Director of Finance is a senior functional leader responsible for stewarding Volar’s financial processes, systems, and strategic financial planning. This role leads the Finance function and partners deeply with Directors, Managing Directors, and senior leadership to ensure that the organization’s financial practices are transparent, accessible, and aligned with Vote Solar’s Values. 

The MD, Finance develops and implements departmental strategy, builds financial fluency across the organization, and makes recommendations to the senior leadership team around decisions related to the organization’s short- and long-term financial health. While highly collaborative, this role is accountable for the financial function’s effectiveness and sustainability, ensuring predictable, accurate budgeting and forecasting and supportive partnership with all teams. The Managing Director of Finance balances long-term thinking with present needs, advising leaders on resource decisions while maintaining a people-first approach. 

The Managing Director, Finance works closely with the Director of Operations and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Managing Director, Finance’s primary responsibilities will include:

FINANCIAL STRATEGY + STEWARDSHIP (35%)

• Develop financial strategy aligned with Vote Solar’s Mission, Values, and long-term goals.
• Translate organizational priorities into clear financial plans that help teams understand tradeoffs, opportunities, and constraints.
• Partner with senior leaders to support resource decisions grounded in transparency, sustainability, and equity.
• Provide thought partnership on scenario planning and long-term modeling in collaboration with the COO and Executive Team.
• Apply an equity lens to all financial decisions, ensuring that budgeting, reporting, and communication practices reflect Vote Solar’s Values.

 

BUDGETING, FORECASTING, + RESOURCE PARTNERSHIP (25%)

• Manage organization-wide budgeting and forecasting cycles; prepare budget templates and consolidate department inputs.
• Facilitate collaborative budget conversations that build understanding and trust across teams.
• Support teams in aligning their discretionary budgets to programmatic goals, grant commitments, and organizational priorities.
• Communicate budget updates, risks, and recommendations in ways that are accessible and actionable.
• Build financial fluency across Vote Solar through guidance, training, and one-on-one support.

 

ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS, SYSTEMS + CONTROLS (20%)

• In partnership with our external accounting firm, manage accounting operations and ensure timely, accurate financial transactions.
• Maintain strong internal controls, ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and organizational policies.
• Lead annual audit preparation, collaborating closely with auditors and internal partners to ensure a smooth, organized process.
• Partner with the Director of Operations to ensure operational workflows support strong financial controls and audit readiness.

 

GRANTS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (15%)

• Develop, track, and report out on financial aspects of grant budgets in partnership with Philanthropy and Programs teams.
• Ensure revenue is allocated accurately and transparently while optimizing use of restricted funds..
• Provide proactive guidance and regular reporting to program leads to support grant planning, compliance, and reconciliation.
• Help teams understand and make recommendations around the financial implications of new grant opportunities and renewal conversations.

 

LEARNING + DEVELOPMENT (5%)

• Continue personal learning and contributions to organizational work on diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Be committed to embedding equity in all organizational internal practices and culture.
• Bring openness and engagement to personal, professional, and organization-wide learning.

 

REQUIREMENTS

WHAT YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED

• 10+ years of progressive nonprofit finance experience as well as experience managing the finances of a related 501c4 or advocacy organization 
• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting standards
• Demonstrated success leading budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Track record of partnering across departments with clarity and empathy.
• Experience strengthening financial systems, processes, or tools.

 

WHAT YOU MIGHT BE EXCITED TO LEARN

• Leading system transitions or financial software implementations.
• Supporting compensation, benefits, or organizational financial modeling.
• Developing cross-functional trainings.
• Working with multi-state or policy/advocacy organizations.

 

MINDSETS

• Collaborative leadership, grounded in shared ownership and partnership.
• Structured yet flexible thinking, bringing clarity while adapting as needs evolve.
• People-centered financial stewardship, holding both resources and relationships with care.
• Transparency as a trust-builder, fostering understanding and aligned decision-making.
• Ability to break down complexity, making financial information accessible and actionable for all audiences.

 

LOCATION

This is a remote position within the United States, with a preference for candidates based near a transportation hub. This position will require some national travel (one to three trips per year, typically for team or organization retreats.) Workplace arrangements are flexible, including options to work from a co-working space or work from home. 

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $159,100 - $166,800. At Vote Solar, we work hard to ensure that our compensation is equitable internally and aligned with our compensation philosophy and defined job levels. In order to ensure equitable compensation across roles in the organization, we do not negotiate salary offers.

Vote Solar provides full-time staff with a competitive package, including 4 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 4 days of personal leave and 16 paid holidays. We also offer 100% employer-provided health, dental and vision care for team members; a retirement savings plan with an employer contribution of 3.5%; and a paid parental and medical leave policy for all regular employees. 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send a letter of interest and resume to Vote Solar. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that all qualified applicants may participate in the application process. Please inform Adrena Lambert at alambert@votesolar.org of accommodation requests at the time of application.