Career Opportunities

Director of Administration & Finance
Pioneer Institute – Boston, Massachusetts

Pioneer Institute, Massachusetts’ premier free-market think tank, seeks a Director of Administration & Finance to lead the day-to-day financial, administrative, and operational functions of the Institute and its affiliate, the Pioneer New England Legal Foundation (Legal Foundation)—including the Institute’s growing multi-state operations.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to help guide a fast-growing, ambitious nonprofit. Since 2022, Pioneer has expanded from 11 to 17 full-time employees and is projected to reach 20 by the end of FY26. The Institute’s budget has grown from $2.3 million in 2020 to more than $7 million in 2025. Pioneer is recognized nationally for its data-driven research, state-solutions focus, and measurable policy impact. With core work in K–12 Education, Health, Economic Opportunity, and American Citizenship, Pioneer develops solutions that empower Americans with choices and opportunities to live freely and thrive.

The Director of Administration & Finance reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Institute’s Board of Directors, the Legal Foundation’s Board, and team members across both organizations.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, confident, and strategic leader with deep experience in nonprofit accounting, financial management, and organizational operations. This person is a creative problem-solver with strong analytical abilities, sound judgment, and a systematic approach to improving processes. Success in this role requires exceptional integrity, a strong work ethic, and the ability to build trust with the Executive Director, both Boards, senior staff, and external partners.

Principal Responsibilities

Accounting & Finance

• Financial Operations & Cash Management: Oversee full accounting operations for the Institute and Legal Foundation, including budgeting, bank deposits, cash management, pledges receivable, and initiating vendor payments through Bill.com; review monthly reconciliations and manage period-end closings.
• Reporting & Analysis: Produce monthly financial reports and analyses for the Executive Director and quarterly updates for the Finance & Investment Committee.
• Compliance, Filings & Best Practices: Prepare state filings and ensure adherence to nonprofit financial best practices and relevant laws.
• Audit Preparation & Oversight: Prepare materials for the annual audit and coordinate the full audit process.
• Investment & External Partner Management: Manage the organization’s relationship with investment advisors and oversee the work of the external accounting firm, including audit preparation, bookkeeping, Bill.com data entry, reconciliations, and Form 990/Form PC preparation and filing.

Human Resources
Oversee HR policies and procedures, including bi-weekly payroll, health, dental, and 401(k) plans; organizational policies; onboarding and offboarding; and recruitment processes.

Operations & IT
Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and related negotiations; oversee all office hardware and software systems (working with an external IT consultant).

Board Relations
With the Chief Development Officer, serve as staff support to the Board of Directors and the Legal Foundation’s Board, and serve as the lead staff support to the Audit and the Finance & Investment Committees.

Qualifications

Candidates should be detail-oriented professionals with strong experience in accounting and business operations. Preference will be given to those with non-profit accounting backgrounds. Ideal qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field required; MBA and/or CPA preferred but not required
• 5+ years of experience managing financial, operations, and HR functions in a non-profit organization
• Mastery of QuickBooks required
• Familiarity with Bill.com
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Exceptional integrity, honesty, diplomacy, and directness
• Mission-driven, entrepreneurial, highly organized, strategic, results-oriented, and flexible

Benefits

• Healthcare and dental coverage
• Long-term disability
• 401(k) with generous employer contribution
• Flexible paid time off

To Apply

Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter (including desired salary and a brief statement on Pioneer’s mission) to Mary Connaughton at mconnaughton@pioneerinstitute.org. Pioneer is an equal opportunity employer.