About Learning Policy Institute

The Learning Policy Institute (LPI) conducts and communicates independent, high-quality research to improve education policy and practice. Working with policymakers, researchers, educators, community groups, and others, the Institute seeks to advance evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for each and every child. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the Institute connects policymakers and stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels with the evidence, ideas, and actions needed to strengthen the education system from preschool through college and career readiness.

The Learning Policy Institute has offices in San Francisco, California, Washington, D.C., and staff working remotely in more than a dozen states. Its staff includes researchers, policy experts, communicators, and professionals across development, operations, and administration – all committed to ensuring all children have access to a high-quality education that fully prepares them for the new challenges of our fast-changing, knowledge-based society.

Learn more about Learning Policy Institute at www.learningpolicyinstitute.org.

Building on Momentum: LPI Today

The Learning Policy Institute is at an important inflection point, refining its strategic priorities, strengthening operational systems, and continuing to invest in and deepen its leadership to support the organization's next phase of growth. At the same time, LPI operates within a dynamic external environment shaped by political shifts and emerging technologies such as AI, while remaining firmly grounded in its nonpartisan approach and enduring commitment to educational equity. Internally, its collaborative, mission-driven culture and strong equity lens continue to distinguish the organization, with its growing scale creating opportunities to further enhance coordination and connection across teams.

LPI has an annual budget of approximately $19 million, more than $35 million in assets, and a team of 70+ staff members working nationally. The organization is primarily funded through philanthropic foundation support, supplemented by modest earned revenue and investment income.

Financially and operationally, LPI is well-positioned to sustain and expand its impact. With strong reserves and a well-established portfolio of work, the organization is building on a solid foundation as it continues to strengthen its infrastructure, align resources, and sharpen its strategic focus. This next phase represents a natural evolution – one that emphasizes integration, discipline, and forward-looking leadership – offering an opportunity to build on existing momentum and further elevate LPI's impact in the field while remaining deeply anchored in its mission and values.

The Opportunity

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees LPI's finance, accounting, human resources, and administration functions, providing leadership for these areas while contributing to the organization's overall strategy. The CFO is a member of the executive team and partners closely with the Board's investment and audit committees to support strong governance and financial stewardship.

This role offers an opportunity to help shape LPI's next chapter at a moment of growth and evolution. As a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Board and as a member of the Executive Team, the CFO brings clarity, rigor, and strategic insight to the organization's financial and administrative landscape, ensuring that vision is translated into disciplined execution. The CFO will guide financial planning and decision-making, strengthen systems and processes, and reinforce transparency and confidence as LPI continues to expand its reach and impact.

This is a highly visible and influential position internally that extends beyond finance. The CFO will connect work across research, administration, operations, and leadership, while supporting and developing a committed Finance and Administration team and fostering alignment across the organization. With responsibility for managing financial complexity, stewarding strategic reserves, and advancing long-term sustainability, the CFO will also play a key role in strengthening LPI's infrastructure. Success in this role calls for a leader who brings both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead with clarity, collaborate effectively, and navigate change with confidence and care.

Immediate & Near-Term Priorities of the Role

• Steward the organization's multi-year planned reserve investment strategy, ensuring disciplined execution and alignment with long-term financial goals.
• Partner closely with the CEO and development leadership to model funding scenarios, shape a multi-year financial strategy, and equip the Board with clear, actionable insights to support informed decision-making.
• Support the completion of the 2026 strategic plan by translating organizational priorities into a comprehensive financial framework, including an aligned budget and thoughtful resource allocation across programs and initiatives.
• Build a strong, collaborative partnership with the COO to clarify roles and responsibilities and strengthen cohesion across the finance and administration functions.
• Serve as a trusted partner to the Board Treasurer and key finance committees, including audit and investment, ensuring effective communication, governance, and oversight.

Core Duties of CFO

Systems Design and Strategy

• As a member of the Executive Team, partner with the senior leaders on all operational and strategic issues as they arise; provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections, and organizational analysis and design
• Participate in the ongoing strategic planning process as an integral member of the senior management team
• Oversee long-term budgetary planning, cost management, and investment management
• Partner with the Director of Development to align financial management with short- and long-term financial planning and projections
• Partner with the Chief of Operations to align processes across all operations and administrative functions

Financial and Administrative Management

• Oversee budgeting and the management of budget and grant accounts, to monitor progress and present operational metrics both internally and externally
• Ensure that finance staff maintain financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and monitor the use of all funds
• Oversee the preparation and approval of all financial reporting materials and metrics for funding organizations and LPI's Board of Directors; prepare and communicate monthly and annual financial statements
• Manage cash flow and forecasting; direct all financial, project-based, and departmental accounting
• Oversee investment management of LPI's long-term strategic reserves
• Coordinate all audit and tax activities
• Maintain oversight of legal concerns, risk management, and contracting
• Oversee HR on the implementation of HR policies, hiring, onboarding, performance management, professional development, salary setting and strategy, the internship program, and benefits negotiations and administration
• Oversee the finance and operations management of the Bay Area office, DC office, and remote staff
• Develop, manage, and regularly review all formal administrative, HR-related, and finance-related procedures, processes, and administration

Team Management

• Manage direct staff working in the Bay Area, DC, and remote offices in the areas of finance, grants management, accounting, human resources, and office administration
• Engage other members of the senior management team to facilitate cross-department and cross-office collaboration that ensures that all financial and HR solutions positively support LPI's evolving strategy, operational delivery, and data collection needs

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring at least 10 years of progressive finance leadership experience, ideally complemented by an MBA or equivalent. Experience in a nonprofit environment is highly valued, with particular preference for candidates who have overseen investments and partnered closely with nonprofit Boards. They will demonstrate the following competencies as well as the personal qualities, skills, and characteristics outlined below:

Strategic Financial Leadership & Forward-Looking Insight

The CFO will connect financial insights to strategic decisions, serving as a key thought partner to the CEO and executive leadership team in translating vision into actionable financial plans. This leader will guide LPI through a strategic inflection point, balancing immediate financial realities, including managing growth-driven spending and mindful use of reserves, with a forward-looking perspective that supports sustainability over the next 5 to 10 years. They will lead financial modeling, forecasting, and investment oversight, aligning resources with evolving priorities and enabling disciplined growth. The CFO will help LPI navigate the variability of philanthropic funding while bringing clarity and confidence to the organization's long-term financial health.

Clear Communication & Board Partnership

This leader will translate complex financial information into clear, accessible, and actionable insights for a range of audiences, including a non-financial Board and cross-functional teams. With a focus on clarity, transparency, and precision, the CFO will build trust through consistent, thoughtful communication and reporting. They will partner closely with the audit and investment committees, providing direct, candid perspectives while strengthening relationships and elevating concise, high-impact reporting. The CFO will ensure the Board has the context needed to make informed decisions and will reinforce a culture where clarity is a core expression of leadership and stewardship.

Collaborative & Emotionally Intelligent Leadership

The CFO will bring empathy, maturity, and sound judgment, balancing backbone with flexibility in their leadership approach. They will engage thoughtfully with research, programmatic, and operational teams, communicating financial realities with clarity, respect, and care. Rather than relying on rigid, command-and-control styles, this leader will foster mutual respect, active listening, and shared accountability while maintaining strong financial discipline.

Team Leadership, Mentorship & Advocacy

The CFO will lead and develop a dedicated, high-performing Finance and Administration team, strengthening cohesion, clarity, and purpose. They will provide hands-on mentorship, build capabilities, and support growth while setting clear expectations and accountability. The CFO will serve as a visible advocate for the team, ensuring that finance and administration are appropriately resourced and positioned as strategic partners, and collaborate within the organization. They will refine team structure, clarify roles, and thoughtfully address capacity needs, fostering an environment where staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to perform at a high level.

Adaptability, Change Leadership & Organizational Integration

LPI operates in a dynamic, evolving environment, and the CFO must navigate ambiguity, shifting priorities, and ongoing change with ease. This leader will think holistically and lead through complexity, clarifying roles and strengthening alignment across finance, operations, and programmatic functions. They will partner closely with the CEO and COO to shape an effective leadership structure, ensuring clear ownership and coordination across key areas. With a steady, pragmatic approach, the CFO will bring clarity to complexity, balancing collaboration with decisive action and driving follow-through during this critical phase of growth and maturation.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $270,000 - $300,000 with a generous benefits package.

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at LPI_CFO@dsgco.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Learning Policy Institute is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About DSG | Koya

DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.

To apply, visit: https://www.dsgco.com/search/23034-learning-policy-institute-chief-financial-officer/





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