About The Just Trust

The Just Trust is a philanthropic intermediary that works to build the public, political and financial will needed to protect and advance durable reforms to the justice system – state by state and across the country.

By mobilizing resources and amplifying the work of nonprofit organizations, policy experts, and advocates, we collaborate across political lines to catalyze public safety and more just outcomes within the justice system. Our strategic investments include innovation and transformative projects to ensure bold ideas for transformation drive systemic change. Learn more here.

Mission + Vision

Our mission at The Just Trust is to ensure that the next chapter of justice reform in America is nimble, adaptable, well-funded, and able to make progress through the pendulum of politics and culture. By connecting diverse groups of donors with smart investments at the local, state and national level, we can help steward a generations-long effort for justice and safety into the lasting solutions communities want and deserve.

TJT’s vision is to transform the justice system into a fair and just engine that fosters public safety for all because we envision safe, thriving communities in every corner of the country, strengthened by the existence of a much smaller, more humane justice system that prevents crime, centers safety, and fosters real accountability, rehabilitation, and healing.

Our Hiring Approach

At The Just Trust we know that our collective success depends on building a team that includes diverse and talented people who share our commitment to justice and creating pathways to opportunity for those adversely impacted by the justice system. This includes individuals with different backgrounds, unique perspectives, and distinctive lived experiences. In addition, we believe in building teams with people from different backgrounds, diverse experiences and political beliefs, and who are not afraid to challenge each other's assumptions or contribute fresh perspectives. To that end, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those from traditionally underrepresented groups, and value the unique perspectives that a diverse and inclusive team brings to our work.

If this sounds like the place for you, keep reading.

The Opportunity

The Senior Finance & Grants Manager (SFGM) is a critical leader within the finance team at The Just Trust, responsible for overseeing financial compliance, internal financial reporting, financial management, and budgeting processes. This position requires extensive expertise in nonprofit financial accounting, including fund accounting, and the ability to manage high-level financial strategy, financial reporting, grant accounting, grant compliance, and grant operational execution. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, proactive, and adept at balancing big-picture financial planning and grants compliance with hands-on financial management and grant oversight.

Essential Duties

Financial Compliance, Risk Management & Internal Controls - 25%

Assist in compliance with nonprofit financial accounting standards.
Maintain financial policies and procedures (PPM) and ensure they are being adhered to across the organization.
Co-drive budget-to-actuals analysis, ensuring accurate tracking and financial oversight.
Co-led quarterly budget reviews with budget holders and project managers.
Review journal entries, approve bills, and ensure financial statement accuracy.
Oversee financial submissions from grantees in grants management system, identify and mitigate financial risks.
Assist in the audit process in collaboration with external auditors, ensure adherence to internal controls and compliance requirements.
Manage the preparation and review of the 990 tax filings and audit documentation.
Oversee risk management and compliance related to financial transactions and reporting.

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Strategic Management - 20%

Manage financial planning processes, including cash flow forecasting and general ledger review.
Assist in budget development and monitoring for the organization and its fundraising initiatives.
Manage accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) processes, in partnership with the Operations & Finance Manager.
Work closely with the CFOO to enhance financial operations and reduce reliance on external financial consultants.
Provide financial reporting and strategic insights to the board and leadership team.

Grant Financial Management & Compliance - 25%

Manage the financial administration of all external and internal grants, including budget development, monitoring, and expenditure tracking.
Ensure compliance with all applicable grant agreements, regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance), and internal policies and procedures.
Develop and maintain efficient processes for grant financial management and reporting.
Serve as a key point of contact for financial matters related to grants, both internally and externally with grantors.
Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of financial and grant-related policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Participate in the review and update of internal controls related to grant management.
Stay informed about changes in grant regulations, accounting standards, and best practices in grant management.
Proactively identify and communicate potential impacts of regulatory changes on the organization's grant portfolio.

Grant Accounting & Reporting - 15%

Maintain accurate and complete grant accounting records in accordance with GAAP and grant requirements.
Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for grantors, ensuring compliance with reporting deadlines and formats.
Assist with the preparation for and management of grant audits, providing necessary documentation and support.
Reconcile grant-related accounts and ensure the accuracy of financial data.
Work closely and collaboratively with program staff throughout the grant lifecycle, from proposal development to closeout, to ensure alignment between programmatic and financial activities.
Communicate effectively with program teams regarding grant financial requirements, reporting deadlines, and compliance matters.

Systems & Operational Financial Management - 10%

Oversee day-to-day financial transactions, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in partnership with the outsourced accounting team.
Manage and review financial components of contracts (MSAs) in partnership with counsel and the Operations and Finance Manager.
Collaborate with budget owners to ensure financial tracking aligns with programmatic deliverables.
Administer and optimize financial management systems such as SAGE Intacct, Expensify, and Bill.com.

Leadership, Strategy & Team Development - 5%

Provide strategic financial oversight and planning in collaboration with the CFOO.
Effectively manage up to senior leadership, influencing financial strategy and risk management.
Foster a collaborative finance culture, working cross-functionally with other departments.

Requirements

Must understand Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and ensure adherence to financial regulations.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, preferred
Minimum of 8-12 years of experience in nonprofit financial accounting/ fund accounting.
Experience in grant accounting, grant management, or grant administration is highly preferred.
Experience at a grantmaking non-profit organization, philanthropic organization, private foundation, community foundation, or funding collaborative is highly preferred.
Demonstrated managerial experience overseeing compliance.
Expertise in nonprofit financial compliance, audits, and internal controls.
Experience managing budgets above $8M+.
Proficiency in financial management systems such as SAGE Intacct, NetSuite, or Workday.
Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budget forecasting, and risk assessment.
Experience working with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) financial structures preferred but not required.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide financial leadership.
High integrity and discretion in managing confidential financial information.
The ability to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly growing organization that requires you to flex between strategic, operational, and tactical levels
A deep alignment and commitment to criminal justice reform.

Physical Demands

Able to work on a computer, including sitting at a desk, for extended periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.
Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard.
Able to see or read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids.
Able to speak clearly and in audible tones on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
Able to hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.
Able to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Able to occasionally lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
Minimum travel will be required for this position.

The person holding this position may also work part-time for a coordinated project, The Just Trust for Action, a 501(c)(4) organization, under a resource sharing agreement between the The Just Trust for Education and The Just Trust for Action. The responsibilities under that position will be overseen by The Just Trust’s CEO.

Benefits

The Just Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

100% Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for staff and dependents
Up to 10% employer match on 401k contributions and pre-tax benefits
Our company provides 4 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks of personal time off as well as 10 paid holidays and 2 weeks of paid office closures.
All full-time employees are eligible for a $50 fitness and $50 internet stipend as well as a $75 monthly reimbursement for phone use.
A fully remote organization that has a deep commitment to transparency, employee development, and a people first culture - we work hard and we also have fun.

The salary range for this role is $140,000-160,000 depending on experience. The Just Trust is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. TJT’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

How to Apply

The Just Trust and JUMP recognize that AI tools can potentially help candidates develop cover letters and applications. All employees of TJT are hired because of their skills and expertise, and applicants should use AI only to augment their work, not create it.

Senior Finance & Grants Manager