Washington Education Association

Chief Financial Officer
(Full-Time)

Based in Federal Way, WA

 

Job Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be a strategic thought-partner for and report to the WEA Executive Director while working closely with the Board of Directors and the Budget and Finance Committee. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team and Board of Directors in strategic decision making to ensure the organization's successful operations and safeguarding its long-term financial stability.

WEA is seeking a collaborative, creative, and highly experienced CFO skilled at working with boards/committees to ensure organizational success via wise financial management and oversight. Through the implementation of learned financial strategy and careful analysis, the CFO counsels as to the financial implications of managerial, operational, strategic, and programmatic activities throughout the organization.

This highly impactful role is best suited for candidates who are comfortable with public speaking, presenting reports, budgets and outcomes, skilled at building consensus via educating diverse groups, and expressing the best strategic financial path/options. WEA seeks a true partner to the WEA Executive Director capable of helping to make smart business decisions as part of the leadership team, working collaboratively, and who is driven by union values and is passionate about the importance of public education.

Benefits and Compensation: 

• Salary Range - $235,000 to $255,000
• Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (full family coverage)
• Generous sick and paid time off (PTO)
• Long-term disability plan
• Defined Contribution plan - 401(k) (with employer contribution)
• Defined Benefit plan
• Relocation assistance

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership 

• Serve as chief financial advisor; recommend and implement financial policies and procedures for the Association.
• Administer the financial and business affairs, corporate functions and responsibilities of the WEA, an affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA).
• Review, analyze, and evaluate all matters relative to the financial interests of the WEA, including advising the WEA President, WEA Vice President, Budget and Finance Committee, Board of Directors, and WEA Executive Director.
• Direct and supervise staff including a team of experienced accounting/finance and membership dues focused professionals.
• Participate in the collective bargaining process with the Staff Union alongside the WEA Executive Director, Director of HR, and other partners.
• Learn about the work of the other WEA Centers and provide consultation, advice, training, and assistance to Center Directors, UniServ Councils, and local affiliates regarding their administrative and financial operations.
• Serve as the Plan Administrator for the Staff Retirement Plans.

Oversight Responsibilities

• Maintain an effective accounting system.
• Provide overall administration and management of the accounting function, membership dues processing and accounting, budget formulation and execution, WEA-PAC (Political Action Committee) accounting and reporting, e-commerce and other business functions of the Association.
• Oversee the development of the WEA's annual budget, provide monthly financial reports, coordinate the annual audits and preparation of tax returns for WEA, WEA­-PAC, the Employee Retirement Plans, and the WEA Rate Stabilization Fund.
• Oversee cash management and monitor the fiscal affairs of the WEA including providing short and long-term forecasting of the financial condition of the Association.
• Analyze financial and membership data and make recommendations for updated systems and procedural changes that improve WEA's internal business functions.
• Design and maintain appropriate internal control systems to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and safeguarding WEA's assets.

External Relationship Management

• Maintain relations with financial institutions, actuaries, auditors, vendors, the Internal Revenue Service, Tax Counsel, and other institutions or individuals pertinent to the corporate function of WEA.
• Manage the WEA corporate insurance programs and annual renewals.
• Coordinate with the Plan consultants to advise and recommend investment policy, strategies for the staff retirement plans, and the rate stabilization funds to the trustees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least ten (10) years of prior successful financial leadership experience at a nonprofit organization, union, educational institution, association, school district, or other large membership organization or similar enterprise.
• At least five (5) years experience working in an organization reporting up through a CFO with responsibility for budgetary development and oversight responsibility.
• Ability to lead, develop, and inspire a diverse team of professionals in advancing and supporting WEA’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge of overseeing pension and retirement plans, and/or working as a plan administrator.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations that apply to non-profits and unions.
• Knowledge of risk management principles, including risk-based approach to evaluating internal control effectiveness to help meet overall organizational goals and objectives.
• Ability to protect against fraud with systematic data management that ensures appropriate internal controls, reviews, and verification.
• Knowledge of the complexities and passion for working in a union environment.
• Bachelor's degree in business, or related field such as finance or accounting.
• Respect for diversity, equity, and full inclusion in employment and governance within WEA.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to large and small groups, and in formal and informal settings.
• An understanding and appreciation for the societal, civic, and cultural importance of public education and organized labor.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with employees, managers, and others in work team settings.
• Knowledge of governmental and private grant administration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or an MBA with a major in accounting or finance.
• Experience in reporting and disclosure requirements for unions under the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.
• Experience with Merchant/Gateway payment processes.
• Financial experience creating and overseeing a foundation and the related audit and reporting requirements.
• Successful change management experience.

Other Requirements:

• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license in good standing, a dependable automobile for Association related travel, and proof of automobile insurance with liability limits of at least $100,000/$300,000.
• In-state and out-of-state travel may be required.

COVID-19 Vaccination
As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, members, and councils, all candidates must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status upon hire. Exceptions may be made for medical or religious reasons in accordance with applicable laws.

Supervision
The Chief Financial Officer will report to the Washington Education Association Executive Director.

How to Apply:

• If you are interested in applying for this position, please click on the Apply for This Job button to submit your application, cover letter, and résumé. 
• If you are invited to an interview, you will receive an email from SkillSurvey with instructions and a link on how-to submit your five (5) professional references. 
• Closing date is January 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM PT.
• If you are interested in applying for this position, please apply HERE.

The Washington Education Association is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where the contributions of each employee are respected as part of the work performed on behalf of 90,000+ members in public education. WEA embraces employees with varied backgrounds and life experiences, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, and veteran status. Only those candidates who can commit to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness need apply.