Senior Program & Financial Specialist (2 Year Term position)

National Education Association; United States; On-site; USD 83,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

National Education Association is seeking a financial analyst to provide specialized program and budget expertise to the Center for Advocacy and Political Action. The role leads budget planning, prepares analyses, and supports strategic financial operations within the department.

The incumbent will manage expenditures, develop financial databases, and collaborate with the CFO and procurement staff to resolve fiscal issues. Some travel may be required to fulfill responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Four years of progressively professional expertise in planning and implementing program budgets and assisting in strategic financial/business operations.
• Experience with applicable federal and state regulatory statutes (e.g. Federal Elections Commission, IRS) as they relate to assignments.
• Significant experience using NEA's financial management system such as PeopleSoft, Excel, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, plan, and coordinate budgetary processes and strategic program activities.
• Perform cost analyses and review departmental financial transactions according to NEA guidelines.
• Disburse budgeted funds, reconcile records, and analyze spending trends for ongoing operations.
• Serve as liaison to the CFO, Business and Financial Services, and Procurement to resolve fiscal issues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Finance, or equivalent

Job description

Posting Period: September 01, 2026 - Until Filled

Employee Type: NEASO NEA Staff Organization, OO117 Campaigns & Elections Department (C&E)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Salary Range: $83,141.00 - $127,427.00

Rank: NEASO Rank 6

Position Details

Position Emphasis: The position supports the NEA's strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing specialized program and financial expertise to the Center for Advocacy and Political Action.

Position Summary

This position involves providing specialized program and financial expertise to the Center for Advocacy and Political Action. The incumbent has the lead role and responsibility for preparing, planning, administering, and implementing Center budgetary processes. The essential functions include preparing, planning, and coordinating strategic program activities; performing cost analyses, and examining the department's program and financial transactions based on NEA's accounting and internal auditing guidelines.

The incumbent is responsible for determining program expenditures; disbursal of budgeted funds; reconciling fiscal records; and analyzing the department's current and historical financial operations and spending trends. The incumbent conducts account analyses, generates recurring financial spreadsheets or graphs, and makes budgetary recommendations and decisions which impact directly on departmental projects or long-term operations. The work also involves using a personal computer and financial management software to develop, create, and maintain specialized databases regarding program purchases, vouchers, contracts, or other departmental expenses. The incumbent also acts as liaison to Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Business and Financial Services, and Procurement staff to resolve fiscal issues and facilitate management of the budget and administration of external contracts. The position may require occasional travel to carry out the various responsibilities.

Minimum Education Requirement

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Finance, or equivalent.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four years of progressively professional expertise in planning and implementing program budgets and assisting in strategic financial/business operations, including resolving multi-faceted fiscal issues, tracking current and historical financial operations, reviewing spending trends of a program, administering contracts and consultant agreements, and analyzing fiscal activities.
• Experience with applicable federal and state regulatory statutes (Federal Elections Commission, Internal Revenue Services, state and local tax laws) as they relate to assignments.

Other Requirements

• Significant experience using NEA's financial management system, such as PeopleSoft, Excel, or similar systems needed to create complex databases or to forecast program expenditures.
• Advanced skills in using applications for developing presentations, creating complex graphs, or developing specialized financial reports.
• Candidates are encouraged to provide work samples (e.g. spreadsheets, database, or presentation materials) at interview.
• Must be able to work extended hours on evenings and weekend during seasonal requirements such as fiscal year end, budget planning, and 4-month projections.

Selection Criteria

Tier 1 (Essential)

• Proven current experience providing specialized financial and program support, including demonstrated experience monitoring budgetary data and evaluating program expenditures.
• Demonstrated financial accountability for implementing program budgets; generating complex financial reports, and resolving budgetary issues.
• Demonstrated experience with advanced word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite), Smartsheet and financial management (i.e. PeopleSoft) applications for use in Budget System, Agency Fee Report, and Chart of Accounts.
• Effective interpersonal, communications, and customer service skills to interact with all levels of staff and governance.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing meeting and travel expenses and in developing scope of work; evaluating contractor, vendor, or consultant expenditures.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions.
• Demonstrated use of sound judgment for decision‑making and ability to follow through on tasks with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Successful references.

Tier 2 (Significant)

• Experience collecting and synthesizing financial data for distribution.
• Familiarity with advising and training on a variety of budgetary issues and with coordinating budget-related work of other program staff.
• Proven ability to develop financial models in Microsoft Excel or similar tools using technical formulas to forecasting financial transactions such as estimate at complete, contractor burn rates, and cost estimating.

Tier 3 (Desirable)

• Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner certification or similar financial designation.
• Knowledge of CAPA's programs, strategic focus, and priorities.

Additional Information

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem‑solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

NEA Participates in E-Verify.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.

Health Plans

• Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic HMO
• UnitedHealthcare Choice EPO or PPO