Careers

Get On Board and Start Your Future! Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia seeks an outstanding candidate to fill our Controller position.

For more than 150 years, SEF has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the South. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the values, beliefs, purpose, and mission of the organization.

This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The ideal candidate will be committed to SEFs goal of ensuring that all students have equitable access and opportunities to develop their talents and succeed. The Controller will help support SEFs overall financial operations. The Controller should possess a solid understanding of all aspects of fund accounting and particularly restricted funds. This position will work with all levels and functional areas of the SEF team. The chosen individual will assist in overseeing accounting operations and the financial activities of the organization. This professional should be self-motivated to learn about SEFs operations, and its strategy for strengthening relationships with donors and partners who support our work and mission.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage all aspects of accounting, financial statements, general ledger, reconciliations, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, tax compliance, and revenue recognition.
• Maintain and enforce all accounting policies and procedures.
• Keep an organized filing system of all statements, transactions, and payments.
• Process payroll accurately and in a timely manner.
• Monitor cash flow, cash forecasts, and investment balances.
• Prepare monthly/annual financial reports and monitor budget and forecasts.
• Maintain chart of accounts.
• Provide monthly budget reports and monitor all variances.
• Advise on financial analyses and decision-making regarding capital investments, pricing, contract negotiations, significant costs, benchmarks, and other matters with management and the Chief Financial Officer.
• Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of financial data in accounting software.
• Direct and ensure grants are recorded according to the appropriate revenue recognition rules.
• Support the CFO in identifying and reporting financial trends.
• Manage the preparation of the PBC audit schedules and annual financial audit reports i.e. A-133.
• Review financial operations on a continuous basis and look for automation opportunities and efficiencies to improve financial reporting.
• Maintenance of financial records in compliance with retention policy.
• Performs other controller duties as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, finance, or in business administration with an emphasis in accounting.

• Five – seven years of progressive accounting work experience in the non-profit sector.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) license is required.
• Proficiency with accounting software.
• Preferred experience with accounting software system implementation.
• Exceptional knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting best practices, laws, standards, and state/national regulations.
• Analytical ability to develop and implement improvements or recommendations.
• Highly organized with strict attention to detail.
• Work well with senior executives and team, as well as mentor/lead other team members.
• Commitment to cost containment.
• Always demonstrates ethical behavior.
• Complete knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products and preferred knowledge working with Sage/Abila or other fund accounting software.
• Support our work for equity and excellence for students of low-income students of color in the South.

This is a full-time, Monday – Friday position. Compensation for this role begins at $105,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package.

SEF is an Atlanta-based organization and is currently working a hybrid schedule. Employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest 2) a current resume 3) names and contact information of three references to hr@southerneducation.org with Controller in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Growth is in Our DNA! The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta Georgia seeks a Technical Assistance Lead for the Equity Assistance Center-South.

For more than 150 years, Southern Education Foundation has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the south. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the value, belief, purpose, and mission of the organization.

This position reports to the Director, EAC-South Region II. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The Technical Assistance (TA) Lead oversees a variety of projects within the Equity Assistance Center, including providing design, instruction, and project management expertise. The TA Lead is responsible for building and maintaining the EAC-South’s portfolio of technical assistance work. Such technical assistance is designed to improve and sustain a public education system’s capacity to address issues occasioned by desegregation and inequities and increase equitable opportunities for all students. Also, the TA Lead supports related activities, such as needs-sensing analysis, reporting, and relationship management. This professional will oversee cross-functional teams across SEF and partner with organizations to provide training and technical assistance at the invitation of school districts, school boards, and other educational agencies on issues of equity related to race, national origin, sex, or religion. This position will forge and expound upon partnerships that align with the mission of the EAC and of Southern Education Foundation, Inc.

The Equity Assistance Center-South work in the areas of civil rights, equity, and school reform to help ensure that equitable educational opportunities are available and accessible for all children. EACs provide technical assistance and training upon request, in the areas of race, sex, national origin, and religion to public school districts, school boards, state and local educational agencies, and other governmental agencies to promote equitable education opportunities.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the overall TA team in a variety of technical assistance projects to support school districts, school boards, and other educational agencies in addressing equity issues under four desegregation areas: race, national origin, sex, or religion.
• Work collaboratively with assigned teams (internal and external) to develop individualized TA plans that outline specific project goals, interim benchmarks of progress related to goals, TA activities/deliverables to support progress toward goals, and metrics of success.
• Partner with the Evaluation Lead to ensure effective data collection and outcomes are tied to project goals.
• Contribute to regular progress monitoring and reporting activities.
• Use evidence-based research to create self-paced modules, courses, and other content that cover issues under the four desegregation areas: race, national origin, sex, or religion.
• Provide remote and in-person expert consultation or training to address equity issues based on race, national origin, sex, or religion for groups of educators, schools, districts, and state leadership.
• Assist in conducting community asset-mapping, needs assessments, including landscape analysis and equity audits, and developing comprehensive implementation plans for addressing issues under the desegregation areas: race, national origin, sex, or religion.
• Establish as appropriate, communities of practice (CoP), cohort meetings, peer-to-peer exchanges, and other mechanisms to advance policy and work through networking and cross-team learning.
• Co-create and maintain a fully accessible, responsive website with a repository of resources including, but not limited to, research syntheses, rubrics, briefs, training manuals, newsletters, webinars, and other TA tools and products.
• Present confidently at conferences and convenings on innovative strategies, practices, and proven solutions to challenges in K-12 education, addressing equity and problems occasioned by desegregation.
• Maintain ongoing knowledge of K-12 education and policy issues and best practices, particularly related to equity, desegregation, and education reform.
• Perform other duties as assigned to the efficient and effective functioning of the Equity Assistance Center-South.

 REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Master’s degree in education or a related field required. Doctorate degree preferred.
• Deep knowledge of education sector, with 5+ years of experience leading projects and/or a team of educators in a school or district environment.
• Knowledge of the Technical Assistance processes and experience providing TA or coaching to support others in building capacity to implement change.
• Knowledge of research methods and familiarity with statistical analysis packages and other research tools.
• Demonstrated experience of managing and/or conducting quantitative and qualitative, and/or mixed research methods.
• Experience as an evaluator, project researcher, or analyst, in coordinating with evaluation teams regarding technical assistance work.
• Strong facilitation skills in administering professional development and/or strategy sessions for education and policy leaders.
• Demonstrate a high level of experience with technology, especially using technology in an educational context preferred.
• Excellent oral & written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, time management, and project management skills.
• Exceptional listener, motivator, and effective relationship-builder.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with multiple partners to work towards multiple objectives and interests to achieve a shared goal.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with individuals representing various backgrounds and skill levels.
• Willingness to travel up to 30 – 50%.
• Additional duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, Monday – Friday position. Compensation for this role starts at $100,000 000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package.

The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta-based organization. Atlanta-based candidates are preferred. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest 2) a current resume 3) names and contact information of three references to hr@southerneducation.org with Technical Assistance (TA) Lead in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Join, Work, and Succeed! The Southern Education Foundation (SEF), in Atlanta, GA, seeks a Leadership Development Program Associate to join our leadership development team and further the mission and goals of SEF.

For more than 150 years, SEF has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the South. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the values, beliefs, purpose, and mission of the organization.

The Leadership Development Program Associate reports to the Director of Leadership Development. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The ideal candidate is dedicated to the advancement of a comprehensive, proactive leadership development strategy that furthers the mission and goals of SEF, purposed to advance creative solutions, and ensure equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the south. This role will be a critical support to the Director, Leadership Development assisting in enhancing annual programming, executing key initiatives, and supporting the ongoing professional growth of fellowship participants and alumni. Candidates interested in this position should have working knowledge and genuine interest in improving educational opportunity across the P-16 continuum and have experience working to ensure that education is the vehicle by which all students obtain fair chances to develop their talents and contribute to the common good.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with leadership development offerings, including curriculum scope and sequence of the program, and programmatic outcomes.
• Provide thought partnership to the Director, Leadership Development and offer innovative ideas to enhance the leadership development strategy.
• Support the coordination of all fellowship logistics.
• Curate relevant resources, documents, and materials for partners, fellows, alumni, and staff.
• Support and manage social media, web conferencing, and other meeting/document sharing platforms.
• Prepare general correspondence, emails, agendas, transcribe meeting minutes, memos, summaries, presentations, reports, and other materials with exceptional proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and using Google suite.
• Support in monitoring, tracking, and responding to grant processing, consultant agreements, proposals, invoices, credit card reports, report submissions, and other documents as requested.
• Proofread documents, reports, and publications for accuracy and clarity.
• Prepare travel arrangements, travel itineraries, and manage expense reporting.
• Plan meetings, which include coordinating and organizing meeting logistics, securing program venue(s), program materials, providing applicable research and follow up; and attend meetings with/in the absence of the Director, Leadership Development as requested.
• Acts as a resource and liaison for grantees, consultants, organizational partners, prospective fellows, and internal staff.
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• A bachelor’s degree is required in education, public policy, or a related field.
• Two – four years’ experience in program administration and/or working within an educational setting.
• Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills with the ability to cultivate professional relationships with fellowship participants, partners, and vendors.
• Organize and prioritize workload effectively to complete multiple assignments.
• Have experience reviewing and tracking grants, contracts, and agreements.
• Interact professionally with diverse audiences and external partners.
• Possess a strong work ethic, upbeat demeanor, work independently, and willingness to collaborate with a variety of colleagues, partners, and vendors.
• Collaborative communicator with a strong team spirit and comfort with ambiguity.
• Maintain a commitment to sensitivity and respect in all personal and professional interactions.
• Ability to travel occasionally to support strategy and larger organizational needs.
• Effectively communicate and embody the value, beliefs, purpose, and mission of SEF.

This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. The compensation range for this position is $55,000 – $65,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package.

SEF is an Atlanta-based organization and is currently working a hybrid schedule. Employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

Interested candidates should submit 1) a letter of interest 2) a current resume 3) names and contact information of three references to hr@southerneducation.org with Leadership Development Program Associate in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interviews will begin in August 2024. 

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Come Join Us in Reshaping the Future! Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia, seeks a dedicated communications professional to help us further the mission and goals of SEF.

For more than 150 years, Southern Education Foundation has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the South. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the value, belief, purpose, and mission of the organization.

The Communications Manager reports to the Director of the EAC-South. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The Communications Manager will primarily support the Equity Assistance Center-South (EAC-South) by executing strategic communication efforts as a key member of the EAC-South team. This role requires an energetic, collaborative, and responsive self-starter with a passion for writing and a desire to tell the work and impact of the EAC-South and its region. This role will help drive the EAC-South’s internal and external communication initiatives including planning and implementation.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop comprehensive communication plans for the EAC-South.
• Prepare and manage website content, presentations, blogs, newsletters, social media content, surveys, and post videos from events.
• Manage outreach and promotion for EAC-South online events including webinars and instructional content using digital marketing tools, social media, and email.
• Support other meeting facilitation needs for meetings online and in person.
• Provide WebEx, Zoom, Teams, and other web conferencing technical support services for training and communication efforts.
• Conduct basic research for EAC-South, clients, and cultivating resources to support pre-K-12 educators and education leaders.
• Work with communications staff to further improve storytelling and outreach on key areas of work and policy issues.
• Serve as a liaison with organizational partners on specific initiatives, with colleagues at the Equity Assistance Center, and support team collaboration.
• Assist with the planning and scheduling of communication meetings and editorial calendars.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Five years or more experience performing similar tasks.
• Excellent communicator with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of basic digital tools (Hootsuite, WordPress, Zoom, MailChimp, Canva, YouTube, Smartsheet, Survey Monkey, etc.).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and MS Outlook.
• Proven Project Management experience.
• Strong organizational skills, work ethic, and willingness to collaborate with and across teams.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience or demonstrated interest in education in the South, civil rights, racial justice, and equity.

This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this role begins at $70,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package. This is a grant-funded position with funding in place until 2027. An extension of this position will depend on additional fundraising.

The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta-based organization. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest; 2) current resume; 3) names and contact information of three references to (hr@southerneducation.org) with Communications Manager, EAC in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.