Job Description

The Organization

The Population Health Learning Center (PHLC) is a for-profit California social purpose corporation established in late 2023 to address California’s critical need for a more equitable and efficient healthcare system. California's diverse population and fragmented healthcare infrastructure contribute to persistent inequities, particularly among low-income communities. PHLC was created to bridge these gaps through an innovative, scalable approach that aligns policy, technical assistance, and practice transformation to drive improvements in population health and health equity across the state.

PHLC strives to become a central hub for Population Health Management (PHM) and Value Based Care (VBC) innovation. To achieve this, the Learning Center oversees a variety of programs and initiatives designed to strengthen PHM and VBC capabilities. Our flagship initiative is the statewide Medi-Cal-focused Equity and Practice Transformation Initiative (EPT), a $140 million investment through 2026. In addition, the Learning Center is collaborating with multiple funding organizations on related population health transformation projects, leveraging our existing EPT infrastructure to enhance PHM capabilities. This includes utilizing data and technology-driven workflows to improve care, addressing behavioral health and social needs through effective screening and response, and supporting the adoption of efficient team-based care models.

The Position

The Learning Center is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial, hands-on and strategic Senior Director of Finance to lead the development and management of our financial infrastructure during a pivotal period of transformation and growth. This individual will be responsible for building robust systems that ensure transparency, compliance, and long-term financial sustainability. They will also play a significant role in fostering a values-driven organizational culture and supporting the Learning Center’s long-term vision.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial infrastructure of a nimble, mission-driven, high impact start-up organization playing a key role in health system transformation in a dynamic time of change and challenge .

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership and Oversight

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of financial systems and strategies that supports a nimble, high-impact start-up culture and aligns with the Learning Center’s mission and goals, ensuring the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
• Oversee all aspects of financial planning, including accounting, budgeting, reporting, and forecasting, to ensure fiscal transparency and support financial management and operational effectiveness.
• Develop and manage contract and grant budgets, ensuring alignment with program goals, compliance with funding terms, and clear reporting to our funding partners.
• Partner with program teams to prepare accurate financial documentation for proposals, grant applications and, reporting requirements.
• Develop, establish and refine financial systems, tools, and policies that support the Learning Center’s intermediary model and evolving business needs, ensuring scalability and adaptability.
• Collaborate with the PHLC’s Senior Leadership Team to develop real-time financial analytics and dashboards that inform strategic decision-making and enhance financial performance.
• Provide leadership and guidance on funder-specific reporting requirements, annual audits, and the preparation of financial statements to meet compliance standards.
• Guide annual planning, audits, tax reporting, and board-level financial presentations.

Organizational Development and Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Senior Leadership Team, advising on the financial implications of strategic decisions.
• Partner with senior leaders to align financial, operational, and programmatic strategies, driving the achievement of the Learning Center’s overarching objectives.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration by ensuring financial systems and processes enable efficient and effective workflows across the organization.
• Foster a culture of transparency and accountability by building trust and engaging stakeholders in financial literacy, planning, and management.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Lead the transition from fiscal sponsorship to independent financial operations, including the establishment of payroll systems, accounting systems, insurance coverage, and contract management processes.
• Establish financial policies and internal controls to safeguard the Learning Center’s assets and mitigate financial risks.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and financial audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Provide leadership and guidance on funder-specific reporting requirements, annual audits, and the preparation of financial statements and tax reporting to meet compliance standards.

Team and Culture Building

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports professional growth and development.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance financial processes, systems, and team capacity.
• Provide financial training and guidance to non-financial staff and program teams to build financial literacy and ensure alignment with financial goals.
• Act as a cultural steward, ensuring the Learning Center’s values of equity, inclusion, and collaboration are reflected in the finance team’s work and interactions.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial financial management leader with deep expertise in financial operations, compliance, and organizational development, preferably in a start-up environment. They will bring a collaborative spirit and a commitment to equity, along with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field required; MBA, MPA or CPA preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally in a start-up or mission-driven setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing financial systems, policies, and tools that support organizational growth and adaptability, preferably in a start-up setting.
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets, conduct financial forecasting, and oversee audits and tax reporting with a focus on transparency and accuracy.
• Strong understanding of compliance requirements for organizations managing diverse funding sources, including contract and grant management, and tax regulations.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Thrives in a start-up environment where the work is constantly evolving and changing.
• Commitment to advancing health equity and supporting underserved communities through effective financial stewardship.
• Willingness/ability to work in-person on occasion in our Oakland, CA-based offices. Preference will be given to candidates located in the Bay Area and/or in California.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $190,000 - $250,000, and we offer a generous and comprehensive suite of health and other employee benefits.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

The Population Health Management (PHM) Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

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