VP, Finance & Operations

NLV Overview

NextLadder Ventures is a time-bound venture with one goal: empower millions of Americans to reach their potential by 2040. Backed by over $1 billion in capital, the organization invests in breakthrough technologies that remove barriers to economic success and put people in control of their futures. NextLadder Ventures is trailblazing a new market for Navigation Technology — tools that help people navigate pivotal moments and access the resources they need — by offering flexible, risk-tolerant capital to entrepreneurs building these transformative tools today, while creating a pipeline of tech, talent, and capital for the long run.

Position Summary

The Vice President, Finance & Operations (VPFO) will serve as a critical member of the team at NextLadder Ventures - a rare opportunity to build and lead the financial and governance backbone of a new fund at a pivotal moment in its  growth. Reporting to the Managing Director leading all operations for the fund, the VPFO will own and shape the  organization's finance function, govern and structure how NLV operates across its multi-entity, multi-funder model, and manage a variety of operational initiatives. The VPFO will be a primary architect of the systems, governance, and  financial discipline that let NLV move fast and responsibly as it scales. The VPFO will work closely with the  management team and the Board of Directors and drive results against an ambitious set of goals in a growing, innovative organization. They will ensure rigorous financial oversight and operational efficiency, fostering sustainable  growth, commitment to excellence, and fidelity to mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of the finance function across NLV's entity structure; ensure fiscal responsibility and adherence to best practices; manage financial forecasting, budget preparation, financial analysis, and reporting. 
• Continually evaluate short and long-term strategic financial objectives; own and manage various financial and  portfolio allocation models to drive strategic decision making across the team; Monitor, evaluate, and advise  on the impact of the long-term financial plan using financial planning models; Provide recommendations  and/or solutions to strategically enhance the financial performance of NLV. 
• Closely partner with the CEO and management team and serve as a strategic advisor on financial and operational matters; Lead the organization towards objectives in service of NLV’s mission.
• Own systems and IT infrastructure for the organization, ensuring operational excellence and efficiency; help lead the development of organizational processes and procedures that enable strong, scalable operations across the team in a time of significant growth, including ownership of the organization's tech stack, shared systems, and vendor relationships.
• Lead audit efforts and serve as the primary contact with external auditors and outsourced accounting support, ensuring timely annual audits, all compliance issues are met, effective controls are in place, and compliance  with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting. 
• Build scalable processes and infrastructure that support the development of a highly efficient and positive place to work. Ensure best-in class practices throughout the organization, foster a culture of transparency and collaboration
• Own approach to continuous improvement and innovation in all  financial/operational activities, while safeguarding assets and mitigating risk. 
• Serve as the main finance liaison to the Board of Directors; Effectively communicate high-level  financial/operational plans to a wide array of audiences; Partner with the Managing Director, Operations on the board and committee governance calendar; own the organization's conflict-of-interest policy and  disclosure process; manage board resolutions;  
• Support a mission-focused, innovative, and high performing organization. 
• Support the organization in managing a multi-entity, multi-funder structure, including intercompany allocation  and coordination across NLV's affiliated entities and funding vehicles. 
• Own the organization's portfolio valuation process in partnership with the Audit & Finance Committee. 
• Own funder reporting cadence and content, including grant compliance requirements and disbursement  processes for both grant and for-profit investments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• A strategic outlook towards the finance and operations functions; the ability to serve as a strategic partner and thought partner to NLV's management team while managing a complex operation and building sophisticated processes.
• Ability to ensure effective financial and operational controls are in place to support current needs and future growth.
• Ability to identify and mitigate risks while balancing the pursuit of innovation, with a transparent, consistent approach that always takes into account what is best for the organization.
• Ability to motivate, influence, and negotiate; can manage and foster relationships with internal and external partners, including consultants, auditors, or others.
• Ability to persevere in the face of challenges and ambiguity; exhibits a steadfast resolve and relentless commitment to standards of excellence, and drives towards ambitious results.
• Fluency in data-driven decision making; an ability to translate data into actionable goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-financial audiences; a high degree of emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and convincingly.
• Genuine commitment to NextLadder Ventures' mission, values, and focus on expanding economic opportunity — bringing both conviction and humility to the work.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and discretion; handles sensitive information and situations with integrity and professionalism.
• Takes ownership of their work with a strong sense of accountability — follows through on commitments, communicates proactively, and treats setbacks as information, not failure.
• Hands-on, entrepreneurial work style with the ability to operate both collaboratively and independently, navigate ambiguity, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Brings urgency to the work without losing care for how it's done.
• Curious and actively seeks out new information from the field, the frontier, and the people we serve, and changes course readily when something isn't working.
• Kind, intentional, and warm. Listens generously, leads with humility, and assumes good intent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration; advanced degree or professional license (e.g., MBA, CPA) preferred, or equivalent professional experience 
• 12+ years of experience, or equivalent, finance and operations roles, ideally within venture capital or mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated track record of leadership in finance and operations, with expertise across the finance function — financial planning and analysis, accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, financial systems, tax, and audit.
• Track record of driving the execution of budgeting and forecasting, strategic financial planning, annual audit and compliance activities, revenue operations alignment, and cash management.
• Demonstrated success in building and/or transforming financial and operational systems, streamlining processes, and implementing innovative solutions in organizations of similar size and complexity.
• Experience with operational systems, processes, and procedures; an understanding of best-in-class operations in a growing organization.
• Demonstrated experience driving results independently and in partnership with external vendors or other constituents.
• Proven track record of effective and persuasive communication to board-level executives.
• Experience with investment or portfolio valuation methodologies, ideally in a venture or investment context.
• Experience in a relevant sector or analogous organization — impact investing, charitable or nonprofit organizations, venture capital, or a related space. Experience across a variety of organizations or structures is a plus.
• Experience navigating multi-entity structures (e.g., 501(c)(4)/LLC, fiscal sponsorship, donor-advised funds) and supporting board governance.

NLV’s goal is to compensate for this position at a competitive level. NLV offers competitive compensation for this position, determined based on several factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, relevant experience, professional accomplishments, internal equity, geographic location (where applicable), and market benchmarking. The estimated base compensation is expected to be in the range of approximately $320,000-$380,000. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in short- and long-term incentive programs, including annual bonus and equity opportunities where applicable. NLV also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings benefits, paid time off, and other employee programs. 

Physical Requirements | Work Environment

This position is fully remote and requires the ability to work effectively from a home office or other suitable remote workspace. Occasional travel and attendance at Company meetings, events, or other business activities may be required. 

The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods, use a computer and other standard office equipment, and communicate effectively with colleagues and external partners in person, by phone, and through electronic communications. 

NLV is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

NLV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. NLV is unable to provide employment sponsorship for this position unless otherwise specified.

At-Will Employment

Employment with NLV is at will. This means that either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or the hiring process creates a contract of employment.

Background Check

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check appropriate for the position and conducted in accordance with applicable law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.