Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid negotiable)

Schedule: Part-time to Full-time

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer & Head of School

ABOUT NATIONAL CHILD RESEARCH CENTER

National Child Research Center (NCRC) is an independent preschool in Washington, DC, serving young children and families since 1928. We nurture the whole child—socially, emotionally, and intellectually—through a play-based, child-centered curriculum in a diverse, inclusive, and family-focused community. 

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a knowledgeable, experienced Finance and Human Resources professional to serve as an HR specialist and Deputy CFO with a clear pathway to CFO. You will partner closely with our long-tenured CFO during a planned leadership transition. This role is intentionally designed as a succession-oriented position, offering progressive responsibility, structured knowledge transfer, and continuity across both financial and personnel operations.

Over an 18-month period, the successful candidate will assume increasing ownership of finance, HR, payroll, compliance, and benefits administration, and—subject to performance and organizational needs—be prepared to step fully into the CFO role, with the CFO transitioning to an advisory capacity.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with demonstrated skill and experience who can balance the demands of HR and finance management and, with the mentorship of a seasoned CFO, become the CFO of a mission-driven organization.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Human Resources & Payroll (Foundation)

- Process bi-weekly payroll and support benefits administration

- Maintain accurate employee records and HR compliance reporting

- Serve as a point of contact for employee questions and support

- Assist with hiring, onboarding, and employee lifecycle processes

Finance & Operations (Growing Focus)

- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting (annual revenue ~$7M)

- Assist with month-end close, audits, Form 990, and board reporting preparation

- Work with accounting and payroll systems to ensure accuracy and controls

- Contribute to compensation planning and workforce budgeting

- Gradually assume ownership of finance operations

WHY JOIN NCRC

- Supportive, joyful, collaborative school community

- Defined 18-month growth pathway into finance leadership

- Direct mentorship from experienced executive leadership

- Opportunity to build skills across HR, finance, and strategic planning

- Competitive compensation with growth tied to milestones

COMPENSATION

Salary is commensurate with experience. Expected range: $90,000 annually, with increases aligned to role growth, up to $160,000.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

NCRC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

- 3–5 years of experience in HR, payroll, financial management, and accounting

- Strong attention to detail and comfort working with financial data

- Organized, reliable, and collaborative work style

- Evidence of emerging strengths in finance, budgeting, and organizational operations

- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Finance and, ideally,  HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR) *school is willing to support HR certification during transition for the right candidate

About National Child Research Center (NCRC)

National Child Research Center (NCRC), is a co-ed independent preschool located in the historic district of Cleveland Park in Washington, DC. Founded in 1928, NCRC is the oldest continuously operating preschool in the District of Columbia, serving children age 2 through Pre-Kindergarten. NCRC’s highly skilled faculty uses research-based best practices to lead children in a play-based, emergent curriculum, creating a uniquely enriching and nurturing environment for young children and their families. NCRC's Mission: National Child Research Center nurtures the whole child - socially, emotionally, and intellectually - toward a lifelong love of learning. Informed by current research and continuing education, NCRC’s exceptional faculty guide each student’s unique development through a play-based, child-centered curriculum in a diverse, family-focused community, with a commitment to the inclusion of children who benefit from additional supports and adaptations. NCRC is accredited by AIMS, and is a member of AISGW, AIMS, NAIS, NAEYC. For more information about our school, visit www.ncrcpreschool.org

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