Deputy Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

SOWEGA Rising, Inc. seeks a Deputy Director to oversee the organization’s financial management, human resources, office operations, and cross-departmental administrative projects. Reporting to the Executive Director, this senior leadership role collaborates closely with SOWEGA Rising, Inc.’s outside accountant and Leadership Team to ensure strong financial stewardship, compliance, and efficient internal systems that support our mission-driven work.

The Deputy Director supervises SOWEGA Rising, Inc.’s Administrative Assistant and serves as a strategic partner across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Operations (35%)

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, expense tracking, and internal financial controls
• Process payroll
• Oversee cash disbursements and cash receipts
• Collaborate with SOWEGA Rising, Inc.’s outside accountant to prepare monthly and annual financial reports
• Prepare financial progress and summary reports for funders and grants
• Coordinate the annual audit and manage relationships with auditors and financial vendors
• Prepare, monitor, and manage vendor contracts and subgrant agreements

Human Resources & People Operations (25%)

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations
• Collaborate with Leadership Team members to ensure regular staff evaluations and staff satisfaction surveys are conducted
• Lead staff recognition and celebration efforts that support morale and retention
• Oversee and resolve disciplinary actions; receive, investigate, and assist in resolving employee complaints in accordance with policies and applicable laws
• Ensure compliance with federal and Georgia employment laws and nonprofit best practices

Office Management (20%)

• Oversee day-to-day office operations, vendors, IT coordination, and administrative systems
• Maintain organized administrative and personnel records
• Supervise and support the Executive Assistant

Cross-Departmental Project Management (20%)

• Lead or support cross-departmental administrative and operational projects
• Improve internal systems, workflows, and organizational processes
• Partner with staff across departments to align operations with programmatic and funder needs

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in finance, operations, HR, or administrative leadership, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
• Experience collaborating with external accountants and auditors
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial management and grant compliance
• Demonstrated HR management experience, including employee relations
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Commitment to equity, social justice, trauma-informed practices, and community empowerment

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit operations, strategic planning, and financial oversight
• Proven success managing cross-functional teams and organizational systems
• Experience developing and managing budgets and complex projects
• Ability to make sound decisions involving sensitive, complex, or urgent matters
• Valid driver’s license, car insurance, and reliable transportation

Work Environment & Physical Requirements (ADA Compliant)

The physical and environmental demands below represent those required to perform the essential functions of the job:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with standard office equipment.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally (files, equipment, event materials).
• Occasional travel required for meetings, outreach, and events.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on program needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SOWEGA Rising, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, bilingual/bicultural individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others from historically marginalized groups.

No applicant will be discriminated against based on race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, medical conditions (including cancer-related conditions), or HIV/AIDS status.

Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment process.