The Chief Financial and Operating Officer is an important school leader and a critical strategic partner to the Head of School, the Leadership Team, and the Board of Trustees. The CFOO provides oversight and is responsible for creating, leading, and managing a comprehensive operations program that incorporates best practices in financial controls, facilities management, and technology management (in collaboration with a third-party provider). The CFOO reports to and works closely with the Head of School to establish and clearly articulate an ambitious vision for best practices in management. The program is built upon quantitative analysis, strategic decision-making, and an ethos of continuous improvement while fostering a culture that emphasizes strong financial controls, personal relationships, high-touch customer service, communication and transparency, entrepreneurism, flexibility, and collaboration.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide counsel to the Head of School and to the Board of Trustees, and forge collaborative relationships with the chairs of the Finance, Audit, Risk, and Investment Committees
- Engage and support all members of the Leadership Team on financial and operational initiatives that impact or originate within their respective departments
- Coordinate and oversee the annual budgeting process, both operating and capital, develop financial models for planning and budgeting, lead the tuition setting process, and analyze tuition revenue
- Manage the organization’s relationship with its bankers
- Oversee all financial and investment processes, systems, and services — including the audit, benefits, tax filings, accounting, investments, and cash management
- Oversee all operational functions for the school, including facilities, transportation, technology, human resources, campus safety and security, emergency planning, risk management, contracts, and insurance
- Serve as project manager and/or advisor for capital building projects, coordinating planning and design functions among the school, architects, building contractors, and owner’s representatives in collaboration with the Head of School
- Incorporate environmental sustainability when working with the facilities director on matters related to buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation
- Develop and sustain a positive, productive, and supportive team culture.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- CPA, or five years of fund accounting experience preferred
- MBA, or five years of strategic planning experience preferred
- Five years of team leadership experience, including supervising managers or directors
- High proficiency in using technology for financial analysis, operations management, modeling, and reporting; experience with Blackbaud's Financial Edge desired but not required
- Demonstrated success working in educational finance preferred
- A commitment to the mission and identity of Santa Catalina School
- A desire to participate fully in the Santa Catalina community
- Successful completion of a LiveScan criminal background check as required by law
Competencies
- Outstanding interpersonal skills; approachable and welcoming demeanor with good listening, humor, tact, intuition, and confidentiality
- Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community
- Knowledge of best practices and industry standards in school finance and operations
- Understanding of current independent school challenges, trends, and issues facing independent schools
- Excellent writing, communication, and verbal skills
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills and digital literacy
- Ability to assess and respond to the needs of the school and act as a representative of the school
- Commitment to professional growth and education
- Ability to function well under stress
- Understanding of how to implement, leverage, and/or manage: internal controls, accounting and risk management policies, risk mitigation, and the audit process, including audited financial statements for nonprofits
- An ability to create and maintain positive, supportive, and trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and positions
- An ability to work as a team member to problem solve, compromise, and collaborate, bringing flexibility and the willingness to give and take direction when necessary
- Drive and self-motivation, an ability to multitask, and exceptional business judgment
Supervisory Responsibilities
·Directly supervises the Human Resources Generalist, Transportation Manager, Controller/Accountant, Technology Support Specialist, and Director of Facilities
·Responsible for evaluation of all direct reports, including hiring and termination decisions in consultation with the Head of School
Working Conditions and Compensation
· Work at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time each day
· Ability to access buildings and facilities throughout a 36-acre campus, with reasonable accommodations, in order to meet with students and faculty
· Work in a school environment with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and people
· Additional time is required beyond a normal day or week for evening and weekend meetings
· Santa Catalina School offers competitive insurance and retirement benefits
·Salary Range: $150,000–190,000 annually, depending on experience and on-campus housing availability
Equal Employment Opportunity
Santa Catalina School is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment at Santa Catalina School is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and reproductive health decision-making), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, citizenship, military or veteran status, Family care or medical leave status, or other categories defined by state law, federal law or local ordinance.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
- Cover Letter
- Resume / CV
- Statement of Educational Leadership
- List of five professional references
Questions may be directed to Brad Bates at brad@indyschoolconsultancy.com