Director of Finance and Operations

SUMMARY

For over 50 years, The San Francisco School (SFS) has been a vibrant and inclusive educational community in the diverse Portola neighborhood in the southern part of progressive San Francisco. Educating nearly 300 students in Preschool through 8th Grade is a collaborative effort at this independent school where all voices are heard and social justice has always been a top priority. Since 2017, the School’s strategic plan has laid out a commitment to humanitarian promise, prioritizing teaching and learning (Program), a diverse and inclusive community (People), and lasting connections to the surrounding neighborhood (Place).

SFS now seeks a director of finance and operations (DFO), who will get to start alongside the incoming head of school. The next head was announced in the fall of 2022 and will begin this summer following a successful, 15-year tenure of the outgoing head of school. When these two leaders arrive, they will find dedicated and experienced senior administrative colleagues. The DFO works at a strategic level on multiyear financial planning and plant construction projects, while at the same time plays a critical role in day-to-day financial oversight and operations. SFS has an innovative and highly committed board, a passionate and mission-aligned staff, and a diverse and welcoming community of families – all of whom depend on the DFO to ensure the School has the financial resources and operational capacity to continue to live out its bold and ambitious mission. The next DFO will report to the head of school and would ideally be able to start later this spring, to allow for a smooth transition of financial leadership, but no later than July 1, 2023.

12M Recruiting is running the search on behalf of SFS.  Applications are due February 23. For application instructions and the full job opportunity statement, please visit:

www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/SFSDFO

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Applications Accepted Starting: January 24, 2023

Application Deadline: February 23, 2023

Remote Semifinal Round: Early March

On-Site Final Round: Week of March 13

Decision Announced: Late March

Start Date: Spring 2023 (No later than July 1, 2023)

Reports To: Head of School

Salary Range: $170,000 to $175,000

SPECIFIC DUTIES

General Leadership, Strategic Direction, and Financial Management

• Report to the head of school, participate as a collaborative member of the leadership team, and serve as a trusted advisor to the head, leadership team, and Board of Trustees.
• Oversee major initiatives during periods of capital improvement, including: large-scale borrowing, plant redesign, and construction.
• Build multi-year budget models and forecasts and develop key performance indicators to achieve the school’s strategic priorities for its operating and capital budgets, along with its investments and endowment.
• Serve as lead liaison for the Finance, Risk & Audit, and Site Committees and provide effective communication, presentations, and updates to the full Board of Trustees.
• Publicly represent the school in a positive and proactive way, collaborating with other school administrators, neighbors, and public officials.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Reporting

• Oversee internal controls, cash management, banking relationships, and asset management, and maintain accurate and timely continuous records on the financial position of the school.
• Ensure that the school is in compliance with all local and state reporting requirements.
• Oversee and ensure the successful completion of the annual independent audit.
• Monitor and mitigate risk with a comprehensive risk management and insurance program.
• Provide transparent financial reporting, planning, and budgeting processes that build trust among administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and trustees.

Operational Management and Oversight

• Oversee the core operations of the business office, which includes a full-time controller.
• Oversee human resources, which includes a part-time, third-party HR consultant.
• Oversee several operational areas of the school, most of which are led by managers or directors: facilities, extended day, strategic initiatives, kitchen, and front desk.
• Provide counsel and guidance to other members of the leadership team as they lead other areas of school operations.
• Collaborate with the head of school and other senior administrators to provide leadership regarding employee compensation and benefits.
• Develop processes and systems that provide clarity — and flexibility when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SFS IS LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO CAN DEMONSTRATE

Professional Qualifications

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field, which is a minimum requirement; an MBA or graduate degree highly preferred
• 5+ years of management-level experience in areas of finance and operations, preferably in an educational, not-for-profit, or mission-aligned organization
• Previous supervisory and governance experience, preferably in an educational, not-for-profit, or mission-aligned organization
• A comprehensive skill set for oversight of financial reporting, budgets, investment and endowment strategy, accounting, facilities, construction and project management, HR, technology, and risk management

Desired Experience, Skills, and Mindsets

            Senior Leadership

• An ability to analyze complex situations, keep on top of details, and stay organized within tight deadlines
• A commitment to delivering outstanding project management and strategic planning
• An excitement about working with a new head of school and highly talented leadership team
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

            Cultural Competency

• Demonstrated cultural competence skills that allows for successful collaboration across diverse cultures and backgrounds
• An open mind that asks questions, learns from others, and brings a collaborative and respectful approach to problem solving
• An ability to build relationships and trust with constituents from diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Experience looking at decisions or problems with a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective that leads to increased access and inclusion

            Community Partner

• Alignment to the mission and values of SFS
• A love of education, and a willingness to support innovative teaching and learning at an early childhood to grade eight independent school
• Authentic empathy, warmth, and collegiality
• A cooperative and growth-oriented mindset ready to build consensus

TO APPLY

For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.

www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/SFSDFO

The San Francisco School is committed to policies that will increase staff diversity, both to reflect the high value SFS places on a multicultural understanding, and for the direct benefit of each student. The San Francisco School is an equal opportunity employer. We continually strive to build an inclusive culture in our diverse community. The San Francisco School encourages applications for employment from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.