Director of Finance and Operations

About Our Community Orange East Supervisory Union (OESU) is located in the Upper Valley portion of the beautiful Connecticut River Valley, spanning several vibrant Vermont towns. Our district is composed of four distinct member districts: Blue Mountain Union School District, Oxbow Unified Union School District, Thetford Town School District, and Waits River Valley School District. Our region offers the natural beauty of the Green and White Mountains along with year-round recreation, including kayaking on the river, hiking scenic trails, skiing at world-class resorts, and exploring local lakes. We are a community of schools that values professional excellence, local heritage, and the great outdoors. Position Summary OESU is seeking a visionary and strategic Director of Finance and Operations to join our leadership team. Serving as a key advisor to the Superintendent and four member Boards, the Director oversees the financial health and operational infrastructure of our Supervisory Union. This is an executive leadership role designed for a professional who can translate complex fiscal data into actionable strategy, ensuring that every dollar spent directly supports student-centered innovation and district-wide equity. Our schools are small enough to foster close relationships, yet progressive in their pursuit of innovation and continuous improvement. Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Act as the primary financial advisor to the Superintendent and School Boards on all matters relating to business services, legislative impacts, and long-range planning.
• Lead a team of five professionals providing payroll, accounting, grant management, and internal controls for our seven supervisory union schools.
• Champion transparency by developing high-level financial presentations for Board meetings and public Informational Hearings.
• Navigate the complexities of Vermont public school finance, including per-pupil spending, tax rate impacts, and evolving state legislation.

Financial Operations & Oversight

• Responsible for the overall budget formulation and multi-year financial modeling for four member districts.
• Establish and maintain sophisticated internal controls and accounting practices in accordance with GASB standards and Federal/State laws.
• Oversee the annual audit process, ensuring 100% compliance and fiscal accountability.
• Direct the acquisition and maintenance of fiscal management software to maximize operational efficiency.
• Administer a comprehensive Risk Management system and provide oversight for the administration of federal and state grants.

Operations & Contract Management

• Provide executive oversight for district facilities, transportation/busing, and food service programs.
• Serve as the chief purchasing agent, managing Request for Proposals (RFPs) and negotiating high-value service contracts with vendors and consultants.
• Establish annual contracts for financial audits, tax anticipation notes, and comprehensive insurance coverage (Workers Comp, Liability, Property).

Qualifications

• A Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field is highly preferred; CPA or SFO certification is a plus.
• Proven experience in executive financial leadership, preferably within a Vermont public school setting or complex municipal environment.
• Expertise in long-range financial planning and the ability to communicate technical financial data to non-technical stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of Vermont's education funding formula and statutory landscape.

Salary & Benefits The anticipated annual salary for this role is $115,000 - $140,000, based on experience and level of education. OESU offers a competitive benefits package, including enrollment in the Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System (VMERS), comprehensive health insurance, and a commitment to professional growth. To Apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three letters of reference via SchoolSpring. OESU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.