Director of Finance & Operations

The Academy for Innovation in Medicine (AIM) is an innovative STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) middle and high school launching in Fall 2026 to address Atlanta’s critical healthcare workforce shortage. AIM will prepare students for high-demand healthcare careers. Key Facts: Launch Year: 2026-2027 Opening Grades: 6th and 9th Full Enrollment by Year 4: 870 students (grades 6-12) Reports to: CEO (with dotted line to the Board Finance Committee) Supervises: Assigned Operations or Clerical Staff (as applicable) Status: Contracted, expected to move to Full-Time, Exempt POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) serves as a senior leader responsible for ensuring the fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance of the school. The DFO oversees all financial systems, human resources functions, grants management, and operational processes to ensure the school’s resources and infrastructure align with its mission, charter commitments, and strategic priorities. This position works closely with the CEO, Board Finance Committee, and external partners to promote transparent, compliant, and strategic management of funds and operations in support of student success and organizational sustainability. ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Leadership and Oversight Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget in collaboration with the School Leader and Board Finance Committee. Oversees all financial operations including accounting, purchasing, and financial reporting. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and charter requirements, including GAAP and fiscal reporting deadlines. Prepares accurate, timely financial statements, forecasts, and reports for the School Leader, Board, and authorizer. Manages procurement processes, contracts, and purchasing procedures in accordance with policy and internal controls. Coordinates the annual audit and ensures timely resolution of any findings. Monitors cash flow, reserves, and grant funds to ensure long-term financial stability. Human Resource and Payroll Oversees all HR and payroll functions, ensuring compliance with employment law, DOE reporting, and school policy. Supports staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and personnel documentation. Administers benefits and compensation in coordination with the School Leader and external providers. Maintains accurate HR records and ensures confidentiality and data integrity Grants Management and Compliance Oversees management of all federal, state, and private grants, including budgeting, drawdowns, and documentation. Ensures compliance with the Charter Schools Program (CSP) and other restricted fund requirements. Prepares and submits financial documentation for state, federal, and authorizer reporting cycles. Tracks and monitors program expenditures to ensure alignment with approved grant budgets. Operations and Facilities Oversight Oversees daily operational systems including procurement, vendor contracts, and facility maintenance. Ensures compliance with safety, security, and health standards. Monitors the school’s insurance coverage, risk management, and emergency response systems. Partners with the CEO to align operational spending with strategic and instructional goals. Coordinates major operational projects such as technology upgrades, renovations, or capital improvements. Governance and Leadership Collaboration Serves as a key advisor to the CEO and Board Finance Committee on fiscal, operational, and compliance matters. Presents budget updates, audit results, and financial analyses to the Board. Develops clear, transparent reporting tools for Board monitoring of financial and operational performance. Participates in strategic planning, long-term facilities planning, and organizational development. Fosters a culture of efficiency, integrity, and continuous improvement in all business and operations functions. PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS The Director of Finance & Operations must: Demonstrate integrity, fiscal responsibility, and sound judgment. Communicate financial and operational data clearly to diverse audiences. Exhibit strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners. Balance strategic planning with hands-on execution. Display professionalism, discretion, and adaptability in a dynamic environment. QUALIFICATIONS Required Credentials Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. Minimum of five years of financial management experience, preferably in education or nonprofit organizations Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and grant management. Experience managing HR, payroll, and operations systems. Proficiency in Excel and financial software applications. Preferred Credentials Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (MBA or MPA preferred). CPA or equivalent credential strongly preferred. Experience in Georgia K–12 charter school or public school finance. Experience working with boards, auditors, and authorizers. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance. Successful completion of fingerprinting and background checks (criminal history, sex offender registry, licensing verification). Availability to work extended hours during budget, audit, or reporting cycles. Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to data privacy laws (FERPA, HIPAA). WORKING CONDITIONS & DEMANDS OF THE JOB Mental and Physical Ongoing Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions/deadlines and prolonged or irregular hours; Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing. Mental and Physical Occasional Demands: Lifting and carrying 10-25 pounds frequently, 25-40 pounds occasionally, more than 45 pounds infrequently with assistance; Pushing/pulling 10-35 pounds sporadically; May be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to themselves or others; travel. Environmental Ongoing Factors: Exposure to temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise. Environmental Occasional Factors: Possible exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.) WORK SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION This is a contracted position expected to move to a full-time salaried position. 40+ hours per week, full-time Evening or weekend hours may be required for Board or compliance obligations. Published and Category lines removed for clarity. #J-18808-Ljbffr