Director of Finance and Operations

Position Type:
Administration/Business Manager

Date Posted:
6/18/2026

Location:
Systemwide

Date Available:
07/17/2026

Closing Date:
07/17/2026
Director of Finance & Operations


Ellington Public Schools

As a district, Ellington is committed to advancing student achievement through positive school culture and climate, outstanding teaching and leadership, a strong, standards-based curriculum, and effective assessment practices. This commitment extends to providing the most effective and efficient non-instructional personnel to appropriately support the educational program. Our district population continues to grow and to become diverse, as we welcome students speaking more than 17 different languages and actively participating in the Open Choice program.


Vision

Ellington students will be prepared to enter a rapidly changing and complex world with strong academic skills, breadth of knowledge, depth of understanding, commitment to others, and the attitudes necessary to become productive, contributing citizens.


Job Summary

Reporting to the Superintendent of Schools, the Ellington Public Schools is seeking a strategic, dedicated, and highly analytical leader to serve as the Director of Finance and Operations. This senior leadership position is responsible for the overall financial and operational management of the school district. The Director will oversee budget development, financial planning, accounting, payroll, purchasing, facilities management, school security, student transportation, and food services. The ideal candidate will ensure that the district's financial and operational resources are effectively and efficiently utilized to support the educational mission of Ellington Public Schools.


Duties and Responsibilities

• Budget Development: Plans, executes, and monitors the annual operating and capital budgets; assists the Superintendent in providing and presenting information to the Board of Education, town boards, and members of the community.
• Oversee all accounting operations, ensuring compliance with municipal, state (CSDE), and federal regulations.
• Preparation, analysis, and present monthly financial reports to the Board of Education.
• Coordinate the annual financial audit and manage the implementation of auditor recommendations.
• Coordinate to ensure timely preparation of grant applications and financial reports as required by state and federal agencies, including but not limited to EFS, ED141,
• High level oversight of payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Administer, forecast, and financially manage the district's self-insured medical and dental benefit programs.
• Assist the Superintendent with collective bargaining and labor relations, providing financial modeling and data analysis for union negotiations.
• Ensure proper procurement of all goods/services in accordance with the district's purchasing policies and state and federal statutes and regulations.
• Serve as a key member of the Superintendent's Central Office Executive Team.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of district-wide health, safety, and security initiatives to ensure a secure environment for all students, staff, and visitors.
• Supervise the district's food service program, ensuring financial viability and compliance with state and federal nutritional guidelines.
• Oversee the contracted transportation company and internal van drivers to ensure efficient operation of the district's student transportation and daily bussing operations.
• provide high-level oversight of district facilities and grounds, ensuring a safe, clean, and conducive learning environment for students and staff.
• Administer the Board of Education's facility use policies, coordinating building access, liability compliance, and custodial coverage for all after-hours building use by external groups and town departments.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison to the Board of Education's Finance and Operations committees, responsible for developing agendas, preparing comprehensive reports, and presenting data to guide committee decisions.
• Oversight of fleet management.
• Manage all district insurance portfolios, serving as the primary liaison with insurance brokers, carriers, and town officials to secure cost-effective coverage and oversee the processing of district claims.
• Performs such other position-related tasks, and assumes such other responsibilities, as the Superintendent of Schools may assign or delegate.
• Collaborate with the Town Department of Transportation during inclement weather to assess road conditions, inform school closing or delay decisions, and ensure timely communication with all relevant stakeholders.
• Chair the District Safety Committee and ensure the continuous updating of the All-Hazards Plan
• Coordinate district partnerships with law enforcement and emergency management agencies

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Director of Facilities
• Coordinator of Accounting
• Director of Food Services
• School Security Officers
• Van Drivers

Requirements

• Perform duties in a courteous and efficient manner that builds the confidence of staff, students, and the public in the Ellington Public Schools and enhances learning.
• Observe laws, district policies and procedures, and professional standards for the position.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with school personnel, parents, students and the public; work collaboratively as a team member.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with municipal entities including but not limited to the Town's finance department, department of public works, department of recreation, emergency services, regional public health agency.
• Carry out work responsibilities with a strong attention to detail and organizational skills effectively under pressure of deadlines, difficult situations, interruptions, and new or emergency conditions.
• Respect confidential information and the privacy of students, staff, and parents Strong strategic planning, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Possession of, or eligibility for, the Connecticut State Department of Education
• School Business Administrator Certificate (085)
• Prior experience in a public school district or municipal government setting is strongly preferred.
• Possess excellent computer skills with proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and G Suite (Google).
• Knowledge of Infinite Visions (School ERP Pro) a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

This 12-month position offers competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Salary Range: $160,000-$175,000 with a comprehensive benefits package.

Please include a cover letter, resume and three letters of recommendation with your application.

Candidates are welcome to contact Dr. Susan Nash, Superintendent of Schools, at View email address on click.appcast.io for further information.