Strategic Finance Lead

Training Tomorrow's Technicians to Become Skilled, Employable, and Essential At Cotulla Education, home to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, Tidewater Tech, and American Lineman College, we are dedicated to transforming lives through hands‑on, career‑focused education. Our mission is to empower students to achieve their professional dreams in high‑demand fields like aviation, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. With experienced faculty providing personalized support, our graduates emerge as future leaders ready to make a significant impact in their communities. Join us in shaping the careers of those who will build and maintain our world and embark on a transformative journey towards a fulfilling career. ABOUT US - Big Changes, Better Benefits - Join us today! Position Purpose We are seeking a strategic finance leader with a strong foundation in investment banking, private equity, or corporate development to help drive high‑impact financial initiatives across our organization. This role sits at the intersection of transaction execution, capital deployment, and operational strategy—supporting leadership in identifying, evaluating, and executing on growth opportunities including new campus launches, M&A, and strategic investments. As a key member of the finance team, you will work directly with senior executives and campus leaders to develop long‑term financial strategies, assess ROI for new initiatives, and shape investment decisions. You’ll be joining at a pivotal time, contributing to the buildout of finance capabilities that will support the company’s next phase of growth. This is a high‑visibility role with the opportunity to influence key levers of performance in a dynamic, mission‑driven environment. Key Responsibilities Strategic Financial Planning & Investment Evaluation Lead long‑range financial planning in partnership with executive and campus leadership. Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate capital deployment opportunities, unit economics, and business case scenarios. Drive investment analysis and valuation for high‑impact initiatives, including new site launches, program expansion, and acquisitions. M&A & Growth Strategy Conduct financial due diligence and scenario modeling for potential acquisitions and expansion opportunities. Support post‑transaction integration planning and financial tracking for acquired or launched campuses. Prepare investment memoranda and board‑level materials in support of capital allocation decisions. Executive Advisory & Business Partnership Act as a trusted thought partner to campus operators and central leadership. Translate complex financial insights into clear recommendations and presentations for board members, investors, and cross‑functional stakeholders. Performance Monitoring & Optimization Provide strategic oversight on financial performance trends, key metrics, and initiative ROI. Identify areas for operational improvement and resource optimization, informed by analytical rigor and market context. Experience / Skills 4+ years of experience in strategic finance, FP&A, investment banking, private equity, or management consulting. Strong financial modeling and Excel capabilities. Experience analyzing operating performance and supporting resource allocation. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to prepare materials for executive stakeholders. Prior experience in education, multi‑site operations, or workforce development is a plus. Ability to work in a fast‑paced, performance‑driven, compliance‑oriented educational environment. Demonstrate a high level of integrity, strong work ethic, and professionalism. Persuasive and effective verbal and written communication skills, with a strong focus on customer service in an educational setting. Highly motivated and goal‑oriented, with strong problem‑solving skills. Excellent computer skills are required with proficiency in MS Office applications including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams. CampusNexus experience is a plus. Ability and willingness to travel locally and/or overnight for business purposes. Schedule Remote, Full‑Time Role: Standard business hours, Monday through Friday What We Offer The anticipated annual salary for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 . However, actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's skills, experience, and geographic location. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: 401(k) and Matching: Secure your future with our competitive retirement savings plan. Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy Health, Dental, and Vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy. Life Insurance: Peace of mind with life insurance options. Parental Leave: Support for new parents during important life transitions. Paid Time Off: Recharge with paid time off to promote work‑life balance. Retirement Plan: Additional options to help you save for retirement. Employee Assistance Program: Access to resources for personal and professional support. Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your future with financial support for further education. Cotulla Education is a proud equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the success of our company and are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion. #J-18808-Ljbffr