Head of Finance & Operations

Position Overview

The Head of Finance & Operations is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for stewarding the School’s core business and operations functions, including Finance, Facilities, Auxiliary Programs, Human Resources, and Technology. Reporting to the Head of School, this role serves as a key member of the leadership team, ensuring the School’s financial health, operational integrity, and long-term sustainability in support of its educational mission.

This role is ideal for a leader who thrives at the intersection of vision and implementation—someone who can thoughtfully build and refine systems across teams while remaining closely connected to the day-to-day life of the School. The Head of Finance & Operations brings clarity and cohesion to complex needs, aligning people, processes, and resources to support students, faculty, and families.

With accountability for financial strategy and operational outcomes, the Head of Finance & Operations ensures careful stewardship of resources and thoughtful alignment between financial planning and the School’s evolving needs. This role serves as the single point of accountability for the performance, coordination, and outcomes of all finance and operations functions, including work delivered through internal teams and external partners. The role is designed to consolidate ownership of these functions, ensuring clarity in decision-making, eliminating overlapping responsibilities, and maintaining clear accountability for results across the School.

Position Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

The Head of Finance & Operations is accountable for the integrity, accuracy, and effectiveness of all financial operations, including:

• Tuition billing and timely collection
• General Ledger reconciliation with tuition management systems
• Accounts payable and vendor management
• Payroll administration and related tax reporting
• Employee benefits administration
• Tuition assistance assessment and management
• Accounting and financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit requirements

The Head of Finance & Operations is responsible for:

• Developing and managing the annual operating budget and long-term financial projections
• Partnering with the Head of School and Board Finance Committee on operating and capital budgets
• Delivering timely and accurate financial reporting to leadership and the Board
• Analyzing and communicating budget variances and financial trends
• Monitoring and managing cash flow, including short- and long-term forecasting
• Leading the annual audit and ensuring strong internal controls, compliance, and risk management
• Managing banking, investment, and insurance relationships in coordination with the Finance Committee
• Ensuring high-quality financial operations, accurate reporting, and strategic financial guidance aligned with the School’s goals
• Advising on key financial decisions, including tuition setting, financial aid strategy, and compensation planning

Operations, Facilities and Auxiliary Programs

• Hold full accountability for the performance, effectiveness, and outcomes of all operational functions, ensuring clarity of ownership and execution across the School
• Provide strategic oversight of campus operations, including maintenance, custodial services, vendor management, and capital improvements
• Ensure a safe, compliant, and well-maintained environment that reflects the values and aesthetics of Waldorf education
• Lead long-term facilities planning, including preventative maintenance and capital projects in an urban setting
• Oversee auxiliary and extended-day programs to ensure operational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and alignment with the School’s mission
• Ensure high-quality programming and reliable staffing that meet the needs of students and working families
• Monitor performance, including enrollment, financial contribution, and family experience
• Lead a coordinated approach to risk management, safety, and regulatory compliance across the School
• Ensure strong internal controls and safeguards for financial, physical, and data assets
• Oversee emergency preparedness and campus security

Technology

• Ensure technology infrastructure, systems, and support are reliable, secure, and operationally effective
• Ensure technology use is intentional and aligned with Waldorf pedagogical principles
• Lead planning for system improvements, vendor management, and long-term technology strategy

Human Resources & Business Operations

• Maintain clear accountability for outcomes across all HR and business operations functions, ensuring alignment, consistency, and effective execution regardless of how work is distributed or supported
• Ensure effective employee lifecycle processes and compliance through coordinated HR operations
• Ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of core business office functions, including accounts payable, payroll, and related processes
• Support organizational planning, employee relations, and a strong, mission-aligned culture

Requirements

Personal & Professional Skills and Qualifications

The Head of Finance & Operations must establish and maintain a strong practical connection to the needs of all community members including students, faculty, staff, and parents. Candidates with an independent school background will be given priority and experience in a Waldorf School or understanding of Waldorf education is preferred.

Additional essential skills and capacities include:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required; advanced degree and/or CPA preferred.
• 5+ years minimum of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit environment; independent school experience strongly preferred.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong organizational, strategic, and operational capabilities, with the ability to balance long-term priorities and day-to-day execution while exercising sound judgment and integrity.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to build alignment, influence outcomes, and foster a collaborative, accountable culture.
• Deep commitment to mission-driven work, with the ability to build trust across a diverse community and a demonstrated interest in, or alignment with, Waldorf education and its values.
• Strong technology proficiency, including experience with financial systems (e.g., QuickBooks), tuition management platforms, and Google Workspace.