Director of Strategic & Operational Finance

Director of Strategic & Operational Finance

Location: New York

Success Academy is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Strategic & Operational Finance. This role will be instrumental in driving key financial strategies, managing critical projects, and ensuring seamless communication and coordination across various departments. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical skills, a proven track record in financial strategy, and the ability to lead complex initiatives from conception to completion. This individual will create significant leverage for the CFO and play a critical role in shaping the financial future of a rapidly growing, mission-driven organization already operating at substantial scale.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance

• Partner with the CFO on finance strategy development, including the evaluation of new service delivery models and financial constructs.
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis to support new business ventures, investments, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Work closely with the FP&A team to develop comprehensive financial models and forecasts to support strategic decision‑making.
• Lead capital‑raising processes as needed to fund the development of new schools.
• Research relevant regulations, funding mechanisms, and reporting requirements. Build financial subject‑matter expertise related to charter schools in current and prospective markets.
• Oversee and manage the execution of high‑priority financial and operational initiatives, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Represent the finance organization in cross‑functional initiatives when the CFO cannot be directly involved.
• Develop project plans, define scope, set milestones, coordinate cross‑functional resources, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Operational Excellence & Communication

• Streamline operational processes within the finance department and across functions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Be a finance department point of contact for the broader organization, addressing critical requests and mobilizing finance department resources to solve problems.
• Prepare and synthesize information for meetings, ensuring the CFO is well‑briefed on all relevant topics.
• Assist in the preparation of internal communications and presentations for the Board of Directors and management updates.

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in finance, investment banking, strategy, or consulting roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and quantitative skills, with expertise in financial modeling and data analysis.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead change in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.

Personal Characteristics

• Highest integrity and ethics.
• Intellectually curious and able to think deeply and qualitatively about business problems, breaking down issues and presenting solutions.
• Holds themself and others to very high standards of excellence.
• Takes pride in taking a high degree of ownership.
• Positive, cooperative attitude. Collaborative with a track record of building strong relationships.
• Entrepreneurial with unrelenting drive and comfortable operating in ambiguity.
• Ability to roll up sleeves and be hands‑on in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Analytical and metrics‑driven, regularly leveraging data to support business decisions.
• Open, secure, and humble, with demonstrated resilience.
• Passion for education and a commitment to the mission of Success Academy.

Compensation

Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

Compensation Range: $180,000 – $195,000 USD

Benefits

Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Success Academy Charter Schools is an equal‑opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We actively seek applications from people of all backgrounds to strengthen our community and the perspectives needed to flourish in a multicultural world.

Success Academy Charter Schools does not offer employment‑based immigration sponsorship.