Strategic VP of Finance & Operations

Vice President of Finance & Operations Regina Dominican High School Wilmette, Illinois Position Summary Regina Dominican High School seeks a strategic, mission-driven, and collaborative Vice President of Finance & Operations to oversee the financial, operational, facilities, and technology functions of the school. Reporting directly to the President, the VP of Finance & Operations serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability, operational excellence, and efficient infrastructure management of the institution. This position oversees all accounting and financial operations, budgeting, audit coordination, payroll and benefits administration, treasury management, facilities operations, and technology systems. The VP of Finance & Operations also supervises key operational staff and external service providers to ensure the school environment effectively supports Regina Dominican’s educational mission. Strategic & Institutional Leadership Serve as a strategic thought partner to the President on institutional sustainability, enrollment trends, tuition strategy, and long-range planning. Work collaboratively with every member of the Executive Leadership team on areas of shared responsibility. Support multi-year financial modeling tied to enrollment, compensation, and capital priorities. Participate actively in senior leadership discussions regarding school strategy, culture, and institutional effectiveness. Help leadership evaluate operational implications of strategic initiatives and mission priorities. Financial Leadership & Accounting Lead all financial operations of the school, including accounting, financial controls, and reporting. Prepare accurate and timely monthly management financial statements and dashboards. Develop and present financial reports to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee. Oversee annual fiscal year-end close and all related accounting processes. Manage the annual external audit process and serve as the primary liaison with auditors. Ensure compliance with all accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. Oversee cash management, treasury functions, banking relationships, and liquidity planning. Monitor and manage school cash flow to support operational and strategic priorities. Lead the annual operating and capital budget development process in partnership with school leadership. Provide financial forecasting, analysis, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Manage school investment accounts and oversee relationships with the school’s investment advisers. Serve as staff liaison to the Endowment Committee and attend committee meetings to provide financial updates and support long-term investment strategy discussions. HR, Payroll, Benefits & Risk Management Oversee payroll processing and ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Oversee employee onboarding, offboarding coordination. Manage employee benefits programs, including vendor relationships and annual renewals. Oversee the school’s insurance programs and risk management initiatives. Ensure compliance with employment-related financial reporting and benefit administration requirements. Collaborate with HR/ Legal partners. Facilities Stewardship & Operations Management Oversee all building and campus operations to maintain a safe, functional, and welcoming environment. Supervise the Building Engineer and coordinate operational priorities and maintenance schedules. Manage external vendors and contracts related to housekeeping, landscaping, snow removal, and building maintenance and repair services. Develop and monitor preventative and long range maintenance plans and capital improvement initiatives. Lead school leadership efforts related to capital campaign building projects, including coordination and management of architects, contractors, and external vendors. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational standards. Technology Oversight Oversee the school’s technology infrastructure and operations through the management of the school’s external technology service provider. Oversee cybersecurity practices, data privacy protections, and disaster recovery planning in partnership with the school’s technology provider. Coordinate and manage all outsourced technology support services for faculty, staff, networks, systems, and school technology resources. Partner with the external technology vendor to ensure secure, reliable, and effective technology operations and user support. Support long-term technology planning, infrastructure improvements, and technology-related capital projects through vendor management and strategic oversight. Tuition & Financial Aid Administration Partner with enrollment leadership to support enrollment forecasting, tuition strategy, and affordability initiatives. Oversee the school’s financial aid process, including administration, compliance, and coordination with admissions and enrollment management. Ensure timely collection and processing of tuition payments and oversee tuition receivables management. Monitor outstanding tuition balances and work collaboratively with families and school leadership to support timely payment arrangements and collections processes. Leadership & Supervision Directly supervise the Accountant and Building Engineer. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and accountable team environment. Partner with school leadership to support strategic planning and institutional priorities. Working Environment This position requires regular on-campus presence and active engagement with school operations, facilities, staff, and leadership. Occasional evening meetings for Board and committee presentations may be required. About Regina Dominican Regina Dominican is an independent Catholic college preparatory high school rooted in the Dominican tradition of prayer, study, community, and service. Regina empowers young women to lead lives of faith, purpose, and impact through academic excellence and a supportive community. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred. Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in finance and operations management. Strong accounting and financial management expertise, including budgeting, audit management, and financial reporting. Experience managing facilities, operations, vendor relationships, and capital projects preferred. Knowledge of payroll, benefits administration, and risk management practices. Experience managing outsourced technology services and vendor relationships preferred. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional operations. Commitment to the mission and values of Regina Dominican High School. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Association of Independent Schools