Head of Finance, Payroll & Operations

Founded in 1928, Crane Country Day School is an independent kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) day school in Santa Barbara, California, where approximately 275 students and 60 “Staffulty” (a term many schools use for teachers and administrators working together as one team) share a 12-acre campus. Guided by a mission to thrive as a community that builds character and confidence while celebrating the joy in learning, Crane offers an innovative, rigorous, and experiential program in which students’ social and emotional growth matters as much as their academic progress.
Crane seeks a Director of Finance and Operations to provide strategic financial stewardship and lead the operational functions that support the school each day. Reporting to the Head of School and partnering closely with the Board’s Finance Committee Chair, the Director will supervise four direct reports: the Controller, Accounts Manager, Director of Facilities, and Campus Safety Officer. The Director also works in close partnership with the school’s part‑time Human Resources (HR) Lead, who reports to the Head of School, on matters where finance, operations, and people intersect.
someone who knows what is urgent, what can be delegated, and what can wait; Leaders from a broad range of educational, nonprofit, and business sectors who are drawn to Crane’s mission are encouraged to apply.
Application Review Period: December–January
On-site Final Round: Late January 2027
Reports To: Head of School
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Financial Strategy & Stewardship
Lead the annual budget process and multi-year financial planning.
Provide clear financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis to the Head of School, Board, and Finance Committee.
Review tuition assistance, financial benchmarks, and other major cost drivers to support long‑term sustainability.
Help identify and evaluate additional revenue opportunities, including summer programs and use of campus facilities.
Partner with Canterbury Investments and support the Board’s Investment Committee in monitoring endowment performance, planning for long‑term growth, and aligning investment strategy with Crane’s financial goals.
Oversee the annual audit and other core financial reporting requirements.
Provide strategic oversight of facilities, maintenance, campus safety, food‑service vendors, Crane vehicles, and other school operations.
Partner with the Director of Facilities and Buildings & Grounds Committee on capital planning, project sequencing, and long‑term campus needs.
Strengthen operational policies, procedures, documentation, and continuity planning.
Support effective emergency preparedness, safety practices, and regulatory compliance.
Supervise the Controller, Accounts Manager, Director of Facilities, and Campus Safety Officer.
Clarify roles, responsibilities, and decision‑making across the Business Office and operational functions.
People, Governance & Community
Serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Head of School, to whom this role reports, and perform other duties as assigned.
Work closely with the HR Lead on benefits, payroll, compensation, policy, and employment matters.
Partner with relevant Board committees, including Finance and Buildings & Grounds.
Collaborate closely with admissions, advancement, communications, academic leadership, and other school leaders.
Bachelor’s degree required; Significant leadership experience spanning finance, operations, business administration, or a related field
Demonstrated experience with budgeting, financial planning, analysis, and communicating financial information to senior leaders or boards
Experience overseeing complex operations such as facilities, safety, vendors, capital projects, or auxiliary programs
Familiarity with HR, benefits, payroll, compliance, and risk management
candidates from nonprofit, higher education, healthcare, business, hospitality, and other relevant sectors encouraged to apply
Leadership and Personal Qualities