Details
Posted: 05-Jan-22
Location: Seattle, Washington
Type: Full Time
Preferred Education: Masters
In the historic Washington Park neighborhood in east central Seattle sits the city’s only independent K-12 school. Founded in 1924 and inspired by John Dewey’s philosophy of progressive education, The Bush School began with modest roots in the home of Helen Taylor Bush to serve six young girls. During the past decades, the school has evolved in many exciting ways: substantially growing its student population; adding a boarding program which it eventually phased out in the late 60s; broadening its reach with a co-educational program; and most recently acquiring a spectacular second campus in the Methow Valley on the eastern slopes of the North Cascades, to further integrate wilderness, cultural, and academic experiential learning. Although much has changed since 1924, Bush’s fundamental approach to teaching students remains as relevant now as ever. Bush students engage with challenging and robust academic programs and solve complex problems in the classroom and beyond through a variety of experiential opportunities on campus, in Seattle, and throughout the world. As a result of these experiences, students learn how to make an impact on their community that is meaningful and enduring.
Bush now seeks a chief financial and operating officer (CFOO) who will likewise have a meaningful and enduring impact on the school itself. In June 2022, the current finance and operations leader will be retiring after a successful 22-year tenure at Bush. Because of her tireless service, the school is in excellent financial health, has maintained great relationships with neighbors during multiple construction periods, and has developed a proactive approach to budgeting and resource management. The next CFOO will encounter a dynamic board ready for a strategic thought partner, as well as a visionary head of school who is now in his eight year and has helped to grow the school via its program, campus, and endowment. The next CFOO will oversee all financial operations and major campus construction, as well as several operational departments: HR, facilities, and dining services. Bush hopes its next CFOO can start this spring, to not only facilitate a graceful transition from the outgoing leader, but also set both the school and the next CFOO up for long-term success.
For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.
http://www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/bush
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications Accepted Starting: January 5, 2022
Application Deadline: February 5, 2022
Semifinal Round: Week of February 14 (remote)
Final Round: Two-day, on-site visits in early March
Decision Announced: March 25, 2022
Start Date: No later than July 1, 2022
SPECIFIC DUTIES
General Leadership, Strategic Director, and Financial Oversight
Report to the head of school, participate as a collaborative member of the leadership team, and serve as a trusted advisor to the head, leadership team, and board of trustees.
Provide strategic direction for appropriate and maximum use of financial resources to achieve the school’s strategic priorities and maintain long-term health of the institution.
Build multi-year models for operational and capital budgets, and in partnership with the head of school and board of trustees realign existing resources when necessary.
Develop key performance indicators to measure achievement of established goals.
Serve as lead liaison for the Finance, Investment, and Facility Committees and provide effective communication, presentations, and updates to the full board of trustees.
Work collaboratively with the Treasurer and other members of the Finance Committee on major areas of fiduciary importance, including: large-scale lending, construction financing, insurance, and endowment.
Publicly represent the school in a positive and proactive way, collaborating with other school administrators, neighbors, and public officials.
Compliance, Risk Management, and Reporting
Oversee internal controls, cash management, banking relationships, and asset management, and maintain accurate and timely continuous records on the financial position of the school.
Ensure that the school is in compliance with all local and state reporting requirements.
Oversee and ensure the successful completion of the annual independent audit.
Monitor and mitigate risk through a comprehensive risk management program.
Provide transparent financial reporting and planning to build trust among administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and trustees.
Operations
Collaborate with the head of school, HR director, and other senior administrators to provide leadership regarding employee compensation and benefits.
Oversee the business office and its core operations, including: AP, billing and collections, credit card management, cash receipts, payroll, and GL accounting.
Oversee HR, Facilities and Campus Operations, and Dining Services.
Develop processes and systems that provide clarity—and flexibility when necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Professional Qualifications:
Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field, which is a minimum requirement; an MBA or other advanced degree preferred
7+ years of experience as a business manager, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting, and 3+ years at a senior management level
Previous supervisory and governance experience, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting
A comprehensive skill set for oversight of financial reporting, budgets, investments, accounting, facilities, HR, food service, contracts, risk management, and security
Leadership and Personal Qualities:
A smart and confident decision maker who operates with integrity, collaborates with sincerity, counsels with affability, and teaches with humility
A listener who analyzes complex situations and helps to build consensus
A willingness to both fully understand the inner workings of a progressive school that is constantly innovating, and lead a business office in support of that culture
An open mind that asks questions, learns from others, and brings a, “Let’s see how we can do it” approach to problem solving
An ability to create organizational systems and apply project management skills in support of institutional-wide change within a complex academic environment
Authentic empathy, warmth, and collegiality, and an ability to spread these qualities across an entire staff
An ability to work under pressure, plan personal workload effectively and delegate
An available and responsive department head to internal and external constituents
Savvy communication and dynamic presentation skills—both written and oral
A collaborative, cooperative, and growth-oriented mindset
A love of education, and a willingness to support innovative teaching and learning at a K-12 independent school
TO APPLY
For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.
http://www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/bush
