Advent Episcopal School is an independent Episcopal school for students in junior pre-kindergarten through eighth grade located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The school is committed to providing a superior education in a caring Christian environment to prepare students for lives of continued learning, leadership, and service. Advent is a traditional school with a rigorous and advanced academic curriculum providing the space and capacity for innovation. We believe each child is unique and in a constant process of change so we involve students in the total learning process physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being to meet high standards. Students are encouraged through varied educational approaches to question, challenge, and explore in their discovery of knowledge and truth.
Advent Episcopal School seeks an experienced, resourceful, and enthusiastic Director of Finance and Operations to join our team for the 2023-24 school year.
Advent Episcopal School’s DOF/O plays a strategic role in the daily responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all financial, business, and operational aspects of the school. The DOF/O reports to the Head of School and serves on the school’s institutional leadership team. The DOF/O supports the Finance Committee of the Board, the Board of Trustees, and the Endowment Board in their financial oversight responsibilities and planning.
The DOF/O is a full-time position with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
Overview of Position:
The Director of Finance & Operations directs the school’s financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and risk management. In support of the overall operation of the school, the Director also manages human resources, including benefits administration and payroll, and oversees the food service operations. The Director maintains relationships with banks, professional accountants, legal counsel, insurance agents, lending institutions, investment advisors, vendors, and private businesses on contractual and other matters pertaining to financial and operations management. As a key member of the school’s Institutional Leadership Team, the Director of Finance and Operations provides counsel and strategic vision to the Head of School.
Primary duties and responsibilities:
Financial Management & Internal Controls
Provide strategic leadership, analysis, and management of finances and operations.
Oversee all business office functions including all financial reporting to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and various committees.
Assist the Head of School in strategic planning
Establish financial and capital strategies that are consistent with the strategic priorities.
Build and/or maintain the school’s short- and long-term strategic financial models.
Maintain strong relationships with banks and lenders to ensure that funding is secured for the needs of the school and compliance with loan terms.
Manage insurance programs including property, casualty, medical, and workers’ compensation.
Ensure compliance with all local and state reporting requirements.
Collaborate effectively with Advancement & Enrollment Management, and other revenue-generating departments.
Human Resources
Administer and manage all employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement, worker’s compensation, life insurance, and other related plans.
Collaborate with and assist the Head of School in hiring and salary negotiations; provide information to the Head of School for salary comparisons, both internal and external.
Prepare employment agreements.
Maintain thorough and secure employee files.
Risk Management & Legal Issues
Oversee risk management by ensuring insurance coverage is adequate and appropriate for campus, equipment, liability, D&O, beneits, worker’s compensation, etc.
Oversee activities of collection attorney
Stay up to date on applicable Federal, State, and local laws
Food Services
Oversee the food services contract and operations including management of lunchroom personnel
Ensure requirements of Jefferson County Department of Health are met
Buildings & Grounds
Provide support and leadership for master planning as it relates to financial strategy and priorities
Oversee the facilities coordinator and ongoing capital improvements and general building maintenance
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
CPA, MBA, or advanced degree/certification in a relevant field is a plus.
7-10 years in a financial/operational role with a not-for-profit, academic institution, and/or a small business.
Strong financial acumen, skilled in general accounting, annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and planning.
High level of knowledge in QuickBooks, highly preferred.
Understanding of data/information management, technology, and networking.
Some facilities management understanding and awareness.
Creativity and strategic thinking to help identify, pursue, and implement growth opportunities on behalf of the school.
Ability to collaborate thoughtfully, build trust with colleagues, and contribute to positive morale.
Sophisticated communication skills, both oral and written, and the capacity to tailor messaging based on the needs and interests of the audience.
The ability to disseminate financial and budgeting information with transparency and clarity.
Personal traits appropriate for nurturing the growth of children - must be energetic, optimistic, flexible, patient, and have an engaging sense of humor.
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Claire Cassady Vaughn, Head of School, at cvaughn@adventepiscopalschool.org.
