Leadership and Administration

The Director of Finance and Operations supports the school’s mission by promoting effective management practices, sound decision-making, and professional integrity. This leader ensures that administrative operations comply with accreditation standards, state and federal regulations, and best practices for independent schools. They cultivate a culture of collaboration, clear communication, and ethical stewardship throughout the organization. The Director contributes to strategic planning and policy development, facilitates effective communication between administrative departments, and supports the Head of School in implementing initiatives that advance institutional goals.

Financial Stewardship

As the financial officer of the school, the Director of Finance and Operations provides comprehensive oversight of all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, reporting, and audits. They develop and monitor the annual budget, guide financial forecasting, and ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Director of Finance and Operations also manages banking, investments, and insurance relationships; safeguards institutional assets through robust internal controls; and provides timely, accurate financial analysis to support informed decision-making. In collaboration with the Head of School and Finance Committee, they help shape long-range financial strategies that ensure the school’s long-term stability and growth.

Human Resources Leadership

In partnership with the Human Resources Director, the Director of Finance and Operations oversees all aspects of employment administration, including compensation and benefits, compliance, and employee relations. They help develop policies and programs that support a positive, equitable, and professional work environment. This role also ensures that human resource practices reflect the school’s values, legal obligations, and strategic priorities.

Technology and Infrastructure

The Director of Finance and Operations oversees the school’s technology and facilities operations to ensure that systems, spaces, and resources effectively support teaching, learning, and administration. This includes supervising IT management and technology planning, maintaining secure and reliable systems, and guiding decisions related to infrastructure and software. They also work closely with the Facilities Manager to ensure the safety, functionality, and aesthetic quality of the school’s physical environment, developing long-term maintenance and capital improvement plans aligned with institutional goals.

Governance and Collaboration

The Director of Finance and Operations presents financial and operational updates to the Board of Trustee Finance Committee, provides data-driven insights to guide board decisions, and contributes to strategic discussions on institutional priorities. As a collaborative leader, the Director models teamwork, supports cross-departmental initiatives, and champions continuous improvement in operational efficiency, sustainability, and resource management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, business administration or related field.
• Advance degree such as MBA or CPA license preferred.
• At least seven years of experience heading the Finance and/or Administration department of an organization..
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP and non profit financial management.
• 10+ years senior level experience in financial accounting and reporting.
• Proficiency with financial systems, educational technology platforms, and data analytics tools.
• Strong problem-solving, financial modeling and budgeting skills.
• Strategic and creative thinker with operational savvy and a systems-oriented mindset.
• Experience working with HR, managing compliance, and risk management programs preferred.
• High value of ethics, dependability and reliability
• Possesses excellent speaking, writing, and public relations skills
• Ability to handle confidential information as it relates to students and school.
• Ability to communicate with emergency personnel.
• Communicate effectively both orally and written with parent volunteers, staff, and contractors
• Must understand and enjoy a child-centered environment.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor related to abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children or adults.
• Ability to walk, stand, maintain balance, climb ladders, crouch, lift up to 20 lbs., bend, stoop, and reach above shoulder level.
• Ability to perform to help out on weekends and for school functions as needed

About Montessori School of Northern Virginia

MSNV provides authentic Montessori education for children from toddlers through sixth grade at three campuses: Hillbrook in Annandale and Valleybrook and Sleepy Hollow in Falls Church. In seventh grade students transition into our progressive two-year Middle School Program at Hillbrook. There, students join other adolescents from various independent, public, or Montessori schools in the area. From Preprimary through Middle School, our learning environment is designed to directly benefit their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Our students achieve both academic and personal success. Our children love learning, love one another and love the world around them. MSNV is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. MSNV is a non-profit school in its 60th year of operation, with over 240 students located inside the Capital beltway, 10 miles from D.C. MSNV offers a satisfying, supportive work environment staffed by interesting, kind, knowledgeable, highly-engaged people.

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