Ojai, California
Posted: 06-May-26
Location: San Francisco, California
Type: Part Time
Salary: $47,385-$61,601
Categories:
Required Education:
| Job Title: Director of Finance | Member of Educational Cooperative |
| 50-65% FTE, Exempt | Salary range: $47,385-$61,601 |
| Location: on campus, in-person | Starting Date: June 1, 2026 (flexible) |
About Synergy School:
Synergy School is a progressive, independent TK–8 school in San Francisco’s Mission District. Founded in 1973, the school operates as an Educational Cooperative in which teachers and administrative staff share in the responsibility for the education and well-being of its ~190 students. The school maintains an endowment, reserve fund, and sinking fund, and emphasizes thoughtful financial stewardship aligned with its mission.
Role Overview:
The Director of Finance is a strategic and operational leader responsible for the school’s full financial function. This role partners closely with the administrative team, Educational Cooperative, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees to ensure strong financial health, transparency, and long-term sustainability. This is a part-time leadership role (approximately 50–65% depending on the candidate). The role is on-site working as part of the broader administration team ~2 days per week.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Leadership & Strategy
- Own the school’s financial strategy, planning, and long-term sustainability
- Partner with the co-op and Board to guide financial decision-making
- Translate financial data into clear insights for non-financial stakeholders
- Lead financial modeling and scenario planning (tuition, enrollment, staffing)
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead annual budgeting process across all school programs
- Build and maintain rolling forecasts and scenario analyses
- Partner with program leaders (After School, Summer, Development) on budgets
- Monitor performance vs. budget and provide variance analysis
Board & Committee Engagement
- Serve as primary liaison to Finance and Audit Committees
- Prepare and present monthly/quarterly financial reporting packages
- Support Board-level strategic discussions with clear financial insights
Fund & Investment Oversight
- Oversee endowment, reserve, and sinking funds
- Provide analysis and recommendations on fund usage and sustainability
- Coordinate with external investment advisors as needed
Operations & Compliance
- Oversee accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP)
- Manage audits, tax filings, and regulatory requirements
- Oversee vendor relationships and contracts
Tuition & Financial Aid Collaboration
- Partner with admin team on tuition setting and financial aid strategy
- Support collections process with empathy and structure
Systems & Process Improvement
- Improve financial systems, reporting tools, and dashboards
- Drive automation and efficiency (QuickBooks, spreadsheets, etc.)
Benefit Highlights:
- Part-time role (up to 50-65% FTE)
- Annual salary range: $47,385-$61,601
- Benefits
- Tuition Remission:
- 50-65% remission for the 1st child
- 25-40% remission for the 2nd child
Join us in shaping the financial landscape of Synergy School and fostering an environment where academic excellence thrives in tandem with financial prudence.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to trustees@synergyschool.org.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (CFA, CPA, or advanced degree a plus)
- 5–10+ years of finance experience (nonprofit, education, or startup experience preferred)
- Strong financial modeling and analytical skills
- Ability to communicate clearly with both financial and non-financial stakeholders
- Experience presenting to senior leadership or boards
- Familiarity with QuickBooks or similar systems
Key Traits:
- Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability
- Strong communicator and collaborator in a cooperative environment
- High integrity and ownership mindset
- Comfortable operating in a lean, mission-driven organization
