This is a compelling opportunity to apply financial skills, initiative, and drive to help further realize a compelling and sustainable vision for the future of The Philadelphia School as its next Director of Finance.

The next Director of Finance of The Philadelphia School (“TPS”) will work closely with the Head of School to develop a strategic financial vision for the future of TPS and be responsible for managing and executing the strategy that is devised. As a member of the school’s leadership team, the Director of Finance will oversee the business operations of TPS and interact regularly with the Board of Trustees and senior administrators.

Responsibilities, Opportunities and Challenges:

Partner with the Head of School
Working closely with the Head of School to develop a strategic financial vision for the future of TPS is a vital component of the responsibilities of the Director of Finance, who is responsible for managing and executing the strategy that is devised.

Lead Strategic Long-Term Financial Planning and the Budget ProcessThe Director of Finance leads the school’s annual budgeting process and has the opportunity to further refine this process in a manner that is transparent, consistent, and clear. In addition to constructing the annual budget, the Director of Finance will work closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop long-term financial scenarios for TPS.

Work Closely with the Board of Trustees
The Director of Finance will present regularly to the Board of Trustees on budget and long-range planning issues and attend Finance Committee meetings on a monthly basis.

Help Execute the Strategic Plan
The Philadelphia School’s targets three ambitious goals for the future: to broaden the school’s place-based learning, to expand experiential learning, and to lead the way in progressive education. The Director of Finance will work closely with the Head of School in developing ways to bring these priorities to fruition in a financially sustainable and responsible manner.

Oversee Risk Management
The Director of Finance will collaborate with the school’s counsel and insurance agents regarding all legal and risk management matters; and establish policies to ensure risks are minimized.

Lead the Business Office
The Director of Finance will lead, and partner with, an experienced team of finance professionals, including a highly regarded Controller and Finance Associate.

Manage the Outsourced Human Resources Function
TPS recently entered into an arrangement with a local firm that manages the school’s Human Resources services. The Director of Finance will be responsible for overseeing the work of this organization, providing ongoing support and evaluation of their work for the school.

Partner with the Director of Enrollment Management
The Director of Finance serves on the school’s Tuition Assistance Committee, with the Director of Enrollment Management, and as such is responsible for analyzing trends in financial aid and helping to determine the amount of awards to be given to each student.

Work closely with the Director of Advancement

The Director of Finance will establish a strong partnership with the Director of Advancement by providing support and analysis around fundraising initiatives.

Serve on the Building Committee and work in partnership with the Director of Systems and Spaces
The Director of Finance will work closely with the school’s Director of Systems and Spaces, providing thoughtful analysis of the school’s buildings and grounds plans for the present and future.

Oversee Relationships with Lessees and Vendors
The Director of Finance willoversee and approve all rentals of school facilities and ensure that renters abide by the terms of rental agreements. In addition, the Director of Finance will execute all contracts and maintain and perform review of all school leases and vendor contracts.

Skills and Attributes of the next Director of Finance

The Philadelphia School seeks an experienced finance professional to step into the Director of Finance role. The school takes great pride in nurturing an environment that is compassionate, rigorous, joyful, progressive, highly collaborative, and innovative. An individual who brings energy, integrity, and intellect will thrive and experience success in the TPS community.

The ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications, skills, and attributes:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting; CPA or Masters in Accounting designation preferred.
• 5 years of experience in Finance Administration, preferably in an educational or nonprofit institution.
• Strong understanding of financial systems and controls, GAAP, budgeting, and capital management, and plant management.
• Proven experience with long-range financial planning and overseeing the financial particulars of capital projects and building renovations.
• Ability to think critically and creatively.
• Proven success in a senior administrative role.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other school community members.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively tell the story of the school, demonstrate the values of the school.
• Proficient knowledge of a variety of MAC/PC computer software applications including word processing (preferably MS Word), spreadsheets (preferably MS Excel), database, and presentation software.
• Overall mobility is essential including sitting, walking, standing, driving, and working under adverse conditions for extended periods of time during the school day from 7am-6pm.
• Working knowledge of independent school operations is preferred.
• Working knowledge of financial sustainability best practices, trends in (independent school) finance and operations.
• Personal qualities, including diplomacy, tact, discretion, flexibility, resourcefulness, initiative, dependability, organizational skills, friendliness, emotional maturity, punctuality, and professionalism.
• The ability to work effectively with multiple supervisors, balance and prioritize multiple requests.
• The ability to complete assigned project tasks on time and with minimal supervision.

Educators Collaborative is pleased to be partnering with The Philadelphia School on this important search, and we invite you to learn more about this exciting leadership opportunity, with a start date of July 1, 2024, by visiting our website at www.educatorscollaborative.com and referring to the Information for Candidates document under "current searches" , and/or by reaching out to George Sanderson directly at gsanderson@educatorscollaborative.com. Applications close on February 28th.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Experience level:

• 5 years

Physical setting:

• Office

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Philadelphia, PA 19146: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person