Position Title: Chief Finance and Administrative Officer
Reports to: President

Employment Classification: 12-Month Exempt

Join the Seton Family of Catholic Schools – Giving Students a Running Start Spiritually, Intellectually, and Socially 

Seton Catholic Schools is the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s model for K-8 parish schools in Greater Milwaukee. The Seton Family of Catholic Schools will serve 3,000 students at our 12 schools in 2023-24, and we plan to grow to over 20 schools serving more than 5,000 students. The Seton model is built on our Catholic identity and delivers effective governance, best in class urban teaching methods, teacher and leader talent development, centralized business operations and active engagement with families in our neighborhoods. In our seventh academic year, Seton’s demonstrated performance is truly transforming Catholic education in Milwaukee with national interest in our unique and highly capable network model for urban parish schools. Our growth over the next five years will include the addition of new parish schools, enhancement of our Catholic culture, expansion of our academic offerings, recruitment and retention of top talent, and the revitalization of our school facilities.

Role Summary

The Chief Finance and Administration Officer (CFAO) will be responsible and accountable for achieving the financial and administrative commitments of Seton Catholic Schools (Seton) while managing the growth of network operations and relationships with parish leaders. The CFAO will advise the President and Board of Directors on the financial and business matters of Seton. The CFAO prepares and administers Seton’s budget, guides the development of financing methods, directs and supervises functions including, but not limited to Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Compliance, Reporting, IT & Systems, Enrollment Management, Government Funding, Leases, Contracts, and Program Management. The CFAO will work as a senior leader on the Seton Executive Leadership team and develop and maintain effective working relationships with Seton staff and key stakeholders critical to the success of the organization. The CFAO will recruit, develop, and retain talented team members committed to the mission of Seton and will direct the work of his/her staff, anticipate and resolve problems, and contribute to the decision-making processes for both the strategic and tactical work of the organization. The CFAO will also ensure continuous improvement of all business and financial processes to further support the mission of Seton. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and execution of policies, procedures, systems, budgets and informing and working directly with the Seton Catholic Schools Board of Directors and its Finance Committee. Seton Catholic Schools is committed to integrity and compliance in all of our operations and activities.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of Seton Catholic Schools in all activities and behaviors as a leader.
• Oversee and have direct managerial responsibility for all departments (or department leads) reporting to the CFAO; Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Compliance, Reporting, IT & Systems, Enrollment Management, Government Funding, Leases, Contracts, and Program Management.
• Achieve all financial and administrative objectives of the organization through planning and execution.
• Implement and optimize effective finance and management operating systems required to achieve administrative excellence at Seton Catholic Schools.
• Collaborate effectively with other Seton leaders and other key stakeholders in parishes, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and the broader community to achieve the objectives of the organization.
• Clearly communicate expectations of standards of excellence, goals, and expectations for the organization.
• Lead change management efforts necessary to integrate new parish schools and evolve the work and culture of Seton administration as necessary to support the mission of the organization and engage all stakeholders.
• Develop and execute both strategic and tactical plans with the leaders of departments reporting to the CFAO to achieve the long-range and short-term objectives of Seton.
• Coach and provide mentoring support to Seton staff to enable them to achieve the objectives of the organization and their full potential.
• Ensure all compliance requirements for the organization are met while leading with integrity.
• Participate in and lead as appropriate the identification of strategy, needs, scoping of requirements, selection and management of vendors required to support core Seton processes
• Lead Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and Risk management for the network.

Qualifications:

• Successful financial leadership experience preferably in academic institutions such as school districts, academic networks, or universities. Experience administrating government funded programs through a private/charter organization operating in a voucher or other government funded program desirable.
• Specific experience working with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, ESSA and School Nutrition Programs desirable.
• Experience in organizational development, personnel and performance management, recruiting and talent development, administration, and benefits.
• Program management experience in integrating new organizations and significant construction projects preferable.
• Experience integration new organizations as acquisition including change management and implementation of new processes and culture in the acquired organization
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in achieving the objectives of an organization.
• Specific proven track record of successfully managing cash flow requirements for a school district or network.
• Success in leading large-scale change in organizations and developing high performing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and retain top talent.
• Ability to influence and work with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
• Proven capability to develop and implement operations and management reporting models for schools or complex organizations that provide an integrated assessment of unit plans and performance.
• An exceptional manager of resources and multi-faceted projects that often require coordination across multiple departments, stakeholder groups, and timelines.
• Well-developed analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver assignments on time.
• Excellent listening, written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle conflict and work towards successful resolution.
• Ability to delegate tasks while maintaining oversight.
• Organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning skills.
• Successful financial management including report preparation and effective communication of the financial position of an organization.
• Master’s Degree preferred with an emphasis in Business and/or Education.

Compensation:

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience.

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Archdiocese of Milwaukee pension program.
• 403(b) retirement plan and FSA plan.
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Unlimited potential for professional growth—we are building a new model for urban, Catholic education.

Physical Demands: This position requires physical skills that will allow the employee to work in a typical office setting, such as standing, sitting, talking, and listening on the phone, and moving between offices and buildings. The ability to drive a car and travel between schools is essential. The employee must occasionally lift and move boxes and supplies up to 20 pounds.