Associate Head for Finance and Operations
Position Description

About Masters:
The Masters School (www.mastersny.org) is a premier coed day and boarding school that engages
5th – 12th grade students with a challenging academic program in a welcoming learning
environment. Located on 96 picturesque acres overlooking the Hudson River, The Masters School
community takes advantage of both its access to the tri-state area and its proximity to the rich
cultural and educational magnet that is New York City. Students benefit from the resources,
diversity and activities of Masters 7-day campus and accessible, talented faculty and staff. From
our exceptional academics and outstanding visual and performing arts program to our
championship athletic teams, the Masters learning experience prepares students for success in
college, career and life.

Mission and Beliefs Statement:
The Masters School celebrates active participation, deep understanding, and meaningful
connection. A community of diverse individuals, we gather to learn, to strive, to dare, to do – to be
a power for good in the world.

In addition, The Masters School seeks employees committed to the work of advancing equity and
social justice in the school community and beyond. A community of diverse individuals, we
celebrate both our differences and our similarities, and we embrace a broad definition of diversity
that includes but is not limited to age, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion, sexual identity and
socioeconomic status. Masters seeks diverse candidates to serve our student body, and we expect
all employees to engage in the work of [equity and] inclusion as a critically important aspect of
working in our school setting.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will manage and direct all of The Masters School’s
business practices and operations, including finance, human resources, information technology,
buildings and grounds, and other functions as necessary. This individual, while fostering a collegial
environment, will also ensure the administrative capability of the school, making business
improvements necessary to support campus life, delegating effectively and solving problems
based on thoughtful planning and analysis.

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will build and maintain a strong finance
department, providing leadership and direction for financial policy and overall management of
financial operations. This individual will provide direction and management of the budget,
financial reporting and controls, systems, forecasting, accounting, audit and investment, while
connecting financial processes and procedures with Masters’ overarching strategies and mission.

The Masters School I 49 Clinton Avenue I Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 I (914) 479-6400 I www.mastersny.org

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will report to, and work in close partnership with,
the Head of School who is responsible for the overall vision for The Masters School. The individual
will act as a catalyst for positive change, including infrastructure improvements, translating
institutional priorities into action plans, and implementing efficient business procedures and
sound policies that realistically support the complex demands of the school – current and future.

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will manage three direct reports and oversee a
total staff of 80 professionals and support staff, plus additional contracted food service staff. The
School’s annual operating budget is $35 million.

It is critically important that the Associate Head of Finance and Operations gain the trust and
confidence of, and provide support to, the Head of School and the Board of Trustees – including
the Finance, Audit, Investment, Facilities and Technology, and Executive Committees, as
appropriate – as well as the members of the Leadership team, serving as their partner, advisor,
and implementer for internal business and financial matters.

Priorities:
The Associate Head of Finance and Operations shouldgive priority to the following during the first
12 months:

• Manage direct reports in Finance, Human Resources and Operations;
• Thoroughly understand The Masters School – its history and culture, mission and academic

programs, personnel, Board of Trustees, structure and organization, student activities and
services, finances, fundraising efforts, policies and the substantive issues critical to the
organization;

• Provide oversight and implementation of risk management strategies relating to the

financial health of the School, including but not limited to accident prevention, fraud and
cyber threats, contractual risk, internal fraud and financial liquidity;

• Establish a strong working partnership with the Head of School and other members of the

Leadership team; build a trusting and collaborative relationship between business and
finance and other administrative and academic functions on campus, as well as with
parents and students, and staff at all levels;

• Oversee the operational and financial aspects of any new construction and renovation

projects, including the new major construction; be vigilant in controlling project-related
expenses.

Responsibilities:
The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will also be responsible for the following:

Finance

• Work closely with the Director of Finance to develop, maintain and execute proper

financial and accounting policies and procedures, including management of the Business
Office functions: accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable (tuition and fees), cash
management, purchasing, budgeting, financial reporting, investment, payroll, campus store
operations and managing banking relationships;

• Plan for appropriate income and monitor expenses to ensure sound financial management

and control; develop annual cash flow forecast based on operating budget and related
banking/investment strategy;The Masters School I 49 Clinton Avenue I Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 I (914) 479-6400 I www.mastersny.org

• Manage the budgeting process which will conclude in the annual operating budget and

financial plan, proposing actions on tuition and compensation to ensure a balanced
budget;

• Provide in-depth financial reporting and analysis to the Head of School and appropriate

staff; prepare financial reports and related analyses for presentation to the Board of
Trustees and relevant Committees;

• Monitor and report on the school’s investments; provide assistance to the Investment

Committee with respect to implementing policies and investment decisions;

• Maintain effective communications and relations with banks and other financial

institutions;

• Monitor preparation of annual financial statements and Form 990; maintain effective

communications and relations with the outside auditing firm, including the planning,
coordination, implementation and review of the annual outside audit;

• Ensure safety of personnel and students in their use of facilities; manage risk by

maintaining appropriate levels of insurance to protect property and cover liability;

• Review and authorize all school contracts and agreements; consult with attorneys

regarding legal issues involving contractual and regulatory matters to be sure the school is
in compliance with such matters.

Human Resources

• Work closely with the Director of Human Resources on all human resources functions

including hiring, developing and on-boarding new talent, ensuring we have the right
policies and resources in place for a best-in-class HR function, developing the best benefits
programs possible, and managing constraints such as operating budget capacity.

• Provide advice and counsel to the Head of School and Leadership team on all matters

related to personnel, including salary administration, performance monitoring and
organizational structure; working with the Head of School and business office staff,
monitor and administer salary and benefits to ensure they are properly executed;

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and government regulations; ensure that all

necessary employee relations policies are in place and up to date; when necessary, consult
with attorneys regarding legal issues involving employment relationships and employee
benefits;

• Stay current with changing employment practices and compliance issues by any/all of the

following: professional journals, attendance at business officer meetings, attendance at
workshops and seminars, contact with fellow business offices and business officer
networks.

Operations

• Work closely with the Director of Operations to oversee the stewardship of The Masters

School’s 96 acres of grounds and 17 buildings, and strategically plan for capital
expenditures, including work objectives, priorities and responsibilities for custodial, plant
and grounds to ensure the efficient operation of the entire physical plant, including
maintenance, equipment renewal and security; Review and approve all major
expenditures, bid proposals and selection of contractors; ensure compliance with
contractual agreements and budget restrictions

• Oversee all maintenance, capital projects and relationships with consultants, architects,

contractors, lawyers and/or city and state officials; oversee compliance with building codes
and safety regulations, and maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the
property and cover the liability of the school.The Masters School I 49 Clinton Avenue I Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 I (914) 479-6400 I www.mastersny.org

• Work closely with the Director of Operations to ensure compliance with all required

environmental, health and maintenance standards and local, state and federal regulations;

• Establish overall capital expenditure strategy and priorities for building and grounds

maintenance; Responsibilities associated with working in a boarding school environment:
tenant support, etc.

• In concert with the Director of Campus Safety and Security, maximize safety on campus by

undertaking risk assessment and crisis planning; develop and review the School’s safety
plan and protocols.

• Work closely with the Director of Operations to establish overall technology and

communications strategies and priorities for the school consistent with strategic plan;

• Establish work objectives, priorities, and responsibilities relating to information technology

and communications;

• Review and approve all major expenditures, bid proposals and selection of contractors;

ensure compliance with contractual agreements and budget restrictions.

• Ensure that the school is actively working toward environmentally sustainable practices in

all areas of campus life.

Additional Responsibilities

• Establish work objectives, priorities and responsibilities relating to use of school facilities;
• Establish rental policies, rates and procedures for use of facilities; oversee summer use of

school facilities;

• Negotiate and coordinate contracts and services for all outside vendors, including food

service and campus store;

• Maintain collaborative relationship with the Village of Dobbs Ferry, working with village

administration on project approvals, neighbor complaints and ongoing use of the campus
by Dobbs Ferry residents;

• Work with the Leadership team and others to support a positive workplace culture,

proactively seeking to maintain a diverse, inclusive and consistent environment for all.
Help to provide information, empathy and support when employees have questions or
concerns about workplace policies or experiences;

• Ensure that personnel policies conform to state and federal laws and, through regular staff

meetings, professional development, and annual evaluation, support and monitor the
administrative staff;

• Work with the Food Service contract manager to ensure the most successful outcomes for

our community, effective financial and operational management, and code compliance of
contracted dining services;

• Manage and lead other projects as assigned by the Head of School;
• Serve on the Head of School’s Leadership Team.

Personal Characteristics:
The ideal candidate will be:

• A dedicated leader/manager, collaborative and team oriented, who is self-motivated, can

take charge, build consensus and effect change; must model and inspire trust, enthusiasm,
integrity and ethics;

• A confident and competent team builder with strong skills in management and leadership;

one who understands the subtleties of motivating and directing a staff with different work
styles, and who values and models collaboration;The Masters School I 49 Clinton Avenue I Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 I (914) 479-6400 I www.mastersny.org

• Decisive, resourceful and responsive, with the organizational sensitivity to gain the support

and confidence of all facets of the campus community at all levels;

• A hard worker with a high energy level; results oriented, adept at planning, prioritizing,

organizing and following through;

• Emotionally mature with a sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with

diverse personalities and situations.

Experience and Skill Set:
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional with excellent management and team-building
skills, who will have the following experience and qualifications:

• Proven senior-level, problem-solving and planning capability, as well as significant financial,

administrative or day-to-day operating responsibility in a well-regarded public, private or
nonprofit sector organization of similar scope known for its strong financial discipline,
complex systems and operations;

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and communicate clearly, with the ability to

work effectively within the culture of The Masters School;

• Demonstrated competence in core areas of responsibility, e.g., finance, benefits and

physical plant management; Experience with management of construction projects;

• Experience (preferably direct or supervisory) in human resources, building and operations,

information technology;

• Experience in an independent secondary school, college or university setting is strongly

preferred. Individuals with strong financial and leadership skills in a related field are
encouraged to explore this high visibility, high impact opportunity.

• 10 - 15 years of work experience in a financial and business leadership position.
• Bachelor of Arts degree required, M.B.A. and/or a master’s degree in a related field

strongly preferred.

The Masters School’s Benefits:
The Masters School offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries and a
generous benefits package including a retirement plan, paid vacations, and medical insurance.

How to Apply:
Please submit a letter of interest, explaining why you would succeed in this position, résumé,
three references and salary requirements via email to karin.oconnor@mastersny.org (Adobe®
PDF format preferred) and include “Associate Head of Finance and Operations” in the subject
line.

This position announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by employees assigned to this job title and the education and skills required. This is
not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that are required or
may be required in the future.

Background Screening:
The Masters School conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a
contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks.
Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The Masters School I 49 Clinton Avenue I Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 I (914) 479-6400 I www.mastersny.org

* * * * *

The Masters School is an equal opportunity employer. It has been and will continue to be the
policy of Masters to be fair and impartial in all of its relations with its employees. Our
employment decisions are made solely on an individual’s ability to perform the job. In
accordance with federal, New York State, and Westchester County law, Masters does not
discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived differences, including those based on race, color,
religion, ethnicity, creed, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, familial status,
gender and gender identity, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation and
disability, sexual and reproductive health decisions, or toward victims or those perceived to be
victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking, as well as any other status protected
under federal, state, or local laws. For the purpose of addressing sexual and reproductive health
decisions, the Masters School will not access an employee’s personal information regarding his
or her reproductive health decisions without written consent and in accordance with applicable
law. Retaliation based on any of the above protected characteristics is absolutely prohibited.

In addition, all employees are required to abide by and support our students in following all of
the health and safety protocols we have in place during the pandemic including a vaccination
mandate, mask wearing etc.

The Masters School I 49 Clinton Avenue I Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 I (914) 479-6400 I www.mastersny.org

Location: 49 Clinton Avenue,Dobbs Ferry,NY 10522, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

Job Type: Full-time