Director of Finance

Role: Director of Finance 

Reporting To: Superintendent

Position Type: Full-Time 

About ECS 

The mission of the Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) is to reimagine public education in low-income communities of color to prepare conscious, critical thinkers who are equipped to graduate from college and create a more equitable and sustainable world. Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) is a non-profit charter management organization with four free public schools in Los Angeles’ South Bay. 

Since its inception in 2001, ECS has provided a unique learning experience that utilizes project-based, interdisciplinary curricula to inspire our students to find authentic meaning in their studies. ECS proudly serves over 1,700 students at two middle schools (Gardena and Inglewood) and at two high schools (Lawndale and Gardena) and has been recognized for its ability to close achievement gaps for low-income Black/African American and Latino students.  ECHS Lawndale ranks in the top 2% of public high schools in U.S. News & World Report, 100% of students graduate high school with the coursework necessary for admission to a four-year college or university, and 97% of students are admitted into a four-year college. Most of our students will be the first in their family to graduate from college. 

Position Summary

Environmental Charter Schools is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Director of Finance to join our team in Redondo Beach, CA. This senior leadership role drives our mission by ensuring long-term financial sustainability, equitable resource allocation, and operational efficiency. Reporting to the Superintendent, the Director of Finance serves as a strategic thought partner, developing and executing financial strategies, overseeing financial systems, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence to support our charter school network of approximately 280 employees and with a roughly $35M annual budget.

Vision & Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year financial strategy in collaboration with the Superintendent, based on ECS’ strategic plan and annual priorities aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent and Board/committees to allocate resources and assess growth opportunities.
• Define KPIs and dashboards to track financial health.
• Ensure effective cash management from both investing and borrowing perspectives.
• Balance forecasting, budget alignment, and site coordination.

Driving Financial Performance 

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and reporting for compliance with GAAP regulatory standards as well as accuracy. 
• Exhibit integrity and precision in managing financial systems.
• Monitor and evaluate monthly revenue and expenditure activities throughout the year and interpret results to assist the leadership team in responsible decision-making.
• Oversee all accounting and financial functions, including purchasing and payroll, ensuring successful and responsible strategic development and management of ECS / MCP finances.
• Implement internal controls and data-driven systems to optimize resources, and ensure adherence to these systems, policies, and controls. Use these systems to achieve goals with data-driven solutions.
• Lead budget meetings with school and Home Office leaders.
• Hands-on budgeting and reporting, including multi-site operations and programs.

Building & Leading Finance Team 

• Recruit, develop, and mentor the Accounting and Payroll team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Conduct evaluations and support cross-functional projects.
• Partner with back office services provider (EdTec) for efficient accounting operations.
• Lead a lean team with broad duties, cultivating a team environment supporting innovation.

Risk Management & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and authorizer regulations. 
• Provide financial oversight of audits and IRS Form 990 filings.
• Collaborate with the Director of Compliance & Operations to develop risk management strategies, including insurance and banking covenants.
• Oversee compliance with grant reporting requirements.

Real Estate & Facilities Financing 

• Manage financing for facilities, leases, and capital projects. This includes overseeing operations/financials and ensuring lender covenants are met each year for Menlo Charter Properties (ECS’ supporting 501c3).
• Secure facilities financing as needed.

• Assist in presenting financial reports (developed by back office services provider) and present other updates to the Board, staff, and stakeholders (e.g. Spring Budget Town Hall).
• Communicate strategies clearly, leading process improvements.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in funder, authorizer, and board meetings.
• Engage regional and/or national financing partners as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Accounting/Finance) or CPA/CMA certification preferred.
• 5–7 years of professional experience, with 3 years in financial leadership.
• Proven success managing budgets ($500k ) and improving processes.
• Hands-on experience with compliance, grant management, and facilities financing.
  

• Expertise in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, compliance, and risk management.
• Strong track record in achieving financial sustainability and efficiency.
• Exceptional communication skills to present complex data to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administrators. 
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., Intacct, NetSuite, Workday, QuickBooks) and Excel / Google spreadsheets.
• Commitment to the success of all students and the ECS mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in charter school or nonprofit financial management preferred.
• Familiarity with facilities financing or public grants preferred.
• Willingness to travel (10%).

The Perks 

• Competitive compensation package, inclusive of a generous benefits package. 
• 100% of HMO level healthcare premium costs covered by employer, and contributions towards dependent healthcare. 
• Employer-paid ECS life insurance. 
• Voluntary Benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.). 
• Generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave and vacation. 
• Support with application to loan forgiveness programs, and access to 403b Retirement Plans.
• Social and environmental justice focus. 
  

ECS is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. ECS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure access and equity for all qualified individuals.

This job primarily operates on a school site and in classrooms, and utilizes typical office equipment (computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.). Physical demands include: positioning to lift (should be able to lift up to 30 pounds to waist high), carry, push, and/or pull, kneel, stoop, crouch and bend. Generally, the job is 60% Stationary and 40% moving/traversing. Travel required for visits to other local school sites or the Home Office (as needed).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. ECS does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, race, color, ancestry, or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in California Penal Code section 422.55 in its programs and activities.basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. ECS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability. If you have any questions, please contact: Human Resource administrator at (310) 214-34080 x1603.