What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Manager position at South Shore Vocational Technical High School?
The South Shore Regional School District seeks a seasoned Business Manager to oversee the District's Business Office, acting as a key member of the District's leadership team, responsible for the effective and compliant management of financial, procurement, grants, and operational functions in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations, and School Committee policies. This role ensures that fiscal and operational resources are aligned with the district’s mission to deliver high-quality vocational and academic education.
The Business Manager reports to the Superintendent-Director and works collaboratively with the District's Treasurer and other administrators in managing all of the financial aspects of the District's operations.
This is a full time, full year non-union salaried position with a projected start date in December 2025 or January 2026 as arranged.
South Shore Regional offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave time and a collegial working environment.
Compensation is negotiable in the range given below, based on licensure, education and experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Financial Management & Budgeting
Develop, present, and manage the annual district budget in collaboration with the Superintendent-Director and School Committee.
Monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal integrity and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and grant conditions.
Prepare periodic financial reports for the Superintendent, School Committee, and DESE, including End-of-Year Financial Reports (EOYR) and other required filings.
2. Procurement & Contract Administration
Oversee all purchasing activities in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 30B, Ch. 149, Ch. 30 §39M, and other relevant statutes.
Develop and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and quotations to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and best value for the district.
Negotiate, execute, and manage contracts for goods, services, and capital projects, ensuring proper documentation, vendor performance, and fiscal accountability.
3. Grants Management
Administer all state, federal, and private grant programs and competitive grants.
Prepare budgets, track expenditures, and submit required programmatic and financial reports to DESE and other grantors.
Ensure timely drawdown of funds and adherence to grant guidelines, allowable costs, and recordkeeping requirements.
4. DESE Compliance & Reporting
Maintain compliance with DESE regulations, reporting requirements, and financial standards.
Submit required financial data through the Student Information Management System (SIMS), School and District Profiles, and other DESE portals as needed.
Support audits and program reviews, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
5. School Operations & Facilities Support
Support the Superintendent-Director in overseeing non-instructional operations, including transportation, food services, and facilities maintenance, in collaboration with department supervisors.
Assist with capital planning, including MSBA processes and long-term facilities management.
Implement cost-effective operational practices while maintaining safety and efficiency.
6. Leadership & Collaboration
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent-Director on fiscal and operational matters.
Supervise and evaluate business office staff, ensuring professional growth and cross-training.
Collaborate with vocational, academic, and support staff to align resources with instructional priorities.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, or related field.
Minimum of five years’ progressively responsible experience in public sector financial management, preferably in a Massachusetts public school district.
Strong knowledge of Massachusetts school finance laws, DESE regulations, and municipal procurement requirements.
Demonstrated expertise in budget development, grants management, and financial reporting.
Proficiency with Tyler or comparable municipal/school financial software.
Preferred:
Certified Massachusetts Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) designation.
Massachusetts DESE School Business Administrator license or eligibility.
Master’s degree in business, public administration, or related field.
Experience in a vocational-technical school district environment.
Core Competencies
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret and apply complex laws and regulations.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship of public resources.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
Working Conditions
Full-time, 12-month position.
Primarily office-based, with occasional attendance at evening meetings and school events.
Travel to training sessions, procurement meetings, and DESE-related events as needed.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands: Minimal to light physical effort is generally required in performing duties in an office environment. This position may require the ability to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment at efficient speed and for lengthy periods of time.
Funding Source: Budget
Salary : $130,000 - $140,000