Director of Business & Operations

Job Summary

The Director of Business & Operations is a key member of the school’s leadership team, serving as a strategic partner to the Head of School and Board of Trustees. This role blends strategic business acumen with hands-on operational management, overseeing finance, human resources, facilities, technology, and vendor relationships.

The Director of Business & Operations ensures the school’s financial health, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability through clear processes, transparent communication, and thoughtful stewardship of resources. The Director also collaborates closely with the school’s external CPA firm, auditors, and/or contracted CFO to ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance in all financial and business.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise and mentor assigned direct reports by providing regular feedback, coaching,

and fostering accountability to ensure team performance aligns with organizational goals

and standards.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategic Business & Financial Leadership

• Develop, manage, and execute forward-looking financial strategies that align with the School’s mission, growth goals, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead business planning, forecasting, and financial modeling to guide strategic decisions and evaluate new initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and Finance Committee to set tuition levels, manage tuition assistance budgets, and analyze the financial impact of programmatic or capital projects.
• Provide high-level financial and operational counsel to the Head of School and Board, ensuring sound fiscal decision-making.

Budgeting, Financial Oversight & Analytics

• Direct the annual operating and capital budget process, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and operational realities.
• Oversee financial performance monitoring: develop dashboards, meet regularly with department heads to review variances, and identify corrective actions proactively.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards, maintaining strong internal controls and timely reporting.
• Partner with the school’s external CPA firm, auditors, and/or contracted CFO to manage audits, prepare tax filings (990, 5500, etc.), and ensure accuracy, accountability, and transparency in all financial matters.
• Supervise the Bookkeeper and financial support staff to ensure reconciliations, documentation, and reporting are accurate and timely.
• Maintain positive banking and investment relationships and manage cash flow effectively.

Operations, Vendor & Facilities Management

• Provide leadership for non-academic operations including facilities, maintenance, technology infrastructure, safety/security, and third-party vendor relationships.
• Manage vendor and service contracts, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with school goals.
• Develop and manage a rolling 24-month facility maintenance and capital improvement plan.
• Partner with the Head of School to oversee risk management, insurance policies, emergency preparedness, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Lead continuous improvement of operational systems, ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Systems, Processes & Policies

• Evaluate, implement, and maintain business systems (financial software, facility management, data dashboards) to improve transparency and accuracy.
• Develop, document, and enforce policies for tuition management, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable/receivable, and expense tracking.
• Ensure consistency and accountability through internal controls, approval structures, and documented procedures.
• Identify and implement operational efficiencies and technology-driven improvements to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Community & Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop non-academic staff, including finance, human resources, maintenance, and IT, fostering accountability and collaboration.
• Model ethical, transparent, and mission-driven business practices that build trust among staff, families, trustees, and partners.
• Serve as an active, visible member of the leadership team and school community.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Advancement, and Academic Leadership to align financial and operational planning with enrollment, fundraising, and programmatic priorities.
• Participate in board and committee meetings (Finance, Audit, Buildings & Grounds) and contribute to school-wide initiatives.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, CPA, or MAcc) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in business administration, finance, or operations leadership—ideally within an independent school or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Experience overseeing human resources, operations, and vendor/contract management.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial standards, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to implement systems and process improvements that enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with a balance of strategic vision and hands-on execution.

Other Duties:

• Participate in administrative meetings, professional development workshops, and industry conferences to stay informed on best practices. Some evening and weekend work is required for enrollment events, school functions, and community outreach.
• The employee may perform other duties as assigned to the employee by the Head of School.
• Work toward resolving challenges within the school community, ensuring a supportive and high-morale environment.
• All employees are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality in all aspects of their work.
• The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be designated at any time with or without notice.