Director Of Finance And Operations

About Cesar Chavez Schools for Public Policy, PCS

Cesar Chavez Schools for Public Policy’s mission is to prepare students to succeed in competitive colleges and to empower them to use public policy to create a more just, free, and equal world. Located in the Parkside community in Ward 7, Chavez serves 400 middle and high school students for the 2023-2024 school year. Chavez offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, a unique public policy program, and a safe and supportive learning environment with comprehensive support services.

Visit https://www.chavezschools.org/ to learn more about Cesar Chavez Schools for Public Policy.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is a key member of the Chavez leadership team. The DFO, provides the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure the proper financial controls, and administrative and people systems to ensure operating efficiency. The DFO develops and directly manages the Operations Manager and the Business Manager and oversees contractors in the provision of accounting and grants management services. Reporting to the Executive Director, the DFO will build an efficient financial and operational organization to ensure the success of Chavez School’s mission.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

School Leadership and Team Management:

• Serve on the School Leadership Team and as a thought partner for the Executive Director and School Leaders to help ensure that all aspects of the Chavez school community receive the operational and budgetary support and resources needed to support our mission and achieve our goals.
• Set and drive a strong vision and clear expectations for Chavez in Finance and Operations that align to the school’s strategic planning process, mission, and vision. Lead the school’s implementation of Finance and Operations areas.
• Remain up to date and ensure school-wide compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal policies, laws, and regulations.
• In coordination with the Executive Director, manage the relationship with the DC Public Charter School Board and other regulatory agencies such as the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, including the compliance and performance monitoring and reporting.
• Manage legal issues connected to insurance and contractors in consultation with Chavez’s legal services provider.
• Serve as an essential member of the annual strategic planning process to help define the strategic long-term direction of the school.
• Create, obtain or improve systems and operational practices necessary to enable Chavez to provide the highest quality education for our community.
• Ensure all pre-existing and new Finance and Operations systems are codified and organized so that they are clear and accessible.
• Manage the Operations Manager, Business Manager, and accounting contractors. Work collaboratively with team members to define goals for each of these areas; provide coaching and development and evaluate each team member’s performance and achievement of goals in support of Chavez’s mission.
• Represent Chavez’s interest and advocate on behalf of Chavez with the DME, OSSE, and DC PCSB in policy and regulation related to finance, business, and Operations.

Budget Development and Financial Management:

• Lead annual and multi-year strategic budget development in collaboration with the Executive Director, School Leaders, the Finance Team, and the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee the school’s annual budget; track and review forecast, meeting periodically with department budget owners to review budget trends and forecasts; refine spending and revenue in real-time, and ensure the school is on-track annually to meet budget expectations.
• Oversee the school’s financial and business operations and procedures in accordance with the Chavez’ Financial Policy Manual along with federal and local policies. Ensure successful completion of annual audits, IRS filings, and other mandated financial reports.
• Lead compliance efforts with the authorizer and state (OSSE, DME).
• Update periodically and maintain effective internal controls, policies and procedures that comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws as well as rules for financial and tax reporting.
• Lead the school’s fundraising and grants management efforts including managing, writing and reporting of all grants. Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and the school’s Board of Trustees to lead development efforts.
• Serve as the liaison and support to the Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee (and full Board when requested).

Operations Management:

• Oversee the operations team to ensure it has the appropriate resources and plans in place to support:
  • Impeccable building operations, maintenance, and appearance
  • A school environment that promotes and protects safety, health, and wellness of our entire school community
  • Efficient and creative space planning and utilization
  • Accessible and needed materials and supplies for scholars and staff
  • Effective technology support and hardware & software management for staff and students
  • High quality food provisions for our scholars
  • Outstanding service to our school community
• Manage all external vendor relations related to school operations.

Compliance and Legal:

• Remain up to date and ensure school-wide compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal policies, laws, and regulations.
• In coordination with the Executive Director, manage the relationship with the DC Public Charter School Board and other regulatory agencies such as the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, including the compliance and performance monitoring and reporting.
• Manage legal issues connected to insurance and contractors in consultation with Chavez’s legal services provider.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision and values of Chavez; comfort and willingness to actively participate in the school community.
• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 7 years of experience required.
• CPA or other relevant certification is a plus.
• Significant experience with nonprofit and/or school Finance and Operations.
• Established background in facilities, risk management, and compliance is a major plus.
• Experience with strategic planning; able to implement plans into work streams and tactics.
• Problem-solver with the ability to turn data into insights and anticipate challenges and opportunities; relentless results-orientation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting procedures and experience leading the budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management processes for an organization or large group.
• Excellent track record of leading, managing, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to set up systems and processes to streamline operational functions.
• Excellent business writing, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm in the midst of many changing circumstances; demonstrated flexibility and collaborative work style.

AAP/EEO Statement: Chavez provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Chavez complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Chavez expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Chavez employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.