Summary Description:

Reporting to the Head of School and working closely with the leadership team and the Board of Trustees, the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is responsible for all aspects of fiscal management and operations at the school. The DFO has responsibility for the Business Office, Human Resources, Office Management, Health & Safety, Buildings & Grounds, and Transportation. The DFO will work closely with the Head of School in support of the School’s mission and strategic plan. The DFO is responsible for the organization, management, and implementation of comprehensive business, financial, and investment initiatives for the School.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

General:

• Partner with the Head of School, senior leadership team and Board of Trustees in managing and developing efficient and effective methods to steward the School’s annual operating budget to meet short term needs and long terms strategic goals and objectives.
• Develop and participate in strategic planning discussions to achieve long-term sustainability.
• Provide the leadership and management necessary to ensure that the School has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and staff, including systems in place to ensure financial strength and operational efficiency.
• Ensure technology is integrated into the Business Office and the School’s operations in a way that optimizes effectiveness, collaborating with other administrators to bring consistency to, and to maximize the efficacy of technological tools across the School.
• Oversee design, budgeting, and completion of all capital construction and renovation. Serve as the point person for construction projects.
• Attend all Board and select Board Committee meetings.
• Direct the risk management process for the School ensuring effective liability insurance for building assets, equipment, employees, students, and Trustees. Serves as the School’s senior compliance officer.

Business office:

• Work closely with Trustees and monitor the School’s investment portfolio.

• Work closely with the Head of School to develop and implement annual and long-range budgets and financial plans.

• Attend Board meetings, Finance Committee meetings, and other assigned committee meetings. 
• Oversee Accounting team to ensure accurate financial records, including comprehensive monthly financial statements. Will include preparing reconciliations, GL entries, and overall GL responsibilities.  Ensure that the School’s leadership is kept updated regarding the School’s financial position, including identification of emerging issues. 
• Seek appropriate approval for all financial obligations; execute leases, loans, real estate transactions, contracts and other actions requiring a commitment or receipt of financial resources in compliance with relevant policies. 
• Oversee inventory of the School’s assets and monitor maintenance and depreciation of all School property. 
• Approve all purchases and expenditures.
• Coordinate annual audit including maintaining relationship with the School’s independent auditors, supervise and preparation of work papers for annual audit, and respond to auditor’s management letter recommendations. 
• Assist the audit team in preparation of the annual tax return, form 990, form 990T, and other returns. 
• Proactively explore efficiencies to improve the School’s financial position. 
• Act as liaison with the School’s legal counsel in coordination with the Head of School.                                                                                                    

Human Resources 

• Manage all human resource issues, employee contracts, employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement programs, and payroll. 
• Make recommendations and assist the Head of School with decisions regarding salaries and benefits, including the evaluation of support staff including annual taking employee benefits out to bid. 
• Maintenance of appropriate personnel policies. 
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Facilities & Transportation 

• Oversee all facilities management, including consultants, staff, building repairs, construction projects, moves, janitorial and custodial function, and relations with renting organizations and neighbors. 
• Oversee the purchase and maintenance of office furniture, equipment, supplies and systems to support the administrative and educational needs of the School, including telephone, mail, copy and fax equipment, computer hardware and software systems. 
• Manage risk at the School to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of the facilities. 
• In collaboration with the Head of School-coordinate lawyers, architects, engineers, contractors, and town council for master planning and major new construction or remodeling projects. 
• Assess the School’s transportation needs. Supervise the management of the School busses, bus drivers, and bus routes.

About Green Acres School:

Green Acres School is an independent, progressive school for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade on a beautiful 15-acre campus in North Bethesda, Maryland, near Washington, DC. With woods, a stream, athletic fields, playgrounds, and a natural amphitheater, the out-of-doors is an important part of the learning environment. The arts, physical education, and technology are effectively integrated with academic studies in a highly experiential program. In a learning environment that is joyful and supportive as well as challenging, Green Acres School provides authentic learning and leadership experiences. The Washington, DC area also provides many opportunities for rich, off-campus learning. To learn more about Green Acres School, please visit www.greenacres.org.