Chief Finance and Operations Officer - San Francisco, United States - Alta Vista School

Description

Overview

Founded in 2010 in San Francisco as an inquiry-based STEAM program, Alta Vista School enrolls over 300 students in two locations. The Portola location houses Junior Kindergarten-Grade 5, while the Mission campus welcomes students in Grades 6-8. The Alta Vista community honors its steadfast commitment to preparing students to thrive as creative thinkers, innovators, and catalysts for positive change in the world.

Since its founding, Alta Vista has built an enviable reputation in the Bay Area education world. The school is currently partnering with the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) to pursue membership. In 2019, the Alta Vista community welcomed Dr. Sean Hamer as Head of School who is capably and thoughtfully leading the school through its growth and evolution. The school possesses a warm and deeply engaged parent and professional community.

At this time, Alta Vista seeks a qualified, energetic, and mission-aligned professional to serve as the school's inaugural Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO), responsible for all aspects of planning, organizing, and directing Alta Vista's financial operations. The CFOO will work closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees on all financial matters and is an integral member of the School's Senior Leadership Team.

Mission

To prepare students to thrive as creative thinkers, innovators, and catalysts for positive change in the world.

Vision

Alta Vista School aims to help children grow dynamically, by providing them with a vigorous, interactive educational experience that engages their imagination and nourishes their curiosity while teaching them how to think effectively and solve problems. With an emphasis on science, math, engineering, the arts, and social-emotional learning, Alta Vista School encourages students to go beyond a strong academic foundation to pursue their passions as well as engage their community and environment.

At a Glance

Established: 2010

Enrollment: 305

Students of color: 51%

Zip codes represented: 30

Total faculty: 74

Faculty of color: 35%

Faculty with advanced degrees: 37

Student/teacher ratio: 7:1 (Junior Kindergarten); 9:1 (K–5th)

Average homeroom size: 14

Financial aid budget: $1.4M

Students receiving aid: 60 (19%)

Annual operating budget $12.5 M

STEAM-based curriculum: 100%

Device/student ratio: 1:1 beginning in 2nd grade

Campus size: 37,000 sq ft (23,000 sq ft at the Lower School and 14,000 sq ft at the Middle School)

Opportunities and Challenges

Building on the solid foundation created by the founding administrators and Trustees, the Chief Finance and Operations Officer at Alta Vista will be charged with overseeing all aspects of the school's financial operations. The CFOO reports directly to the Head of School Dr. Sean Hamer, while also partnering closely with the school's senior administrative team and Board of Trustees. The CFOO is responsible for overseeing the annual budgeting process, revenue collection, and expense management. In partnership with Trustees, the CFOO will conduct financial modeling to ensure the school's financial future and identify opportunities to advance Alta Vista's mission via sound and strategic financial planning.

Alta Vista has developed two unique campuses that are several miles apart. As one of the properties is owned and the other is leased, the school has affirmed the goal to find a future permanent, unified home. The school has a strong financial position and is engaged in a capital campaign to expand the range of potential opportunities. While early in the campaign Alta Vista has quickly gathered significant pledges to support this transformational initiative. Down the road, bolstering the school's financial status through the creation of an endowment will be a priority.

The school has people – both full-time and contractors – resourced to support accounting, facilities, technology, HR, and legal. The CFOO will have the opportunity to assess staffing needs to ensure that Alta Vista has the personnel required to meet its operational goals.

As the school continues to enhance its administrative functions, The CFOO will be charged with creating new and building upon current systems that support the school's daily operations. The CFOO will also work closely with administrators to ensure that the budgeting process aligns with programmatic goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

The CFOO will be responsible for embracing Alta Vista School's mission, supporting its Head of School and leadership team, and representing the school at professional and public forums. The primary responsibilities for the new CFOO include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide strategic leadership, analysis, and management of finances and operations
• Establish financial and capital strategies that are consistent with the strategic priorities
• Serve on the Head of School's Administrative Team and lead, co-lead, or participate in several other teams and committees
• Oversee all business office functions including HR, Facilities, and Finance
• Spearhead all financial reporting to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and various committees.
• Clearly and effectively communicate financial objectives and outcomes.
• Conduct financial analyses to better inform decision-making (e.g., ROI, KPI, etc.)
• Partner with the Business Manager on general financial operations
• Serve as chief staff liaison to Board committees
• Build and/or maintain the school's short- and long-term strategic financial models
• Implement processes and controls
• Oversee School operations including personnel, maintenance, and vendors
• Maintain strong relationships with banks and lenders to ensure that funding is secured for the needs of the school and compliance with loan terms
• Administer and manage all employee benefit programs including health insurance, retirement, worker's compensation, life insurance, and other related plans
• Manage insurance programs including property, casualty, medical, workers' compensation
• Ensure compliance with all local and state reporting requirements
• Collaborate effectively with Advancement, Admissions, and other administrative departments
• Participate in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) professional development
• Coordinate closely with the Facilities Director on oversight of the physical plant, grounds, and construction functions
• Engage fully in the life of the school Qualifications and Personal Attributes
  • Strong financial acumen with experience in annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and planning
  • A compassionate leader with high emotional intelligence
  • A creative and strategic thinker who identifies, pursues, and implements growth opportunities on behalf of the institution
  • Desire to build a team and professionalize the finance function
  • Comfort with databases. Veracross experience is ideal but not required
  • A commitment to building community and living Alta Vista's mission
  • Capacity and willingness to collaborate thoughtfully and the ability to build trust with colleagues, creating open dialogues and team-building morale
  • Sophisticated communication skills, both oral and written, and the capacity to tailor messaging based on the needs and interests of the audience
  • The ability to disseminate financial and budgeting information with transparency and clarity
  • A demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion is vital
  • Appreciation for fast-paced, high-energy academic environments