Director of Business Operations and Finance

The New School offers high school students a unique opportunity to discover their passions through a blend of rigorous academics and community-engaged learning. Located in the heart of Atlanta, we treat the city as an essential classroom where learning is fueled by students’ curiosity. We are a community of about 90 students in grades 9-12 with 15 faculty members. Now in our 8th year, we seek a Director of Business Operations and Finance to fill a newly created critical leadership position. The DBO will join a collaborative and growth-minded team and report directly to the Head of School. The DBO is responsible for managing the financial operations of the school in addition to the human resources, facilities and grounds, information technology, and risk management functions. This is an exciting opportunity for a school or non-profit leader eager to grow in a challenging and supportive environment. 

Challenges and Opportunities

The Director of Finance and Operations will oversee an operating budget of approximately $1.2 million. The New School has grown each of the last seven years and is now contemplating an expansion phase. We face the ongoing challenge of providing an excellent high school education at a tuition that is much more affordable than other private high schools in the city. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work with conflicting demands in a busy and unpredictable school environment. 

We are committed to creating a learning community that looks like the city of Atlanta. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

The New School offers a solid compensation package, including a competitive salary structure, medical, dental and vision insurance in addition to a retirement savings plan and annual professional development.

 Responsibilities

Finance:

• Conduct the day-to-day operation of the business office including payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash management, financial accounting, contract management, and most purchasing functions in coordination with external bookkeepers or accountants 
• Manage, develop, and direct the annual operating budget. Plan and prepare forecasts of the financial condition of the school
• Report to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees on the results of the present operations of the school, pro forma projections for future operations, and annual audits of the financial statements of the school
• Direct financial aid process and oversee financial aid decisions
• Maintain compliance with governmental regulations and changing regulatory environment by staying current on law and regulations that may affect compliance.  File all required regulatory reports, including State charity registrations and annual reporting.
• Establish policies, procedures, standards, and strategies for areas of responsibility and provide appropriate internal controls and strengths to safeguard the school’s assets
• In partnership with the Head of the School and other staff and trustees, evaluate, pursue, and manage additional (non-tuition) revenue-generating opportunities using the school’s resources

Operations

• Oversee the risk management function and purchases of property, casualty, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance
• Select or approve and directly oversee relationships with business service providers (e.g., banks, auditors, attorneys, insurers, contractors, consultants). Secure the highest quality products and services for the school’s business functions, including measurements of cost-effectiveness
• Manage human resources, including employee relations, benefits and compensation, and safety for employees
• Coordinate hiring and onboarding process of all employees in partnership with the Head of School
• Oversee IT systems
• Oversee facility maintenance
• Create and implement campus safety and risk management protocols
• Partner with the Head of School and other senior administrators on operational and strategic issues as they arise