Director of Finance & Operations

The San Francisco Waldorf School (SFWS) was founded in 1979 and serves more than 350 students across a parent-child program, a preschool program, kindergarten, and the first through twelfth grades. Waldorf Education is the fastest-growing independent school movement in the world. This dynamic approach to child development and education, based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, is continually examining itself and adjusting to meet the needs of current students. Waldorf education inspires life-long learning in students and enables them to fully develop their unique capacities. Our grade school campus (Preschool through eighth grade) is in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. The high school campus is located across town in the West Portal neighborhood. Both campuses are easily accessible by public transportation.

SFWS asks all employees to proactively commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to create an environment where all members of the community can flourish. Diversity is celebrated, and employees of color are welcomed, valued, and supported. We are dedicated to personal improvement, and service to the SFWS mission, bringing energy and excitement to serve all students, faculty, and families of the school.

San Francisco Waldorf School hires dedicated and highly capable faculty and staff; some are current or former parents of students in the school, and all develop a deep connection to Waldorf education and our unique school in San Francisco. SFWS employees are a committed group of free, responsible adults who bring our best individual selves to our work.

A $13M annual budget, a $6M endowment, and $7.5M cash reserve, our PreK-12 school is located on three campuses in San Francisco. SFWS represents the best of Waldorf education, a dynamic approach to child development and education—based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner—that is continually reinventing itself to meet the needs of current students and families. A San Francisco Waldorf School education inspires joy, connection, and a love of learning in students and enables each child to fully develop their unique capacities.

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is a key member of the School’s administrative leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position oversees all financial aspects of the school, and sits on the Governance Team. The DFO manages the Business Office staff and oversees Wealth Management, Human Resources, 403b and benefits teams, IT, Facilities, and other staff. They lead the Finance Committee and Investment Committee of the Board and are responsible for reporting on all matters which fall under the jurisdiction of the Finance Committee to the Board of Trustees.

Essential Functions, Duties And Responsibilities

Budget and Finance:

• Provide strategic guidance to the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees regarding financial sustainability and financial strategies
• Steward all financial resources, treasury management, maintain and develop banking relationships
• Develop financial models for strategic and business planning and analysis. Direct and analyze studies of general economic, business, and financial conditions and their impact on the School’s policies and operations. Prepare long-range forecasts.
• Develop and monitor all aspects of the school’s $13 M budget, communicate and drive the collaborative budgeting process with all school groups
• Prepare and oversee capital project budgets and financing
• Report regularly to the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees in a concise and transparent manner, report to Bond Holders as required
• Ensure accuracy of business office procedures and compliance with internal policies and controls. Supervise and oversee accounting, tuition contracts, vendor agreements, insurance policies, and all fund disbursements
• Develop, with other members of the Equitable Tuition Committee (ETP), policies and procedures governing the determination of ETP awards. Supply financial models supporting the grant decisions
• Oversee the annual audit, 403b audit, tax return filings, and required other government filings
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and tax regulations

Payroll, Benefits, And Human Resources

• Supervise the HR function and ensure the accurate and timely administration of payroll and benefits
• Analyze and oversee the school compensation, benefits and retirement plans
• Supervise and monitor the school’s personnel policies/practices and governmental compliance requirements
• Review all employment agreements prior to distribution

Facilities And School Operations

• Supervise the Facilities Manager? Oversee and monitor internal policies, practices and systems to facilitate the safe and efficient operation of the school facilities
• With assistance from the Facilities Manager and the campus Administrative Coordinators, ensure safe, secure and attractive buildings, equipment and grounds
• Participate actively with architects, construction firms, and consultants on major construction and renovation projects
• Oversee and monitor the Information Systems infrastructure and outside provider performance
• Develop a facilities master plan, in cooperation with appropriate committees

General

• Manage and support staff reporting to DFO positions. Arrange bi-annual learning and development meetings
• Maintain and improve processes to match NAIS best practices as well as being aware of guidelines from AWSNA, WASC and other professional organizations.
• Attend professional meetings and workshops to keep informed of independent school issues and trends

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a CFO or senior level experience in financial planning, analysis and general accounting. Sound business judgement and overall financial acumen, strong problem-solving skills
• High interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with different constituents
• Ability to think strategically and creatively while also tending to practical matters of the day
• Comfortable managing external relationships with auditors, lenders, contractors, suppliers and other professionals

Benefits And Compensation

This is a 1.0 FTE, full-time, exempt staff position with full benefits including medical, dental, flexible spending plans, retirement plan (employer contributions after one year of employment), and tuition remission for eligible dependents in our Preschool – Grade 12 program (after one year, for up to two eligible dependents, staff fees apply). Six weeks of paid vacation during the calendar year (administrative rate). The full annual salary range is $120K – $150K, depending on training and experience. Salaries are paid on a 12-month schedule.

• FLSA Classification: Staff; Exempt from overtime
• Reports to: Executive Director

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including heat and cold.

San Francisco Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or any protected class. We recognize that the range of ethnicities, nationalities, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, learning differences, and life experiences within our community enhance the school’s learning environment, and we are committed to fostering equity and inclusion.

To apply, please submit a resume, letter of interest, and contact information for three professional references familiar with your relevant work experience, as well as a list of all previous school or educational institution employers, including city and state, in accordance with CA SB 848 to [email protected].