Director of Finance and Operations

Rio Grande School is an interdisciplinary school that serves students from three years old to grade six, with class sizes ranging from 16-21 students, a 6:1 student-educator ratio, and a total school population of 170. Located at the base of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains on five acres of high desert, surrounded by arroyos and hiking trails, Rio Grande School is perfectly situated for students to engage with both the natural wonders of the outdoors and the academic challenges of the classroom. By nurturing this culture of thinking, our students are taught to think critically and be both leaders and learners. The Director of Finance and Operations is a year-round full-time position. Occasionally, required hours in the evenings and weekends will also be required for school functions and activities such as board meetings. The Director reports to the Head of School and serves on the senior administrative team. The Director is governed by the same professional expectations as all staff members and is expected to participate fully in administrative activities and to follow the guidelines outlined in the RGS Employee Handbook. Required Skills and Competencies: Outstanding oral and written communication skills; Comprehensive knowledge of school operations, including human resources, facilities, database management, and financial management; Excellent interpersonal skills; A strong independent school finance background (CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred); Strong familiarity with Student Information Systems and their integration with accounting (Veracross, PowerSchool, Senior Systems, etc); Exceptional organizational skills; Strong supervisory experience; A collaborative orientation. Job Responsibilities: Financial Management Work with the Head of School and the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees to plan for the school’s strategic financial future; Work with the Head of School and the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees to manage the school’s endowment; Prepare financial reports required by the Head of School and the Finance Committee of the Board. This includes making necessary changes in the reporting systems to ensure that these reports are always up-to-date; Prepare and monitor the annual budget under the guidance of the Head of School; Produce the payroll on time, as well as provide accurate information and reports to 403(b) custodians and state and federal agencies concerning payroll taxes, etc; Record, file, and accurately track the accounts payables and receivables; Prepare all school financial records according to GAAP. Provide information as needed to ensure successful completion of annual audit and tax reporting; Accurately document and update all accounting policies and procedures; Compile information for the Investment Committee and Head of School to manage cash flow and short-term investments to maximize the school’s return; Prepare and issue student contracts; administer all tuition and incidental payment programs. Human Resources Management Implement and manage retirement and employee benefits programs; Maintain appropriate employee records/reports; Understand, implement, and explain all regulations and filing requirements regarding these plans in coordination with retirement consultants; Prepare and issue all employment contracts. Facilities Management Oversee the school’s maintenance program and manage the usage of the school’s facilities; Work with the Head of School and the Buildings & Grounds Committee of the Board of Trustees to facilitate the campus master plan and to plan for large building and maintenance projects; Work with the Head of School to review and implement the school’s Crisis Response Plan; Supervise the Director of Maintenance and the custodial staff. Other Administrative Responsibilities Supervise the school’s bookkeeper; Complete any special projects or tasks assigned by the Head of School. Special assignments include preparing NAIS, ISAS and other reports, serving as the RGS liaison to the bank; conducting salary surveys; researching information on employee benefits, etc.; Organize and attend Finance, Investment, Building and Grounds Committee meetings; attend Board of Trustee, staff, and administrative team meetings. Oversee the school’s hot lunch program. Assist with morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off and office coverage, as requested. Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School. 09/2024

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