Director of Finance and Operations

Come join Marshall School, the greater Duluth region’s premier college-preparatory boarding and day independent school, overlooking Lake Superior in the heart of Minnesota. The Director of Finance and Operations plays an important role in the culture and long-term sustainability of Marshall School. Reporting to the Head of School, this role is responsible for all financial and operational aspects of the School, including accounting, budgeting, long-range financial planning, audit preparation and payroll administration. The Director of Finance and Operations also manages teams across the Business Office, Facilities, Auxiliary Services, and Food Service. This is a senior administrative role that interfaces with constituents across every area of the school including families, faculty, staff, board, and vendors.

Primary Responsibilities 

Financial Management:
Monitor, and manage, the school's annual budget and prepare financial reports and statements for school administrators and the Board of Trustees. 

• Ensure that all financial operations are in conformity with Best Practices and the School’s financial policies.
• Oversee financial operations of the School including: accounting activities, financial investments, payroll, benefits program and purchasing.
• Develop, propose and implement Board-approved annual operations and capital budgets.

Personnel Management:
Manage personnel records, contracts, and employment agreements, including payroll and recruitment. 

• Ensure human resources policies and practices are clearly articulated, consistently applied and conform to legal requirements. 
• Oversee administration of all benefit programs.

Operational Management:
Oversee procurement processes, management of school facilities, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies. 

• Oversee facilities, food service operations, school store, facility rentals, and cafe.

Reporting and Compliance:
Prepare reports for auditors, government agencies, and other stakeholders, staying current on changes in education finance laws and regulations. 

• Coordinate annual independent audit process; file required tax returns; and maintain compliance with all tax laws.
• Manage the employee and vendor contract process as well as legal matters impacting the school.

Collaboration and Communication:
Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and staff to address financial and operational needs, and communicate budgetary information to stakeholders. 

• Maintain professional relationships with the School’s banks, attorneys, auditors, insurance carriers, contractors and accrediting organizations.

Strategic Planning:
Support the leadership team with strategic planning and ensure the long-term financial health of the school. Develop and participate in strategic planning discussions to foster long-term sustainability. Develop recommendations for the Assets Committee related to annual tuition increases, financial aid budget, and salaries in consultation with the Head of School.

Relationships:
Cultivate strong relationships with Trustees, serving as an ex-officio member of key committees and providing financial advice. 

• Actively participate in meetings of the Finance, Endowment, and Building and Grounds Committees.  Prepare and provide accurate financial statements including:  dashboards, variance reports, balance sheets, etc.  Prepare and submit minutes to the committee chair. 
• Attend meetings of the Board of Trustees.
• Serve on Marshall’s Administration team to strategize and position Marshall for the future.