Director of Finance and Human Resources
Start Date: July 1, 2024
Co-ed Day School, Grades PK – 12, 515 students
4809 Friends School Road, Durham, NC
Carolina Friends School seeks an experienced financial and business operations leader who can connect at a high level of technical competence with the mission of an independent Friends’ school and who will be a strategic partner to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees. The Director will be dedicated to serving Carolina Friends’ mission and promoting its vision and strategy. The Director must be unquestionably committed to serving students and to being a visible presence within the Carolina Friends School community.
About the School
Carolina Friends School is a co-educational day school in Durham, North Carolina. Inspired by Quaker values, the school currently serves 515 students in grade PK-12 on a wooded 126-acre campus with two satellite Early School campuses. Founded in 1962 by a group of local Quaker families, Carolina Friends School embarked on a mission to be “purposefully integrated, student-oriented, and radically equal.” Since its founding, Carolina Friends has evolved from its initial structure as an early education program operating out of local meetings houses to the vibrant school community that it is today. Throughout its evolution, the school has stood fast on its commitment “to social justice, to serving the greater good, to seeing and celebrating the unique value of each individual, and to carefully stewarding our resources.”
Mission
Carolina Friends School is a vibrant and inclusive learning community empowering students to think critically, creatively and independently. We foster active exploration and quiet reflection, individual endeavor and collaborative engagement. About the Position
About the Position
The Director of Finance and Human Resources provides leadership, oversight, and stewardship for all aspects of Carolina Friends School’s financial resources while ensuring institutional integrity on fiscal matters and promoting best practices in finance and administration. The Director is a member of the school’s administrative leadership team, reports directly to the Head of School, and plays a key role in determining the strategic direction of the school. The Director is charged with developing and executing plans to meet the school’s short-and long-term goals, and recommending financial and administrative objectives, policies, programs, and practices. The Director supervises the ongoing work of the Business Office and supervises, supports, and collaborates with Business Office Staff.
Specific areas of Responsibility – The Director of Finance and Human Resources is responsible for:
- Strategic partnerships
- Board of Trustees engagement
- Budget planning and oversight
- Financial oversight
- Business office operations
- Outreach to staff
- Collaboration with Enrollment and Advancement Offices
- Audit and regulatory compliances
- Risk management
- Supporting a positive school environment
- Ongoing professional development
Opportunities and Challenges: While Carolina Friends is in an enviable financial position, the Director will be an instrumental partner in addressing a number of key opportunities and challenges, such as:
- Forecasting and aligning budgets and strategic priorities
- Facilities planning
- Compensation Study
Addressing these issues will require a leader with strong technical skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to balance firm fiscal management and stewardship with appreciation for the values-driven culture of Carolina Friends School.
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
- At least 7-10 years in progressively responsible financial and operational leadership roles, such as CFO, Controller, or Business Manager.
- Comprehensive budget and financial planning experience, together with experience in analysis and reporting, financial modeling, financial reporting, budgeting, asset management, cash management, investing, audit and regulatory compliance, federal and state tax regulations, and reporting procedures.
- Proven administrative, managerial, supervisory, problem-solving, and planning experience within a complex environment, preferably in an independent school, college, or other non-profit setting; ability to organize, prioritize, and delegate effectively.
- Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to think broadly about the institution as a whole.
- Experience with human resources, including the ability to oversee the development and implementation of the School’s employment practices and policies and to provide support and guidance around HR policies, practices, and benefits.
- Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects across functions including follow up and timely resolution of issues.
- Works independently and in teams; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
- Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities.
- Experience with capital projects, including financing construction, and project management and oversight.
- Excellent communication and listening skills; ability to relate, build relationships, and work with diverse constituencies.
- Ability to mentor, support, motivate, hire, and retain employees.
- An understanding of and strong affinity for Quaker philosophy and the School’s mission.
- Cultural competence: Experience and commitment to fostering an inclusive and affirming community for all, including students and staff from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds.
To Apply
Qualified applicants should submit electronically the following documents to Marcus Hurlbut at mhurlbut@educatorscollaborative.com
- a current resume
- a letter of interest
- a list of 5 references and contact information
Listing Date: February 7, 2024
EXPERTS IN SEARCH, TRANSITION & STRATEGY
©2024 Educators Collaborative. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy