Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary:

To deliver on Propel’s Mission, the Chief Financial Officer will be the Leader of Financial Strategy, and will be accountable for ensuring fiscal responsibility and integrity for Propel Schools and Propel Schools Foundation.

• Compensation: Propel provides a competitive salary for its Executive Level positions.  Transferrable experience is recognized and attributed to our offers. The range for this position is $130,000-$150,000.
• Relocation Allowance: A relocation allowance for new hires moving to the area from 90 miles away or further. 
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plan options at a low cost for individual employees and families (Choice between Highmark or UPMC)
• Retirement: New hires participate in a 403(b); Propel contributes 5% automatically and matches up to 4%. This increases after 5 years. 
• Paid Leave: In addition to 16-19 paid holidays annually and 2 paid Wellness Days per year, all our executives receive 5 sick days and 10 Personal Days, along with an accrual of 8 hours of vacation time per pay period. 
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually upon completion of course and receipt of grades for coursework that meets our eligibility requirements. 
• Wellness Benefit: Reimbursement of $20 per month for wellness activities including Gym Memberships, health programs, etc. Additionally, staff have the ability to earn up to $300 for participation in a Wellness Program each year.
• Professional Development: At Propel, we believe in supporting staff growth and provide substantial school-based and network-wide professional development support for all staff. Our Executives participate in and lead Professional Development for all staff throughout the school year.

Key Job Elements:

• Collaborates with Propel’s leadership team on key organizational strategies, ensuring alignment with financial growth targets/goals.
• Implements innovative, competitive, and cost-effective financial strategies to meet the organizational goals
• Develops and maintains a network of relationships with other CMOs nationwide and local School Districts  
• Develops and maintains a technologically up-to-date and accurate fiscal accounting system
• Uses data to inform decisions and make recommendations to Board, Finance Committee, CEO
• Develops and utilizes forward-looking, predictive models and activity-based financial analyses to provide insight into the organization’s operations and business plans
• Continually monitors systems designed to preserve assets and report accurate financial results
• Maintains positive relationships at all levels of the organization (Board, CEO, Leaders and Employees of the Administrative Office, Foundation, and Schools)
• Represents Propel to financial partners, including financial institutions, investors, foundation executives, auditors, public officials, etc.
• Engages the finance committee of the board of directors to develop short-, medium-, and long-term financial plans and projections
• Oversees the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
•  Attends all board meetings, finance committee meetings, and other meetings as requested by the CEO/Superintendent
• Oversees and ensures compliance with all internal and external contracts, agreements, and grants
• Oversees all members of Propel’s accounting team, and leads through the Controller  to ensure proper supervision of all accounting team employees
• Ensures the organization complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
• Oversees cash flow planning, investments, asset management and banking relationships
• Leads budgeting and forecasting processes
• Recognizes and forecasts the major sources of revenue available to public schools from local, state and federal levels of government
• Maximizes state and federal aids, and explores alternative and innovative revenue sources
• Ensures timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of financial and management reporting for Federal and State funders, Foundation, and Propel’s Board of Trustees
• Coordinates audits and proper filing of tax returns
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO/Superintendent.

Qualifications & Skills: 

• B.S. in Business Management, Finance, or related field required; Master’s Degree in Business Administration or equivalent preferred.
• CPA preferred
• Minimum five years (10+ years preferred) of experience in CFO role, or equivalent, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting with a budget of $75M+
• Experience in a senior leadership role, partnering with executive staff, resulting in the development and implementation of creative financial strategies
• Significant experience in or knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including sophisticated fund and grant accounting, compliance, and reporting
• Ability to supervise and evaluate performance to assure high-quality programs and services.
• Significant experience in or knowledge of ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Experience working with a variety of media, technology, and software
• Proven ability to analyze a variety of business reports and make action plans to improve metrics
• Track record of building trusting relationships and developing a high-performing team
• Strong sense of social justice, relentless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement
• Current driver’s license and access to reliable transportation; ability and willingness to travel when necessary.

Essential Mindsets 

• Own It. Our Leaders are experts who hold high expectations for themselves and their staff. We work hard, set goals, and take responsibility for our scholars learning. 
• Walk Through the Door. Our Leaders are professional with their scholars, families, and colleagues. We show up on time with a positive mindset and never give up on what’s possible for our staff and scholars. 
• Look in the Mirror. Our Leaders value feedback and work to continuously improve for our scholars. Our staff is accountable, dedicated and honest. 
• Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated. Our Leaders are culturally competent. In all interactions they are courteous, engaged and empathetic. 
• Do Your Part. Our Leaders are relationship builders. We make connections with our scholars, our families, our colleagues and our community and realize that education is a team effort. 

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Organizational Overview

Propel Schools is the largest network of public charter schools in Allegheny County consisting of 13 schools and approximately 4,000 scholars. Our mission is to provide high-quality schools to underserved communities. Each of our schools provide a rigorous academic environment and small class sizes where educators focus on providing each scholar with support and individualized attention. With one of the top starting teacher salaries in Allegheny County, a customizable benefits package and extraordinary career and professional  development opportunities, Propel Schools is one of the area’s premier education organizations.