Director of Finance and Operations / Chief Financial Officer

Mountain Views Supervisory Union (MVSU) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Finance and Operations to join our leadership team and help shape the future of education across our member communities: Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, and Woodstock.

Nestled in Vermont's Upper Valley, MVSU is known for its strong community ties, student-centered practices, and commitment to innovation and equity. Our Supervisory Union is guided by our Profile of a Graduate, a forward-thinking Strategic Plan, and a deeply held belief that small schools can deliver both personalized support and cutting-edge educational practices.

If you are passionate about public service, organizational excellence, and supportive leadership, we invite you to consider this opportunity.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance and Operations provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the financial, business, and operational functions of MVSU and its member districts. This role ensures the effective and equitable use of resources to support high-quality educational opportunities and serves as a key advisor to the Superintendent and School Boards on all financial, logistical, and business matters.

The Director supervises essential administrative departments, including:

• Human Resources

• Buildings and Grounds

• Nutrition Services

• Business Office Operations

Public school experience is not required. Mentorship is available to support the transition of an otherwise qualified candidate coming from municipal government, nonprofit, business, healthcare, higher education, or other finance and operations leadership settings.

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Management

• Serve as the district's Chief Financial Officer, overseeing all financial operations, cash management, investments, and accounting practices.

• Ensure efficient procedures, sound internal controls, and compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Coordinate the annual audit process and submission of all required financial reports.

• Manage financial aspects of grants in partnership with the Grant Accountant.

Budget Development

• Lead the formulation of annual district budgets aligned with Board guidance and student-centered priorities.

• Collaborate with principals, program directors, and administrators to develop comprehensive financial plans.

• Present proposed budgets and financial analyses to School Boards.

• Explain per-pupil spending, tax rates, and spending penalties; support informational meeting preparation.

Operations & Oversight

• Provide leadership and supervision to Business Office staff, HR, Buildings & Grounds, and Nutrition Services teams.

• Assess the financial condition of MVSU and its member districts.

• Ensure adequate insurance coverage and risk-mitigation programs.

• Prepare required financial data and reports for the Superintendent, Boards, and state/federal agencies.

Contract & Procurement Management

• Establish and negotiate contracts for financial audits, insurance, transportation, nutrition, tax anticipation notes, and district-wide services.

• Serve as the purchasing agent, developing procedures for procurement of goods and services.

• Issue RFPs and negotiate vendor agreements in coordination with legal review.

• Support Board representatives during teacher and support-staff contract negotiations.

Risk & Facilities Management

• Serve as the district's Risk Manager and maintain districtwide risk-mitigation programs.

• Oversee district-owned real estate and facilities, including capital improvement planning.

• Direct major construction and renovation projects, contract management, and facilities care standards.

Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of financial and payroll systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong financial analysis skills.

• Knowledge of public school finance, state funding systems, municipal business practices, forecasting, and budgeting.

• Experience as a Business Administrator, Finance Director, School Business Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Operations, or similar leadership role.

• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and collaborative decision-making abilities.

• Strong administrative, organizational, and management skills.

• Effective use of technology and information-management tools.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).

• Supervisory experience required; public education experience preferred but not required.

• Knowledge of accounting principles, Vermont statutes (Title 16), district policies, data analysis, and financial reporting.

• Strong skills in accounting software, Microsoft Office Suite, data management, communication, and professional judgment.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and build collaborative working relationships.

Terms of Employment

• Full-time, year-round, FLSA exempt

• Reports to: Superintendent

• Location: MVSU Central Office

• Preferred start date: As soon as practicable. The district will work with the successful candidate to establish a mutually agreeable transition timeline.

Salary Range

Starting salary expected to be between $110,000–$140,000 annually, with flexibility for exceptionally qualified candidates. Final compensation considers education, qualifications, licensure (if applicable), and relevant experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mountain Views Supervisory Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination, as defined by state and federal law.

Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.