director of finance and operations
The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is responsible for effectively stewarding the School’s financial resources, applying sound fiscal principles to maximize the School’s resources and improving its operating efficiency. The DFO reports directly to the Head of School, is a member of the Senior Administrative Team, and works closely with other school personnel as well as the Board of Trustee Financial Resources and Infrastructure Committees. The DFO improves the School’s financial stability by continually developing, implementing, and monitoring effective systems of financial control and decision-making.
qualifications & skills
• At least five years of experience preferred as a Business Manager, Controller or Chief Financial Officer.
• Master’s Degree preferred, Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Strong writing skills: the ability to write professional, concise and organized pieces is essential. (Applicants are asked to submit two writing samples)
• Detail-oriented and organized; able to manage several tasks at one time; self-directed, self-starter, able to take initiative and work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communicator: the ability to communicate effectively with multiple constituencies.
• Proficient with technology and experience working with Blackbaud, accounting software, MicroSoft Word suite of software and Apple software.
• Collaborative spirit and a genuine interest in working closely with students, families and faculty.
major responsibilities
Finance
• Plan, develop, o rganize, implement, direct, and evaluate the organization's fiscal function and performance. Research, analyze, and present benchmarking data that will advise all financial decisions.
• Develop a sustainable, multi-year financial model capable of ensuring the School's fiscal stability as part of the School's strategic plan.
• Ensure the delivery of timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports & dashboards, and financial trends to the Board of Trustees. The DFO regularly attends the meeting of the Board of Trustees (after hours).
• Function as a financial mentor for all the Board of Trustees, Head of School and Senior Administrators, assisting them with all aspects of their financial responsibility. Champion the budget process to ensure a high degree of financial literacy among all cost-center managers.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with financial consultants, auditors, investment advisors, legal counsel, bank representatives, as well as other advisors to assist in the organization's financial and legal affairs.
• As needed, effectively manage the financial considerations of projects, initiatives and plans from the Head of School, Board of Trustees and the Strategic Plan. Effectively communicate financial changes and progress, and assist in the completion of projects in a timely manner and within budget.
• Stay attuned to emerging financial trends, and their potential impact on the School’s future and its present and future opportunities. Implement the investment decisions of the Financial Resources Committee and coordinate with the investment advisors.
• Serve as Chair of the School's Retirement Committee charged with the fiduciary responsibilities for the School's 403(b) retirement plan, as promulgated by ERISA and the U.S. Department of Labor. Oversee the annual financial and 403b plan audits and filing of tax returns.
Operations
• Lead the Busines s Office Team, including: Controller, Director of Human Resources, Accounts Payable, Facilities, Security and Transportation.
• Oversee, and work collaboratively with others on specific operational priorities including financial aid, risk management, employee salaries and benefits, compliance with Federal and state regulations and the preparation of the annual budget.
• Collaborate with the Director of Human Resources to develop and maintain consistent employment policies, adequate staffing levels, and appropriate benefits programs for all facets of School operations.
• Work cooperatively as a member of the Senior Administrative Team.
• Present a visible, collegial and accessible manner reflective of the school culture in support of the financial operations of the School.
“With focus, determination, and an unparalleled commitment, we are here to do something special. We are here to do what’s best for students. Each and every day, Tampa Prep is an opportunity unlike any other, in the midst of an exceptional community. We are here to give students an educational experience that supports their future passions and leads to the opportunities they dream of, are willing to work for, and deserve.”
Kevin M. Plummer Head of SchoolThe School
• 710 students in grades 6 - 12
• 130 employees (64 teaching faculty members)
• 11.2 acre campus located along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa: 727 W. Cass Street, Tampa FL 33606
• 159,281 sq. feet of teaching & learning spaces
• Students come from 19 zip codes and previously attended 84 different schools (in 12 different states and two countries), before becoming Terrapins
• Athletics have won 63 individual & team state championships
• Robotics teams have competed in VEX Worlds with awards in Excellence & Skills
• Arts Department boasts world-class theater, music, dance, visual & performing arts programs
The environment
• Tampa Bay is a family-friendly, economic epicenter that includes Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
• Tampa, FL population: 387,916 (2019)
• Hillsborough County population: 1.472 million (2019)
• Home of world-champion NHL and NFL
teams, as well as champion MLB and NSL teams
• Home of the University of Tampa and University of South Florida
• Voted Top 5 Best Riverwalks in the U.S. (USA Today), boasting a 2.6 mile path to parks, museums & restaurants
