THE ORGANIZATION Lighthouse Community Public Schools
At Lighthouse Community Public Schools we are engaged in an educational movement that goes beyond our classrooms working to disrupt inequities by providing our students and families exceptional educational opportunities every day. Grounded in our core values of community, integrity, agency, love, and social justice rooted in the EL Education Model , LCPS is a leader in fostering innovative schools achieving exceptional student outcomes where each child is at the center of their own learning. Our mission is to prepare diverse students for college, a career of their choice, and to be lifelong changemakers. Founded in 2002, LCPS operates two high-achieving K-12 public charter schools--Lighthouse and Lodestar--serving nearly 1,500 students in East Oakland. Lighthouse is a beacon for public education and our graduates fulfill the promise of a better, brighter Oakland. Learn more at www.lighthousecharter.org .

THE OPPORTUNITY Director of Finance (21-22)
The realization of our mission to prepare students for college and career can only be actualized when our financial oversight and accounting systems run like a well-oiled machine. The Director of Finance will have financial oversight of this successful charter management organization's annual budget. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of LCPS's Senior Leadership Team, the DOF is responsible for all aspects of the schools' and organization's finances. All of this is in service of LCPS' mission and vision.

The Role and Responsibilities:

• Fiscal Oversight & Operations
  
  • Administrative control and supervision of all business and financial operations of the organization and schools
  • Engage the board's audit and finance committees around issues and trends in financial operations to ensure LCPS' long-term financial health
  • Partnering with the CEO and Board of Directors to create and monitor financial policies
  • Assess and refine financial reporting capabilities and operating systems to facilitate a strong audit report
  • Evaluate, document and implement fiscal policies and practices for the network
    
• Budgeting and Forecasting
  
  • Partnering with the CEO, Cabinet members, Principals and other key stakeholders to develop the annual operating budget and structuring and maintaining a long-range financial model for the school
  • Day-to-day management of the operating budget and working with all school and functional departments to ensure expenses are managed efficiently and the budget is achieved
  • Strategic financial forecasting: identifying opportunities to strengthen the school's programs, and preparing financial models to inform and support leadership decision making
  • Manage Cash Flow across LCPS
  • Provide accurate, complete, and timely financial information to all stakeholders including External Agencies, Board, school leaders, department heads, funders and lenders
• Facilities Financing & Strategy
  
  • Partner with CEO, Operations and facility development partners to structure and maintain facility financing and modeling both long-term and short-term
• Payroll, Contracts, and Vendors
  
  • Serving a key role in the employee and vendor contract processes as well as in legal matters
  • Oversee and approve Payroll
  • Consult to and guide intersectional work with HR contracts, as necessary
  • Conduct Insurance reviews and make recommendations to CEO and board as necessary
• External Compliance and Reporting
  
  • Prepare for the annual audit of the school's finances
  • Prepare and monitor compliance and reporting processes to external stakeholders, such as CDE, OUSD, SELPA, and other granting agencies
• Team Management & Collaboration
  
  • Serving as a manager for direct reports, ensuring their growth and development as members of the finance team
  • Serve as leader on LCPS Cabinet
  • Serve as consultant to site-based teams, including
    
    • Principals, Operations teams, After School Coordinators
  • Partner with other Shared Service leaders for financial management

Qualifications:

Skills and Attributes

• In-depth knowledge of accounting software and financial analysis, strategy, budgeting and oversight skills;
• Excellent project management and execution skills;
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and work independently;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Detailed-oriented, with strong follow-through skills;
• Excellent computer skills, including Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite;
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to juggle competing priorities;
• Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building with students, parents, colleagues and community members;
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in the face of competing demands & external pressures;
• Ability to unpack the various aspects of one's identity and implicit biases to manage and work across lines of difference

Requirements

At least 5+ years of successful financial management experience with demonstration of increasing responsibility, leadership, and oversight

BA in accounting, finance, or related field, required, MBA or MA in related field, preferred

Experience working in schools, particularly CA public charters, and knowledge of charter school finance, highly preferred

Track record in leading high performing teams

Commitment to creating a work environment that values and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion

Commitment to the core belief that each child we serve deserves the opportunity to be college ready in order to shape their future

Supervision

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

Time Commitment & Compensation

This is a 12-month, full-time salaried exempt position. LCPS offers a competitive compensation package with nearly 7 weeks of vacation and holidays, generous health and retirement benefits, and a salary commensurate with experience.

Start Date

July 1, 2021.
To Apply

People of color and bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV
• Minimum of 3-5 references including at least two recent supervisors

Lighthouse Community Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.