Job Description

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (Queens, NY, Hybrid)

MISSION STATEMENT

The Growing Up Green Charter School (GUGCS) supports children to be conscious, contributing members of their community through a rigorous, anti-racist, anti-bias, curriculum and an engaging green culture. Graduates of GUGCS will be prepared to attend high-performing schools where their interdisciplinary academic foundation, knowledge of sustainability, and strong sense of self sets them apart as leaders and social justice advocates of the future.

SCHOOL CULTURE

GUGCS teaches students our school culture through our core values: Social Justice, Collaboration, Courage, and Kindness. Students are taught the core values through assemblies, class meetings, and various lessons.

SUMMARY OF JOB

GUGCS seeks an experienced charter school Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead financial strategy, planning, and operations for our growing network of schools. Reporting to the CEO, the CFO will work closely with the Board, Finance Committee, and senior leadership to ensure financial sustainability, compliance, and strategic growth.

The CFO will oversee budgeting, long-term financial planning, facilities funding, cash flow management, audits, and team development. They must be a visionary leader and a hands-on financial operator capable of refining financial systems, strengthening the finance team, and supporting GUGCS’ long-term strategic objectives.

This is a hybrid role, requiring three days in the Jamaica, NY office and two days working from home.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making

• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Board on financial strategy, risk management, and long-term sustainability.

• Develop and oversee multi-year financial models, scenario planning, and budget forecasting to ensure financial health.

• Provide clear, data-driven financial insights to support strategic decision-making.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board’s Finance Committee, ensuring financial reports are clear, accurate, and actionable.

• Communicate financial risks, opportunities, and strategic initiatives effectively to key stakeholders.

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Lead the annual budgeting process, working with school and department leaders to align resources with strategic priorities.

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including compliance with federal, state, and city funding regulations.

• Oversee cash flow management, financial reserves, and investment strategies.

• Build strong relationships with external auditors, financial institutions, and city/state education agencies.

Facilities & Capital Planning

• Manage facilities funding and lease agreements across four privately leased school buildings.

• Partner with external finance and legal experts to support capital projects, including a potential bond deal for facility acquisition.

• Ensure efficient use of financial resources to support future expansion opportunities.

Team Development & Financial Operations

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and professional growth opportunities.

• Optimize financial systems and internal controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.

• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration between finance, operations, and school leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field (MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred).

• Experience in the education, nonprofit, or public sector is strongly preferred.

• Strong background in budgeting, financial modeling, audits, and compliance.

• Expertise in school finance, public funding streams, and facilities financing a plus.

• Track record of team leadership and development, including experience managing through periods of organizational change.

• High emotional intelligence (EQ), strategic acumen, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to build trust and communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

• A humble, curious leader who loves learning and has high emotional intelligence.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role is $180,000 to $225,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.

Twelve-month employees receive 30 days of PTO and are eligible for Medical, vision, dental, 401K (with employer matching), FSA, and pre-tax commuter benefits. Another perk of working in a school setting includes shorter summer hours, almost two full weeks off at the end of December, and a week off in the summer.

REQUIRED CLEARANCE

• NYC DOE/Fingerprinting & Background Clearance required

APPLICATION PROCESS

Growing Up Green has engaged DGW Group to lead the search for our Chief Financial Officer role. Interested candidates should by April 11, 2025.

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