Head of Finance and Operations

Job Description:

South End Village Academy (SEVA) seeks a mission-driven Head of Finance & Operations to lead the organization as a growing nonprofit school rooted in community action. SEVA was formed by parents who came together to save their children’s school and continues to be powered by a deeply engaged community. The Head of Finance & Operations serves as a strategic leader, responsible for financial sustainability, organizational growth, and external relationships, ensuring the school can continue to provide a life-changing, nurturing environment where children thrive. The Head of Finance & Operations reports to the Head of School.

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Key Responsibilities:

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Organizational & Strategic Leadership

+ Lead SEVA’s transition and growth as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit  

+Translate the founding community vision into a sustainable long-term strategy  

+ Partner with the Board to set and execute organizational priorities  

+ Build systems, infrastructure, and policies appropriate for a growing school

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Financial Sustainability

+ Develop and manage the annual budget and long-term financial plan  

+ Ensure strong financial controls, reporting, and compliance in alignment with 501c3 best practices  

+ Maintain visibility into key drivers: enrollment, tuition, philanthropy  

+ Run a lean organization that drives outsized impact

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Operations & Compliance

+ Oversee business operations: finance, HR, legal, facilities  

+ Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and school requirements  

+ Manage risk, insurance, and vendor relationships  

+ Build scalable operational systems  

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Partnership with Head of School

+ Clearly delineate responsibilities between program (Head of School) and operations (Head of Finance & Operations)  

+ Support the Head of School with resources and infrastructure  

+ Align on school priorities, enrollment, and staffing  

+ Provide regular reporting on finances, fundraising, and operations  

+ Support board development and governance practices  

+ Implement board-approved strategy

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Qualifications

Required

+ 10+ years of leadership experience (nonprofit, startup, or education)  

+ Strong financial and operational management skills  

+ Fundraising or revenue development experience  

+ Ability to build systems in a growing organization

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Preferred  

+ Experience leading or scaling a nonprofit organization  

+ Familiarity with independent schools or education sector  

+ Experience working with engaged parent communities  

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Leadership Profile

+ Mission-first builder: energized by preserving and growing a school families fought to save  

+ Entrepreneurial: comfortable building while operating  

+ Community-centered: values deep relationships with families and stakeholders  

+ Strategic + operational: can zoom out and execute  

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How the Head of School Works with the Head of Operations

Head of Finance & Operations owns: Money, operations  

Head of School owns: Students, teachers, curriculum, daily school experience, external relations  

Shared Responsibilities: enrollment, culture, strategy 

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Compensation

Base salary range for this role is $130,000–$150,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. This position is also eligible for benefits.