JOB TITLE: Director of Finance & Operations

OVERVIEW:

Marshall School, a private independent college preparatory boarding and day school in Duluth, Minnesota, educating students in K-12th grade, is seeking an experienced leader and strategic thinker to serve as the Director of Finance & Operations (DFO). The position is currently held by an experienced interim and has a flexible start date between now and  July 1, 2026. 

The Director of Finance and Operations is the senior financial and operations leader in this school of 400 students situated on 40 acres overlooking Lake Superior. Reporting to the Head of School, this role is responsible for all financial and operational aspects of the School, including accounting, budgeting, long-range financial planning, audit preparation and payroll administration. The DFO also manages small, dedicated, teams across the Business Office, Facilities, Auxiliary Services, and Food Service. 

This is a senior administrative role that interfaces with constituents across every area of the school. The successful candidate will understand their importance in customer service and employee retention, and will commit to upholding Marshall School’s values and charge to respect every individual and strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community where all feel respected and empowered.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management & Planning

• Monitor, and manage, the School's annual budget, 5-year financial plan, cashflow, endowment, and prepare financial reports and statements for administrators and the Board of Trustees. 
• Ensure that all financial operations are in conformity with Best Practices and the School’s financial policies. 
• Supervise and contribute to a small team of three, including the DFO, that includes accounting and HR/Payroll functions.
• Oversee financial operations of the School including: accounting activities, financial investments, payroll, benefits program and purchasing. 
• Develop, propose and implement Board-approved annual operations and capital budgets. 
• Develop recommendations for the Finance Committee related to annual tuition increases, financial aid budget, and salaries in consultation with the Head of School.
• Support the board, leadership team, and budget owners, with strategic planning and ensure the long-term financial health of the School. 
• Develop and participate in strategic planning, foster long-term sustainability. 

Reporting and Compliance: 

• Prepare reports for auditors, government agencies, and other stakeholders, staying current on changes in education finance laws and regulations. 
• Coordinate annual independent audit process; file required tax returns; and maintain compliance with all tax laws. 
• Manage the employee and vendor contract process as well as legal matters impacting the School. 

Operational Management: 

• Oversee procurement processes, management of school facilities, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
• Oversee facilities, food service operations, school store, facility rentals, and cafe. 
• Bring a customer-service focus to operations teams.

Human Resources: 

• Oversee human resources matters including personnel records, contracts, and employment agreements, including payroll and recruitment.
• Ensure human resources policies and practices are clearly articulated, consistently applied and conform to legal requirements. 
• Oversee administration of all benefit programs. 

Collaboration and Communication: 

• Build a strong partnership with the Head of School to ensure that the educational goals of the School are in sync with the business/fiscal goals.
• Cultivate strong relationships with Trustees, serving as an ex-officio member of key committees and providing guidance. 
• Actively participate in meetings of the Board of Trustees and of the Finance, Endowment, and Building and Grounds Committees. Prepare and provide accurate financial statements including: dashboards, variance reports, balance sheets, etc.  Prepare and submit minutes to the committee chairs. 
• Serve on Marshall’s Administration team to strategize and position the School for the future. 
• Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and staff to address financial and operational needs, and communicate budgetary information to stakeholders. 
• Maintain professional relationships with the School’s banks, attorneys, auditors, insurance carriers, contractors and accrediting organizations. 
• Partner with the enrollment team to assist with recruitment, and cultivate strong relationships with parents regarding financial aid and tuition.
• Effectively communicate Marshall School's mission and impact to build donor confidence and support philanthropy efforts in partnership with the Development team. 

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; M.B.A., M.Ed. or related advanced degree preferred. CPA is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in financial management required. Consulting experience is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of key financial controls, rules and regulations. 
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience building and leading high-performing teams, mentoring direct reports and working in a team environment.
• Strong writing and presentation skills. 
• Personal integrity, demonstrated ability to build trust, and meticulous attention to detail. 
• Exceptionally strong customer service orientation, with the grace and nuance to lead families and employees through conversations about finances and financial aid.
• Eagerness to engage in all aspects of the Marshall School community while promoting the School’s mission, vision, and values.

ABOUT MARSHALL SCHOOL:

Marshall’s mission is to "Inspire lifelong learners to embrace challenge and create positive change." We accomplish that mission through creative and joyful academic and co-curricular programs like our Upper School Scholars programs in Advanced STEM Research, Outdoor Leadership, and Social Entrepreneurship, our Lower School Forest Program where students spend up to 80% of their day outdoors, and our Middle School where students Learn How To Learn. 

Founded in 1904 as Cathedral Senior High School, Marshall has stood as a cornerstone of education in the Twin Ports, providing the highest quality, college preparatory educational experience to students in the area. In addition to its K-12 day program, Marshall offers a complete domestic and international boarding program for up to 40 students. 

Marshall School sits atop a beautiful 40+ acre campus on the hill overlooking all of Duluth, the landmark Lift Bridge, and the ports of Lake Superior. Thus, we are the Hilltoppers.

FOR CONSIDERATION:

The target salary for the position is $125,000-$155,000. Compensation includes full benefits, including health, tuition remission, and limited 403b match. Apartment-style housing and relocation assistance based on availability. Hybrid remote and partial time inquiries will be considered, with preference given to on-site, full-time, candidates.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a formal letter of application, current resume, and a list of three references with contact information to:

Carolyn Stiles, Creative Independents

carolyn@creativeindependents.org

Please do not contact the School directly. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

For more information regarding Marshall School, consult the School’s web site at www.marshallschool.org.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; M.B.A., M.Ed. or related advanced degree preferred. CPA is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in financial management required. Consulting experience is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of key financial controls, rules and regulations. 
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience building and leading high-performing teams, mentoring direct reports and working in a team environment.
• Strong writing and presentation skills. 
• Personal integrity, demonstrated ability to build trust, and meticulous attention to detail. 
• Exceptionally strong customer service orientation, with the grace and nuance to lead families and employees through conversations about finances and financial aid.
• Eagerness to engage in all aspects of the Marshall School community while promoting the School’s mission, vision, and values.

About Marshall School

Founded in 1904, Marshall School is an independent day school and international boarding school in scenic Duluth, Minnesota. Marshall is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of Central States and exists as a closely-knit community of approximately 400 students age 4 through grade 12. We believe in a welcoming environment of trust, creativity, and adaptability focused on development of character, high academic expectations, and supportive community - where highly-qualified staff have flexibility and freedom to meet each student where they’re at, and where every student is guided along their own individual journey to success. Possibility thrives here.

Connections working at Marshall School