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 a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead financial strategy, planning, and operations for our growing network of 4 schools (2 in Long Island City and 2 in Jamaica, Queens). 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 a $40M budget and lead long-term financial planning, facilities funding, cash flow management, audits, and team development. The ideal candidate is a purpose-driven finance leader committed to GUG’s mission and values. They are both strategic and hands-on—capable of strengthening financial operations, enhancing team capacity and performance, and advancing GUG’s long-term financial sustainability.
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
- Assess the current finance function and identify opportunities to strengthen team capacity, collaboration, and performance. The current finance function includes two parallel teams—each led by a Finance Manager and supported by an Associate—serving the Long Island City and Jamaica school clusters.
- Model a hands-on leadership approach, diving into details as needed to ensure accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Optimize financial systems and internal controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
- Oversee finance systems, including QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, ADP Workforce Now, Procurify (in implementation), and Excel-based multi-year financial models—preparing the organization for transition to a more robust ERP platform as the network grows.
- Strengthen cross-functional collaboration between finance, operations, and school leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep commitment to GUGs’ mission and educational equity.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field. Audit background, MBA or CPA preferred.
- Experience as a Managing Director or CFO (<5 yrs) in a ~$30M-$65M organization preferred.
- 7-10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including experience leading accounting, FP&A, budgeting, reporting, compliance, and single audits (A133).
- Expertise in school finance, public funding streams, and facilities financing is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to operate at both the strategic and tactical levels—able to develop long-term financial strategy while managing day-to-day details with accuracy and rigor.
- Deep understanding of accounting processes, policies, and procedures — capable of ensuring compliance, implementing consistent practices, and improving the month-end close process.
- 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 apply by December 1, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
