Chief Financial Officer

Chicago, Illinois | Full-Time | Hybrid

The Leslie Shankman School Corporation is seeking an experienced and collaborative Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic financial and operational leadership across our organization and schools. This position works closely with the Executive Directors of the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School and Hyde Park Day School, the Human Resources Director, organizational leaders, and the Board of Directors.

The CFO will oversee the financial health and long-term sustainability of an organization with an annual budget of approximately $20 million and more than $20 million in investment assets. This position is responsible for financial planning, accounting, budgeting, reporting, risk management, information technology oversight, human resources strategy, employee benefits, compliance, and board support. The CFO supervises approximately six employees and reports to the Executive Committee of the Board.

This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office or at school locations in Chicago.

About the Leslie Shankman School Corporation

The Leslie Shankman School Corporation operates two highly specialized schools in Chicago:

The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, which supports students with significant emotional and mental health needs.
Hyde Park Day School, which serves students with learning disabilities.

Our schools are committed to helping students build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to reach their full potential. The CFO will play an essential role in advancing this mission by ensuring that our financial resources, operational practices, and organizational strategies effectively support our students, families, employees, and schools.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Risk Management

Lead all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, billing and collections, cash flow management, and internal and external reporting.
Collaborate with the Executive Directors to develop and manage budgets for each school.
Provide financial expertise, analysis, and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
Support organizational financial and strategic planning.
Develop and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures consistent with GAAP and nonprofit standards.
Oversee the annual consolidated financial audit, 403(b) plan audit, organizational tax returns, Form 5500 filings, and applicable state filings.
Complete the annual Consolidated Financial Reports required by the Illinois Purchased Care Review Board.
Develop a strong understanding of the Illinois rate-setting process and special education finance practices.
Evaluate organizational risk and oversee the annual review and purchase of insurance coverage.
Participate in the Investment Committee, 403(b) Management Committee, and other finance-related committees.
Represent the organization in relevant state and professional organizations as appropriate.

Human Resources and Benefits Strategy

Supervise and provide strategic guidance to the Human Resources Director, who leads the Corporation's human resources operations.
Partner with the Human Resources Director on workforce planning, organizational structure, compensation strategy, significant employee relations matters, and strategic employment decisions.
Review and approve compensation budgets, compensation structures, benefit funding, staffing models, and significant employment-related expenditures.
Collaborate with the Human Resources Director and Finance Manager on the evaluation, selection, funding, renewal, and financial administration of employee benefit programs.
Provide financial analysis and executive-level input regarding compensation benchmarking, employee contracts, benefit plan design, and total compensation.
Serve as an executive consultation and escalation resource for sensitive or high-risk employment matters with significant legal, financial, or organizational implications.
Support the presentation of significant HR recommendations, workforce matters, compliance concerns, and organizational risks to senior leadership and the Board.
Evaluate the performance of the Human Resources Director and support the ongoing development and effectiveness of the Human Resources function.

Organizational Leadership and Operations

Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the missions, operations, students, and families of the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School and Hyde Park Day School.
Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to the Finance and Human Resources teams.
Meet regularly with the Executive Directors to strengthen coordination among the Corporation and both schools.
Partner with each school's Director of Institutional Advancement to provide financial insight, budgeting, reporting, and operational support for fundraising and marketing activities.
Promote innovative financial practices and reporting models that meet the needs of school leadership and the Board.
Participate in school accreditation activities, including preparing required financial and human resources documentation and attending relevant meetings.
Participate in school-wide functions, support corporate initiatives, and represent the schools and Corporation at outreach events.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity

Manage the organization's relationship with its external information technology service provider.
Coordinate key technology infrastructure projects to help ensure that the technology needs of the Corporation and both schools are met.
Administer organizational cybersecurity programs.
Collaborate with the Facilities Director and Executive Directors on the development and implementation of the organization's technology strategy.

Board and Strategic Support

Provide strategic financial information and operational support to the LSSC and FEDC Boards of Directors.
Provide and supervise staff support for quarterly board meetings and appropriate board committees.
Attend board meetings, present strategic information, and oversee the preparation of meeting minutes.
Maintain board documents and oversee administration of the board portal.
Provide support for collaborative development initiatives involving the two schools.
Lead or support special projects related to finance, human resources, facilities financing, strategic planning, board governance, and other organizational priorities.
Provide strategic support for business decisions as needed.

Qualifications

Required

Master's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience.
Experience with human resources management, including employee benefits purchasing and administration.
Previous supervisory and team leadership experience.
Deep knowledge of accounting principles, financial analysis, budgeting, reporting, and internal controls.
Experience working with accounting software.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify and evaluate financial and organizational risk.
Demonstrated ability to interpret complex information, develop recommendations, and communicate effectively with organizational leaders and board members.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong leadership skills, professional integrity, and sound judgment.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a complex organizational environment.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, and collaborative skills.
Ability to work a hybrid schedule that includes a minimum of three days per week in the office or at other school locations.

Preferred

Certified Public Accountant designation.
Experience in education, nonprofit organizations, special education finance, or another mission-driven environment.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $220,000 annually. The final salary will be based on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

The Leslie Shankman School Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial wellbeing, and work-life balance.

Why Join Us?

This position offers an experienced financial leader the opportunity to use their expertise in support of a meaningful educational mission. The CFO will help shape organizational strategy, strengthen financial and operational practices, and support two schools committed to helping students thrive.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative leadership team and have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the students, families, employees, and communities served by our organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Leslie Shankman School Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Apply

Please submit your résumé and a cover letter outlining your relevant leadership experience, interest in our mission, and approach to collaborative financial and organizational leadership.

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Chief Financial Officer