Chief Financial Officer / Vice President of Finance

Organization: Groves Learning Organization

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Position: Vice President (VP) of Finance

Annual Salary: $175K - $190K

Benefits: 403b, Vacation Time, Paid Holidays (Labor Day, Pre-Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day), Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), Personal Days, Medical, Dental, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Long Term Disability, Voluntary Short Term Disability, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Basic Life Insurance.

About Groves Learning Organization

Groves Learning Organization (GLO) is a mission-driven leader in education, empowering students with learning differences and advancing literacy. Our impactful work is organized into three distinct divisions:

• Groves Academy: A 1-12 day school serving up to 350 students, providing specialized education tailored to students with learning differences.
• Groves Learning Center: A comprehensive diagnostic testing and tutoring resource for students and families, offering individualized support.
• Groves Literacy Partnership: A nationally recognized program that improves literacy outcomes through collaborations with schools and educators.
  
  
  

Groves Academy was originally founded 52 years ago with a mission to transform the lives of students with dyslexia and other learning differences. With the aspirations to serve students beyond the Academy walls, nearly a decade ago, Groves Academy grew into Groves Learning Organization; now serving three distinct services to serve students across the state. We are seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, and visionary financial leader to join our executive team. The ideal candidate will be a proactive finance leader who can help elevate our evolving organization, its leaders, and its infrastructure into the future.

Position Overview

The Vice President (VP) of Finance will serve as a true strategic business partner to the President and a key member of the senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role with oversight of finance, accounting, and facilities. The successful candidate will combine deep financial expertise with creativity, strategic acumen, and collaborative leadership, helping GLO achieve its mission while ensuring long-term financial sustainability for all parts of the organization.

This leader will work closely with the President and board of Trustees (Treasurer and Finance Committee), fostering transparency, trust, and sound financial governance. They will also play a critical role in shaping the organization’s strategy and culture, serving as a trusted advisor and informal leader across the leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Collaborate with the President and leadership team to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan.
• Analyze financial performance and provide actionable recommendations to drive organizational sustainability and growth.
• Ensure alignment of financial strategies with the goals and priorities of all GLO divisions.
  
  
  

Financial Management

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with non-profit financial regulations, accounting standards, and maintain an exceptional record of audits and other best practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external auditors, banks, and financial institutions.
  
  
  

Board and Committee Engagement

• Prepare and present accurate, comprehensive financial reports to the Board of Trustees, Treasurer, and Finance Committee.
• Partner with board members to support informed decision-making and strategic oversight.
• Support the evolution of the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective engagement as GLO grows and advances its mission.
  
  
  

Operational Oversight

• Lead the accounting, finance, facilities, and potentially IT/Enterprise Business Systems functions.
• Develop and refine systems and processes to ensure operational efficiency and scalability.
• Oversee facilities management to maintain safe, functional, and cost-effective environments.
  
  
  

Executive Leadership and Collaboration Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a variety of people and personalities inside and outside the organization. Able to effectively handle interactions at all levels and to respond appropriately in sensitive situations.
• Proven and demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Act as a trusted advisor and key contributor to the leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared accountability.
• Mentor and develop finance team members, building a strong and cohesive department.
• Encourage cross-functional partnerships and promote transparency across the organization.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field (MBA or CPA highly preferred).
• A minimum of 10 years of financial leadership experience, including strategic and operational roles.
• Demonstrated success as a partner to executive leadership in a mission-driven organization.
• Experience working with boards and committees, including preparing and delivering high-quality reports.
• Demonstrated experience with robust financial systems and tools.
• Proven ability to successfully collaborate across complex, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of non-profit financial management, regulations, and compliance is a strong advantage.
• Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• A deep commitment to the mission, values, and educational goals of GLO.
  
  
  

Why Join Groves Learning Organization?

• Mission with Impact: Contribute to a nationally recognized organization transforming the lives of students and communities.
• Collaborative Leadership: Join a passionate, high-performing team driven by shared purpose, trust, accountability and mutual respect.
• Strategic Influence: Play a critical role in shaping the financial health and long-term success of a growing organization.
  
  
  

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications and vision for the role.

Application Deadline: February 5th, 2025

Groves Learning Organization is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.