What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Finance and Operations position at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women?
To apply, send cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to:
Employment@mercyhs.com
Job Title: Vice President of Finance and Operations – Full-Time
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women (OLM), an institution known for its tradition of excellence, is seeking a Vice President of Finance and Operations.
About Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women is an Independent Catholic all-girls middle and high school deeply rooted in the Mercy faith tradition. We welcome all girls in grades 6 through 12 — inclusive of all incomes, races, and faith affiliations — who are seeking an alternative to public school or who wish to continue to pursue a faith-based education. We have a strong history of providing quality education to young women, empowering them to excel academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, along with a dedication to Mercy values sets us apart as a leader in Catholic education. Mercy builds life-changing competence, confidence, and compassion that prepares and inspires young women to achieve the highest level of success in college, in career, and in the community.
Job Summary:
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and strategic Vice President of Finance and Operations to join our executive leadership team. The VP of Finance and Operations will collaborate closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and the Leadership Team to align the school’s financial and operational strategies with its mission and long-term goals. This position will lead the school’s financial and operational functions, including budgeting, accounting, and overseeing business office operations. The VP will also manage key areas such as Information Technology, Auxiliary Revenue, and serve as the primary liaison for Maintenance and Food Services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
- Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans that align with the school’s mission and vision
- Ensure the integration of financial and operational functions with the school’s current strategic objectives, campus development plans, and long-term sustainability goals
- Provide guidance and support to the President & CEO, Board of Trustees, and various committees, especially Finance/Investment and Audit, by serving as a staff liaison
- Collaborate with the Administrative and Operations Leadership Team to guide the creation, execution, and management of departmental budgets
Financial Stewardship:
- Partner with leadership and trustees to build long-term financial models and oversee consolidated financial reporting
- Supervise the management of the school’s endowment, ensuring adherence to investment policies and effective implementation of decisions from the Finance/Investment Committee
- Lead the refinement of operational processes and procedures to improve efficiency across the school’s business operations
- Serve as a key member of the project management team for future campus expansions and strategic growth initiatives
Accounting and Financial Reporting:
- Prepare, review, and present comprehensive financial reports, including budget statements, investment performance, and capital project updates, to the President, Board, and relevant committees
- Maintain accurate financial records and ensure timely, accurate reporting of the school’s financial position to leadership and stakeholders
- Oversee all banking operations, loan agreements, and ensure effective management of school funds
- Monitor the school’s debt and financial obligations, ensuring timely compliance with all reporting requirements
- Work closely with the President and CEO to develop financial strategies that meet the goals outlined in the school’s strategic plan
- Manage cash flow and ensure proper policies are in place for credit, collections, and financial obligations
Budget Oversight:
- Lead the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts, working closely with the President, CEO, and key departments to ensure alignment with the school’s goals
- Facilitate the prioritization of budget requests in collaboration with leadership, and review all spending to ensure compliance with approved budgets
- Provide counsel on tuition adjustments, financial aid policies, and salary increases in consultation with the President and CEO
- Develop and enforce policies and internal controls to safeguard the school’s assets
- Collaborate with Institutional Advancement to define financial needs and opportunities in line with the school’s financial strategy
Audit and Compliance:
- Oversee the annual audit process, ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements
- Address audit findings and implement recommendations to enhance the school's financial processes
- Assist with the preparation of annual filings and respond to auditor’s feedback efficiently
Operations and Risk Management:
- Supervise all aspects of the school’s insurance programs, including property, liability, D&O, and workers' compensation
- Manage risk assessment and mitigation strategies to ensure operational continuity
- Evaluate vendor contracts and ensure compliance with agreed terms and performance expectations
Board and Governance Support:
- Collaborate with Board committee chairs to prepare agendas and supporting materials for Finance/Investment and Audit Committee meetings
- Provide regular financial updates to the Board of Trustees and ensure transparency in financial matters
- Attend Board meetings and support committee discussions with relevant financial insights
Other Responsibilities:
- Partner with the Admissions Office to manage financial aid applications and awards
- Coordinate annual surveys and data requests for school associations (e.g., NAIS, BIIS, NBOA)
- Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the President and CEO
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
- CPA and MBA, or a Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required
- A minimum of ten years of experience in senior financial leadership roles, ideally within private/independent schools or nonprofit organizations
- Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with Blackbaud CRM products (Financial Edge NXT and Raiser's Edge NXT) preferred
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide actionable financial insights
- Experience in leading strategic planning, financial reporting, and project management efforts
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound judgment in financial decision-making
Education and/or Work Experience Preferred:
- Proven expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, with a deep understanding of fiscal management in educational settings
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to a broad audience, including non-financial stakeholders
- Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple, concurrent projects
- Experience in contract negotiation, policy development, and risk management
- A strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style
- Detail-oriented with the ability to balance long-term strategic goals with day-to-day operational needs
- Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
- A proactive, self-motivated professional who thrives in a dynamic environment
Physical Requirements:
- Clerical office environment
- Sitting, standing, walking, reaching with arms and hands, climbing, balancing, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, or crouching are all part of this position
Pay Range: $100,000 - $130,000 year (salary commensurate with experience)
“The information provided in this job description is designed to provide the general nature and level of work performed by team members within the job classification. The job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all work duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. This job description will be updated, modified, and revised by the school, at its sole discretion, from time to time as it deems necessary to meet the business needs of the school.”
Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women has a clear vision: to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. Helping us achieve this vision is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Accordingly, all applicants for employment are to be treated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or citizen status, disability, sexual orientation, marital or veteran’s status, or any other status protected by law. This policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the school, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, or termination.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Salary : $100,000 - $130,000