REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Finance (Primary)/Superintendent of Schools (Secondary)
SUPERVISES: Office of Financial Management
POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Hartford Public Schools. The CFO will ensure fiscal stability, promote financial transparency, and drive strategic financial planning to support the district's educational mission and $450 million plus budget. Additionally, the CFO will perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Hartford Public schools' policies and applicable laws.
The Chief Financial Officer will have a laser focus on accelerating equity and organizational excellence by achieving the overarching priorities of the Hartford Public Schools' multi-year strategic plan and annual operating plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:
- Advises and counsels the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent regarding district finances
- Maintains a comprehensive understanding of key instructional activities and establishes and implements goals to maximize performance of non-instructional functions in support of the educational goals of the district
- Develops and implements short- and long-term budget plans based on the district's strategic objectives
- Clearly and effectively communicates with, and presents information to, governing bodies, policy makers, federal and state law making bodies, local community districts, parental districts, news media, and other interested parties upon request of the Superintendent
- Develops and maintains positive working relations with local, state, and federal government and community partners
- Eliminates workflow bottlenecks and streamlines processes and protocols by serving as point person between leadership and departments
- Develops and institutes a customer-based approach to district's financial operations to serve students in the most effective and cost-efficient manner
- Serves as strategic leader and thought partner for Superintendent and Superintendent's Cabinet
- Supports Superintendent in driving district accountability and responsiveness to student, educator, and community needs
- Creates a culture of engagement and expectations with principals and other administrators
- Provides guidance and direction to managers toward their professional development to ensure and maintain a skilled department staff
- Assists in ensuring district compliance with local, state, and federal policies, laws, and regulations; analyzes and interprets government regulations and statutes
- Oversees compilation, preparation, and distribution of statistical and other data for federal, State Department of Education, and local reports
- Creates presentations as necessary when required by the Superintendent
- Ensures the implementation of district policies and procedures throughout the school system
- Along with the Deputy Superintendent, leads the implementation of the annual budget process which includes a stakeholder engagement strategy
- Directs fund management, position management, accounts receivable, annual budget preparation and monitoring, procurement of equipment and supplies, and payroll within the boundaries established by the Superintendent and Board of Education
- Develops and maintains long-range financial forecasts of revenues and expenditures
- Participates, as needed, in collective bargaining and provides cost estimates of Board and union proposals
- Develops and implements procedures and processes for the efficient management, use, monitoring, and reporting of expenditures for general and special funds
- Approves payments, requisitions, and budgetary transfers as needed
- Works with the Director of Budget and Grants Management to identify funding sources for unbudgeted items
- Assists in the production of the annual Educational Financial System (EFS) for the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of Hartford
- As needed, testifies before the Board of Education, City Council, Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB), City administration, and committees of the State General Assembly on financial matters
- Participates in the effective negotiation of contracts that enhance the educational environment for schools in a cost-effective way
- Supports the financial goals of the District
- Assures financial compliance with City, State, and Federal laws and regulations
- Ensures staff assists principals and other leaders in implementing and monitoring their budget expenditures
- Reviews budget estimates for grant applications and other initiatives
- Provides for regular training of central office and school staff on financial management systems and processes
- Reviews potential legislative changes in State and Federal education funding
- Partners with Office of Talent Management (OTM) in selection and oversight of the district's benefit plans
- Works cooperatively with the City of Hartford's Department of Finance
- Performs other duties as directed by the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, or designee
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: The following characteristics and physical skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.
Empathy and Commitment to Cause:
- Deeply understands the urban school system environment and commitment to improving student achievement
- Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels
- Demonstrates cultural competence and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing urban families
Communication, Interpersonal and Team Skills:
- Builds and maintains strong relationships
- Works successfully alone or on a team
- Coaches, coordinates, and leads teams
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, tailors message for the audience, context, and mode of communication
- Actively listens to others and effectively interprets others' motivations and perceptions
- Builds consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations
- Skillfully navigates existing political structures/systems
Problem Solving and Systems Thinking:
- Understands how various systems/departments interact to achieve the long-term goal
- Understands systematic continuous improvement processes
- Makes decisions using data and technological resources
- Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in
- Identifies and prioritizes mission critical issues with alignment of people, time and resources
- Offers innovative solutions to seemingly intractable problems
- Exhibits strong focus on goals and results; sets clear metrics for success
- Thrives in achievement-oriented and fast-paced environment
- Removes barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for principals to achieve their goals and ensures that school leaders have the resources they need to succeed
- Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines
Leadership Skills:
- Motivates, inspires, and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals
- Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person's skills and contribution to team effort
- Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups
- Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations
- Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups
- Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines;
- Sets clear agendas and facilitates effective meetings
- Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, education, or related field; advanced degree (JD, MBA, MPA, or CPA) preferred
- Extensive (over 10 years) relevant work experience and knowledge of business, finance, schools/district management, personnel management, information technology, ancillary services, and operations
- At least five (5) years of senior level experience working directly with superintendents, executive cabinet leaders, school board members, nonprofits, or community representatives preferred
- Evidence of successful experience leading major change management efforts, preferably in public schools/education or a similar organization
- Evidence of successful experience developing and implementing efficient systems and processes
- Demonstrated ability to oversee large and complex budgets
- Experience with state and/or federal grants management
- Familiarity with MUNIS accounting software is a definite advantage
- Evidence of successful experience in an urban school district, nonprofit organization, or public institution
- Experience with bargaining unit contract administration and negotiation preferred
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and strong judgment
- Professional demeanor, customer service orientation, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Strong, effective oral and written communications skills, as well as interpersonal skills
- Organizational skills, including follow-up and meticulous attention to detail
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently
- Service orientation towards supporting schools, the Superintendent, and the City of Hartford
- Operate with proficiency a computer and assigned software programs, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn to use new software related to job responsibilities
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut certification in School Business Administrator (085) or the ability to acquire such certification is strongly preferred; though, Connecticut Intermediate Administration or Supervision Certification (092) may be considered.
SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This non-bargaining position has a 12-Month work year. Salary will be in accordance with an individual employment contract, based on a salary range of $170,000 - $190,000.
EVALUATION: Evaluated annually
UNION AFFILIATION: Not applicable
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools' online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. Candidates' application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring manager for interviews.
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