Director, Financial Planning & Analysis (Finance)

Job Description
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. 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. 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
ResponsibilitiesFinancial
Leadership and Risk Management
Lead all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, billing and collections, cash flow management, and internal and external reporting. 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.

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. 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. Coordinate key technology infrastructure projects to help ensure that the technology needs of the Corporation and both schools are met. Collaborate with the Facilities Director and Executive Directors on the development and implementation of the organization's technology strategy. Provide strategic financial information and operational support to the LSSC and FEDC Boards of Directors. Maintain board documents and oversee administration of the board portal.

Lead or support special projects related to finance, human resources, facilities financing, strategic planning, board governance, and other organizational priorities. Master's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. At least 10 years of progressively responsible financial management 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.

Ability to work a hybrid schedule that includes a minimum of three days per week in the office or at other school locations. Experience in education, nonprofit organizations, special education finance, or another mission-driven environment. The Leslie Shankman School Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial wellbeing, and work-life balance. 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. 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.