Posted: February 20, 2011

FirstLine Schools
Chief Financial Officer
Job Description

FirstLine Schools:
The mission of FirstLine Schools is to create and inspire great public schools in New Orleans.
We do this by directly operating non-selective public schools and by developing training programs for teachers and school leaders across New Orleans.

Our schools prepare students for higher education and fulfilling careers by:
• Ensuring high achievement for all students.
• Providing a rich variety of educational experiences to nurture students’ social and emotional development, love of learning, and aspiration to achieve their educational and career goals.
• Developing the skillfulness of our staff and creating sustainable working conditions that facilitate their success.

FirstLine Schools currently operates four Kindergarten through eighth grade schools: Arthur Ashe Charter School, John Dibert Community School, S.J. Green Charter School, and Langston Hughes Academy Charter School; a professional development program, Leading Educators; and an enrichment program, The Edible School Yard. The organization is adding a high school in 2011-2012.

FirstLine Schools takes the charge of closing the achievement gap seriously. We support, develop and hold accountable our students, staff and administration for high student academic achievement and transformative programming.

Position Summary:
The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for ensuring that FirstLine Schools meets and exceeds its goals of financial stability and viability. The CFO will work closely with CEO, COO and the Board Finance Committee to set and execute the organization’s overall financial strategy and control.

The CFO is responsible for:
• Financial administration
• Budgeting
• Reporting and preparation for audits
• Grant compliance for federal, state and private grants and contracts
• Business office and staff

Position Requirements:

Education & Experience
• 10-15 years of broad financial experience including audits, accounting, budgeting, control and reporting
• 5+ years financial leadership experience as CFO or equivalent, preferably in non-profit organization
• CPA ; MBA preferred
• Demonstrated record of clean audits and grant and contract compliance
• Significant experience of nonprofit accounting, including sophisticated fund and grant accounting, compliance and reporting

Characteristics & Skills
• Commitment to the mission and vision of FirstLine Schools
• Able to plan and oversee the delivery of a number of projects within a complex environment
• Commitment to designing systems of accountability and continuous improvement
• Strong analytical skills, ability to assess challenges and develop solutions at all levels (school, organization, city, state, etc.)
• Highly professional and able to handle confidential and complex situations with grace and flexibility
• Ability to effectively coach, support and manage others

Position Reports to:
Chief Operating Officer
With dotted line reporting to Chief Executive Officer

Compensation
Competitive
Comprehensive benefits package

To Apply
www.firstlineschools.org