Job Description

NOLA Public Schools VisionThe vision of the NOLA Public Schools is that every student receives a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive, achieve physical and mental wellness, and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success.

The Executive Director of Finance at NOLA Public Schools will play a strategic leadership role in overseeing the financial operations and external communication between NOLA Public Schools and Charter Management Organizations (CMOs), Independent Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and the schools within the district. This role will ensure that financial practices align with district goals, support fiscal accountability, and foster transparency across all schools and external partners. The Executive Director will also oversee the development, implementation, and management of the district’s consolidated budget, ensuring effective financial planning and resource allocation. Additionally, this position will supervise the financial accountability processes and the Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF) to ensure financial compliance and performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in financial strategy and operations for NOLA Public Schools, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning;
• Oversee the district’s consolidated budget, working with internal stakeholders and external partners (CMOs, Independent LEAs, and charter schools) to ensure alignment with district priorities and resource distribution.
• Work collaboratively with CMOs, Independent LEAs, and schools to develop, implement, and manage sustainable financial practices that meet district objectives and standards;
• Ensure the district’s financial policies, practices, and reporting align with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as best practices in education finance;
• Communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders, ensuring transparency and understanding;
• Coordinate regular meetings and reports with charter schools and CMOs to review financial performance and address issues or concerns related to funding, budgeting, and compliance;
• Manage and mentor a team of finance professionals, providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities;
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and senior leadership to develop financial strategies that support academic and operational goals, including grant opportunities, funding sources, and fiscal efficiencies;
• Stay informed of emerging trends in educational finance, including changes to local, state, and federal funding, and adjust financial strategies accordingly;
• Work closely with the CFO and other district leaders to prioritize budget allocations based on district-wide needs and goals, ensuring equitable distribution of resources;
• Lead the development of the district’s annual budget, consolidating inputs from all schools, CMOs, and LEAs to create a unified, strategic financial plan;
• Monitor and assess financial trends, risks, and opportunities within the district, providing proactive solutions to address any emerging financial concerns;
• Contribute to the district’s long-term strategic planning process by providing financial insights and guidance on resource allocation, funding opportunities, and financial sustainability;
• Performs other duties as required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; a master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) is preferred.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, including significant experience in an education or public sector environment.
• Proven experience in budget development , financial forecasting, and resource allocation, preferably within a school district or similar organization.

Preferred Skills and Work Experience

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage complex financial systems and processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
• Skilled in financial reporting, data analysis, and the use of financial software and tools.
• Ability to think strategically and develop long-term financial strategies in alignment with district priorities.
• Ability to follow-up/follow-through on assignments is essential.

Direct Reports:

This position manages a Director of Financial Accountability, Director of Finance, and Director of Budget and Revenue directly.

Salary OffersOur salary offers reflect a commitment to equity and transparency. Each offer is determined by education, years of experience, and alignment with compensation across similar roles within the district.
Work EnvironmentListed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. - Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) part of the workday; - Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more than 30 pounds rarely; - Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals) rarely; - Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements rarely; - Normal setting for this job is an office/school setting.
Performance EvaluationThe employee will be evaluated based on the above position using either two methods: via COMPASS or a NOLA-PS evaluating instrument. If the employee holds an Educational Leadership certification, he/she will be evaluated via COMPASS to ensure renewal of certification.
EEOC StatementNOLA Public Schools is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.