Chief Financial Officer - Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy

BVP is an intentionally diverse network of tuition-free public charter schools. As a founding member of the National Coalition of Diverse Charter Schools, BVP offers a high-quality school choice to the families of Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, and Pawtucket.

The mission of Blackstone Valley Prep is to prepare every scholar to achieve their goals for college and the world beyond. BVP’s scholars will graduate empowered as learners, individuals, and community members to access opportunities and break down barriers.

Apart from academics, we believe that preparing scholars for the world beyond also means experiencing the diversity of the world we live in today. Our network is designed to be diverse, accepting students from the four communities that share a region but differ substantially in their socio-economic, racial, and ethnic demographics. We seek to create a staff with a similarly diverse set of backgrounds and experiences that reflect that of our students, families, and communities. Blackstone Valley Prep (BVP) Mayoral Academy is now hiring dedicated team members who are willing to do whatever it takes to put all scholars on a path to college. Successful candidates should understand and advocate for the importance of equity in classrooms, curriculums, and throughout school systems.

Learn more about why BVP is different.

Expectations of a BVP Team Member include (but are not limited to):

• Acts on the belief that 100% of scholars can be successful in college and the world beyond

• Embraces the diversity of the BVP community by fostering an environment of respect and inclusion while actively working to build an equitable school community

• Cultivates the social and personal skills that will serve scholars’ in a complex world.

• Engages meaningfully in school and network professional growth opportunities and enhances professional growth by giving and seeking assistance from other team members

• Acts ethically and with integrity while following all school, network, and state policies

• Engages families as partners in scholar success while recognizing and respecting differences in family backgrounds, structures, and cultures

• Attends mandatory professional development and family meet and greets

Opportunities and Benefits for a BVP Team Member include (but are not limited to):

• Competitive salary range of $121,000 - $134,000 commensurate with experience and comprehensive medical and dental plan

• Internal hiring to capitalize on strengths and interests

• Collaborative, team-driven culture

• Instructional coaching

• Referral bonuses

• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and tuition reimbursement

• All staff members receive a minimum of 7 personal days per year

• 401(k) retirement plan that is 100% vested immediately with an employer match of 5%

• Generous parental leave benefits

• Matched flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care

• Longevity Bonuses

• School-aged children of BVP employees receive preference in enrollment (restrictions apply)

We’re looking for a Chief Financial Officer who puts the needs of scholars at the forefront of every financial decision. This person knows that the work of a financial leader is just as important to a strong educational experience for students as the academic program.

Hybrid work option available

In addition, the Chief Financial Officer is expected to:

Financial Strategy and Budgeting

• Lead the strategic budgeting process, fiscal modeling, and long-term financial planning.

• Provide financial counsel to the CEO and senior leadership team to align the budget with organizational goals.

• Oversee financial forecasting, performance monitoring, and capital expenditure programs.

• Perform budget analysis and proper controls of all accounts including operational budget, revolving accounts and grants.

• Analyze and interpret financial data and recommend changes to improve the system.

• Manage day-to-day financial operations including managing a team responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and procurement.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations, including charter school funding requirements and reporting obligations.

• Manage BVP’s internal control structures, audits, and financial reporting processes.

• Provide financial information to the Board in accordance with Board policy; attend board meetings.

• Be responsible for regular financial review and preparation of financial reports shared with management, Board of Directors, the Rhode Island Department of Education, the US Department of Education and other internal and external stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership

• Serve as a key liaison with external stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, lenders, funders, and vendors.

• Engage in negotiations and manage relationships with vendors and service providers.

• Foster collaboration across departments to ensure organizational financial health and support the achievement of program goals.

• Collaborate with school leaders to generate buy-in and lead to greater efficiency, effectiveness, and strong financial controls.

Training and Capacity Building

• Hire, develop, and oversee finance staff, maintaining a culture of high performance and ethical behavior.

• Implement a performance management system that is equitable across team members, on a predictable timeline, and with transparent expectations.

• Provide tools, training, and resources to executive, departmental leaders, and Heads of Schools to enhance financial literacy and enable effective budget management.

• Conduct workshops related to CFO functions to support ongoing learning within the organization​.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Financial Leadership and Expertise

• Strong knowledge of financial management principles, including GAAP, GASB, fund accounting, and state and federal grant management practices.

• Proven track record in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and accurate financial reporting for large, complex budgets.

• Deep understanding of local, state and federal funding mechanisms, including grants, public appropriations, and other funding streams specific to public charter schools.

Scholars First

• Expresses high expectations for all students, and demonstrates through their actions belief in all scholars' potential to complete college/postsecondary education and succeed in life.

• Promotes educational equity as a guiding principle across school network, and ensures it is reflected in financial decisions

Drive Results

• Develops and communicates clear strategy to meet goals.

• Manages change by seeking to understand its effects upon the organization and key stakeholders and anticipating unintended consequences.

• Gains the commitment of others toward the goals and the strategy to achieve them and manage resistance.

• Makes timely decisions, using intuition as well as data in the face of ambiguity.

• Recognizes that there are often multiple ways to approach a problem and encourages flexibility in approach when appropriate

Build Relationships

• Clear and compelling communication skills that are adaptive to audience and venue

• Understands natural forces of conflict, including those that may arise due to a difference in cultural background or manner of interacting.

• Prioritizes inclusion and respect in relationships with stakeholders from a diversity of backgrounds.

• Demonstrates the value of diversity and inclusion as an individual and organizationally.

• Holds staff members accountable for diversity, equity, and inclusion and creates an environment where staff can bring their "whole self" to work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

• CPA designation preferred; experience in nonprofit or educational finance desirable.

• Minimum 5 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

• Certification as a School Business Administrator preferred.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, professional references’ contact information, and a cover letter highlighting your alignment with our mission online. If your position requires certification or licensure please be sure to upload it. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regretfully can only respond to those candidates who best meet the requirements of a specific position or whose backgrounds are generally applicable to our team. If you are selected to advance in the hiring process, you will be contacted by a BVP team member.

Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or ancestry.