Director of Finance

Job Title: Director of FinanceMember of Educational Cooperative50-65% FTE, ExemptSalary range: $47,385-$61,601Location: on campus, in-personStarting Date: June 1, 2026 (flexible)About Synergy School:Synergy School is a progressive, independent TK–8 school in San Francisco’s Mission District. Founded in 1973, the school operates as an Educational Cooperative in which teachers and administrative staff share in the responsibility for the education and well-being of its ~190 students. The school maintains an endowment, reserve fund, and sinking fund, and emphasizes thoughtful financial stewardship aligned with its mission.Role Overview:The Director of Finance is a strategic and operational leader responsible for the school’s full financial function. This role partners closely with the administrative team, Educational  Cooperative, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees to ensure strong financial health, transparency, and long-term sustainability. This is a part-time leadership role (approximately 50–65% depending on the candidate). The role is on-site working as part of the broader administration team ~2 days per week.Key Responsibilities:Financial Leadership & StrategyOwn the school’s financial strategy, planning, and long-term sustainabilityPartner with the co-op and Board to guide financial decision-makingTranslate financial data into clear insights for non-financial stakeholdersLead financial modeling and scenario planning (tuition, enrollment, staffing) Budgeting & ForecastingLead annual budgeting process across all school programsBuild and maintain rolling forecasts and scenario analysesPartner with program leaders (After School, Summer, Development) on budgetsMonitor performance vs. budget and provide variance analysis Board & Committee EngagementServe as primary liaison to Finance and Audit CommitteesPrepare and present monthly/quarterly financial reporting packagesSupport Board-level strategic discussions with clear financial insights Fund & Investment OversightOversee endowment, reserve, and sinking fundsProvide analysis and recommendations on fund usage and sustainabilityCoordinate with external investment advisors as needed Operations & ComplianceOversee accounting, financial reporting, and internal controlsEnsure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP)Manage audits, tax filings, and regulatory requirementsOversee vendor relationships and contracts Tuition & Financial Aid CollaborationPartner with admin team on tuition setting and financial aid strategySupport collections process with empathy and structure Systems & Process ImprovementImprove financial systems, reporting tools, and dashboardsDrive automation and efficiency (QuickBooks, spreadsheets, etc.) Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (CFA, CPA, or advanced degree a plus)5–10+ years of finance experience (nonprofit, education, or startup experience preferred)Strong financial modeling and analytical skillsAbility to communicate clearly with both financial and non-financial stakeholdersExperience presenting to senior leadership or boardsFamiliarity with QuickBooks or similar systems Key Traits:Strategic thinker with hands-on execution abilityStrong communicator and collaborator in a cooperative environmentHigh integrity and ownership mindsetComfortable operating in a lean, mission-driven organizationBenefit Highlights: Part-time role (up to 50-65% FTE) Annual salary range: $47,385-$61,601BenefitsTuition Remission: 50-65% remission for the 1st child; 25-40% remission for the 2nd child Join us in shaping the financial landscape of Synergy School and fostering an environment where academic excellence thrives in tandem with financial prudence.To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to trustees@synergyschool.org.