Director of Finance & Administration

Founded in 2002, KIPP Baltimore operates joyful, academically excellent public charter schools and alumni support programming that prepare students with the skills and confidence necessary to successfully pursue individual pathways to careers of highest aspiration. KIPP Baltimore enrolls approximately 1,400 kindergarten through eighth grade students in two schools on a shared campus in the former Walbrook High School building in West Baltimore: KIPP Harmony Academy (grades PreK-5) and KIPP Ujima Village Academy (6-8).  Including our signature KIPP Forward (formerly KIPP Through College) program, we support more than 3,000 current students and alumni.

KIPP Baltimore is part of the national KIPP Public Schools network. KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) began in 1994 with 47 fifth-graders as a college-preparatory program housed within a public middle school in Houston, Texas; today, we are a network of 280 schools, 15,000 educators, and 175,000 students and alumni. All KIPP public charter schools are locally-run, non-profit organizations; each region is governed by a board of directors.

KIPP Baltimore is seeking a strategic and dynamic Director of Finance & Administration (DOFA) to join its leadership team. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the DOFA will provide senior leadership for all financial functions and business operations within KIPP Baltimore. In addition to overseeing finance and accounting, the DOFA  directly manages the Regional HR Specialist role and will lead key human resource initiatives outlined under the “Responsibilities” section.

Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management

• Develop and execute strategic financial plans to support KIPP Baltimore's mission and goals.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to ensure transparency and accountability.

• Manage cash flow, investments, and financial risk to maintain fiscal health and sustainability.

• Identify innovative financing opportunities and navigate revenue restrictions to optimize resources for student success.

• Successfully prepare for organizational audits performed by independent financial auditors

1. Human Resources Administration

• Efficiently manage the Regional HR Specialist role by supporting key HR work streams including: employee information management, benefits administration, payroll execution, and onboarding/orientation for new staff.

• Develop and implement HR policies/procedures in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Provide guidance and support to managers and staff on HR-related matters

• Oversee payroll operations to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

1. Execute on the strategic financial vision for KIPP Baltimore

• Serve as a thought-partner to school and regional leaders in all aspects of financial decision making through strong financial reporting and analysis.

• Refine and develop as needed, document, and implement organization-wide processes, reports and dashboards to support effective communication on all finance matters across the organization.

• Maintain a nuanced understanding of laws and regulations pertaining to school finance and business operations in Maryland.

• Develop and maintain pro-forma financial models that will inform decision making by school and regional leaders.

• Develop a strategic financial plan reflecting educational priorities and sustainability.

1. Manage staff to sustained efficacy in all accounting and personnel practices

• Direct the preparation of reports to meet the compliance needs of government agencies, grants, and bank covenants

• Manage HR & Finance staff responsible for payroll, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and petty cash

• Supervise organizational-wide accounting practices to ensure continuous compliance in all aspects of financial reporting

• Support Regional Director of Operations and Directors of School Operations with the training, tools, and supervision needed to effectively manage school-level financial operations

• Support strong grant management

• Directing and implementing human resource functions (benefits administration, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, outplacement counseling, exit interviews, etc.) 

• Direct the implementation of strong performance management systems that result in consistent feedback, coaching and development of staff

1. Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to achieve shared goals and objectives.

• Represent KIPP Baltimore in external financial and HR-related matters, including with funders, regulators, and community partners.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field; Master's degree preferred.

• CPA, SHRM-CP, or SPHR certification is a plus.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance and/or HR leadership roles, preferably in the education or non-profit sector.

• Strong financial acumen, with expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation.

• Knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and payroll administration.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and adapt to changing priorities.

• Commitment to KIPP Baltimore's mission and values.

KIPP Baltimore offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of its employees. Team members enjoy a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match and no vesting period, as well as robust medical, dental, and vision insurance options. Additionally, KIPP Baltimore provides short- and long-term disability coverage and life insurance to ensure peace of mind. KIPP Baltimore offers a salary range of $114,000 to $126,000 for this position.

Start Date: Immediate

For more information about this position, please contact Cha`Dalena Hart, Recruitment Manager, at [email protected] or 410-499-9673.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:  KIPP Baltimore is committed to the ideal of diversity in its student body and in its faculty and staff.  KIPP Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.