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Director of Finance and Operations

Henry Ford Academy: Power House High (grades 9-12) is the first in a series of new Henry Ford Academies planned for selected communities across the United States.  Developed in collaboration with a range of partners, including the Henry Ford Learning Institute, Ford Motor Company, the Homan Arthington Foundation, and the Center for Urban School Improvement at the University of Chicago, the school is excited to be a part of the growing vitality of the North Lawndale community.  Power House High will be based on the acclaimed Henry Ford Academy, the nation’s first public school developed in partnership with a cultural institution, a global corporation and a traditional school district located in Dearborn, Michigan.  Like the original Henry Ford Academy, Power House High will prepare students for post-secondary academic success and future career challenges through an innovative curriculum and performance assessment-centered model for education.  Power House High will open in August 2008 serving 120 ninth graders.  In subsequent years, Power House High will add grades 10-12 and expand to 460 students at full enrollment.  The school’s permanent site location will be in the historic Homan Square Power House located at 931 South Homan Avenue in North Lawndale.

A candidate search is underway for a Director of Finance and Operations.  With ongoing support and technical assistance from HFLI, the original Henry Ford Academy in Dearborn, Michigan, the Center for Urban School Improvement at the Univ. of Chicago, Homan Square Community Center -- and a range of community, business, and philanthropic partners in Chicago -- the Director will have a broad range of professional and community based support. Along with a Founding Principal and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, the Director of Finance and Operations completes the senior leadership team for the Power House High. The Director of Finance and Operations reports directly to the principal and is expected to:

Administration

• Manage all day-to-day non-instructional operations and financial matters of the school, supervise all administrative and non-instructional personnel, and support effective involvement of multiple community partners. 
• Work effectively with HFLI, the local community and corporate partners, and other organizations to develop the resources necessary to successfully implement the Henry Ford Academy Model.
• Manage effective external relations, communication with CPS, development efforts, legal matters, and all compliance and reporting requirements.
• Monitor and track student academic performance, attrition, attendance, tardiness, and disciplinary issues.
• Responsible for compliance with all state and federal charter regulations and other applicable laws.
• Direct human resource function. Maintain all employee files and coordinate employee benefits. Manage turnover and monitor teacher and staff satisfaction and morale.
• Work effectively with and support the principal and chair of the Board of Directors.
• Ensure the Academy is participating effectively in the Henry Ford Academy Network of Schools.
• Work closely with all staff develop a positive school culture and ensure the human resources function of the school is operating effectively. Foster good faculty, community, and parent relations.

• Support and lead administrative staff in order to ensure teachers have the resources necessary to meet the needs of their students.

Finance

• Administer effective accounting, planning, budgeting efforts, including payroll, benefits, and all aspects of the general ledger.
• Prepare annual budgets for presentation to the Board. Establish, review, and enforce financial and accounting policy. Develop business processes to ensure adequate financial and cost controls.
• Ensure timely monthly review of the financial condition and performance relative to financial objectives.
• Manage all vendor relationships, flows of funds, procurement, etc., and ensure an effective system of internal control is present.
• Develop and monitor budgets to ensure that all expenditure of funds meet all state, federal, local, and grant guidelines.
• Oversee the annual audit and ensure compliance with all reporting entities, including an array of foundation and government funding sources.
• Administer all insurance requirements.

Operations

• Oversee the operation of all facilities, including safety and security needs. Manage office facilities, equipment, furniture, supplies, and vendors, and all landlord/tenant matters.
• Direct core office activities and administrative functions: telecommunication, mail, ordering supplies, maintaining the general files and databases. Manage general administrative and reception staff.
• Represent the School on financial and operational matters to school funding sources, representatives of the Chicago Public Schools, City, County and State Government, banking officials, the School's outside accounting firm, and the Board of Directors.

Technology

• Manage IT resources and all information systems. Oversee staff and vendors to ensure smooth operations, including network administration, backups, and ongoing special projects related to hardware, software, and data management.
• Direct use of technology to optimize business processes and streamline school administration tasks.
• Ensure effective implementation of the E-Rate reimbursement program.

Development

• Oversee fundraising, marketing, and development, and serve as a spokesperson for school.
• Develop and implement communications and media strategy. Maintain website content and other promotional materials.
• Oversee fundraising and grant writing; identify potential private support and government programs.

Skills and Qualifications

• College and/or master degree in an appropriate field. Preference for an MBA or CPA.
• Entrepreneurial thinker with exceptional leadership skills and a desire to support the vision and mission of a Henry Ford Academy.
• Willingness and enthusiasm for doing whatever it takes to ensure the operational and financial needs of the school are met.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly, perform at a high level under pressure, and work efficiently as both a team member and as a leader.
• Experience as a school business official and/or teacher highly desired. Preference for charter school experience.
• Strong background in accounting, finance, and operations.
• Familiarity with Chicago Public Schools political landscape.
• Strong belief that all kids can succeed at very high levels.
• Computer proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office, a sophisticated accounting software package, and a basic understanding of network technology is required.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to:
Sabrena L. Davis, Principal

sabrena.davis@powerhousehigh.org

fax at 773.826.0808, or mail to:

Henry Ford Academy: Power House High

3333 W. Arthington, Suite 120

Chicago, Illinois 60624

www.powerhousehigh.org