Director of Finance and Operations

Position Overview

Lunenburg Public Schools seeks an experienced, highly skilled Director of Finance and Operations to provide strategic leadership and effective management of the District's financial and operational functions. The Director serves as a key member of the Superintendent's leadership team and works closely with school and municipal officials to ensure that District resources are managed transparently, responsibly, and in support of student learning. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with sound judgment, integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex financial and operational information clearly to a range of audiences. This position requires a collaborative leader who can establish effective systems, strengthen internal controls, anticipate challenges, and help the District make thoughtful and sustainable decisions.

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Budget Management

Lead the development, presentation, administration, and monitoring of the District's annual operating and capital budgets. Provide the Superintendent and School Committee with timely, accurate financial reports, projections, analyses, and recommendations. Develop multi-year financial forecasts and expenditure models to support strategic planning and responsible decision-making. Monitor salaries, benefits, special education costs, grants, revolving accounts, student activity accounts, and other District funding sources. Conduct regular variance analyses and clearly explain material differences between budgeted and actual revenues and expenditures. Oversee year-end closing activities, purchase orders, encumbrances, and reconciliation of District financial records. Maintain effective internal controls and ensure appropriate authorization, documentation, and segregation of financial responsibilities. Identify financial risks, emerging cost pressures, and opportunities to improve efficiency and sustainability. Coordinate the preparation of financial materials for School Committee meetings, Town Meeting, audits, collective bargaining, and other public processes. Accounting, Compliance, and Reporting Ensure compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements, municipal finance procedures, School Committee policies, grant requirements, and generally accepted accounting practices. Oversee state and federal financial reporting, including the End-of-Year Report and other required submissions. Manage the fiscal administration of grants, revolving funds, circuit breaker reimbursements, special education accounts, and student activity funds. Support the District's annual audit and respond promptly to audit findings and recommendations. Develop, document, implement, and regularly review financial procedures and business-office practices. Maintain accurate, accessible, and auditable financial records. Coordinate with the Town finance office to reconcile school and municipal financial records and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Operational Leadership

Provide strategic oversight of District operations, which may include facilities, transportation, food services, procurement, technology-related budgeting, risk management, and other assigned functions. Develop long-range operational and capital plans aligned with the District's educational priorities. Oversee procurement and contracting processes in accordance with applicable Massachusetts requirements. Monitor vendor performance and ensure that contracts provide appropriate service, accountability, and value. Collaborate with the Director of Facilities and school leaders regarding building operations, maintenance priorities, safety needs, and capital planning. Support emergency planning, continuity of operations, insurance administration, and risk-reduction efforts. Evaluate operational systems and recommend improvements that increase effectiveness, transparency, and service to schools. Personnel and Leadership Supervise, support, and evaluate assigned business and operational personnel. Establish clear expectations, workflows, timelines, and accountability measures within areas of responsibility. Work collaboratively with principals, administrators, and department leaders to develop budgets and manage resources. Provide training and guidance to staff regarding purchasing, budgeting, financial procedures, and internal controls. Support collective bargaining by preparing financial analyses, costing proposals, and other relevant information. Promote a business office culture characterized by accuracy, responsiveness, professionalism, collaboration, and service. Serve as a trusted financial and operational advisor to the Superintendent.

Communication and Collaboration

Present financial and operational information clearly and objectively at public meetings. Translate complex financial information into understandable language for educators, families, municipal officials, and community members. Maintain productive working relationships with the School Committee, Town Manager, Finance Committee, Town finance staff, auditors, vendors, employee groups, and state agencies. Respond professionally and promptly to requests for financial information and public records. Support transparent public communication regarding the District's financial position, priorities, and operational needs.