Chief Financial & Operations Officer
At Sonoma Academy, our students are encouraged and inspired to fully engage in this diverse region, and our program is designed to build real world connections in this vast “classroom” beyond our campus. We embrace academic excellence and foster critical thinking, explore problem solving, build empathy and resilience, and integrate a deep sense of purpose to prepare our students for the future. We encourage our students to discover their true self, to develop a passion for learning that extends beyond grades, to connect with peers across interests, grade levels, different backgrounds and experiences, to express gratitude and appreciation to and for one another, to honor different perspectives, and to respect the world around them. Please visit our virtual tour of our beautiful 34 acre campus, surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected open space adjacent to Santa Rosa’s picturesque Taylor Mountain. The school operates with 335 students, annual revenue of $20.8M, $40M in endowment/reserves, and years of clean financial audits.
The Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) is responsible for leading and managing a comprehensive array of business operations services and programs, including business planning and budget preparation, business reporting and legal filings, human resources/benefit administration, payroll, financial aid administration, cash-management/investment, accounts payable, accounts receivable, physical plant operations, IT operations, transportation, and risk management. The CFO/COO works with the Head of School and Board of Trustees in planning, projecting and managing business growth, oversight of risk management, strategic planning, and all fiduciary responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic:
• Provide programmatic leadership and support the development of the strategic plan in collaboration with the Head of School and senior Administration.
• Develop systems and models, including multi-year financial projections, that inform and support strategic decision-making.
• Support development and implementation of the strategic master plan for the school’s physical plant.
• Serve as Corporate Officer to ensure the continued financial viability of Sonoma Academy through sound fiscal management.
• Provide effective and inspiring leadership, as well as stewardship, of Sonoma Academy by being actively involved in all business operations.
Finance/Accounting:
• Supervise daily financial activities including cash flow, cash-related receipts, accounts receivable and credit and collection functions, ensuring a timely processing of billings, payments and collections.
• Supervise administrative and operational accounting services such as treasury management, 403-B plan, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing.
• Supervise the development of the annual operating, capital expense and restricted fund budgets.
• Coordinate, design and implement internal financial reporting systems, financial controls and management information systems.
• Oversee preparation for annual audit, respond to any audit comments and report to Board and Board committees.
Human Resources:
• Propose and implement a total compensation strategy for employees, including benefit and compensation programs.
• With senior management, build a climate of transparency, consistency and clarity around all human resource functions, processes, and communications to ensure equity.
Operations:
• Upgrade and implement appropriate systems of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
• Develop and implement systems and processes to establish and maintain records. • Evaluate and/or negotiate for the purchase of goods and services, and all third-party contracts. • Lead the school’s risk management process to include all liability insurance coverages as well as overall campus safety and emergency preparedness.
• Supervise the management of the school’s physical plant.
• Supervise Information Technology, security, transportation and food service.
General:
• Serve as a senior member of the administrative team, advising the head of school and other department directors to ensure compliance with school policies and procedures and state and federal regulations.
• Coordinate the preparation of reports and special analyses for school administration and the board; present recommendations for changes and/or improvements in monetary
control/adherence to the budget and other school policies.
• Support the Board’s Finance Committee, Building & Grounds Committee, Risk Management Committee, and others as needed. Attend monthly Board meetings.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
The following positions report to the CFO/COO: Director of Facilities, Director of Technology, Human Resource Manager, Business Office, and Reception staff.
Required Education and Experience:
• Master’s degree in business/accounting and a minimum of eight years of relevant experience, non-profit experience preferred
• Proven experience leading a team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage programs and activities.
• Working knowledge of business and non-profit accounting policies, procedures, practices and software programs.
• Experience in plant management, master planning and capital projects
Competencies Required:
• Ability to communicate effectively with school representatives, parents, students, alumni, donors and representatives from the business community.
• Ability to think and plan strategically and creatively.
• Ability to supervise and manage multiple functions and activities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to be part of a collaborative environment and work closely with colleagues and parents
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional and empathetic approach
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing
• Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a sense of humor
Salary Range:
$275,000 to $300,000, health, dental, vision benefits paid at 100% for employees, and 75% for dependents, retirement benefit of 7% of annual income, 4 weeks vacation and 25 additional holidays/paid days off.
To Apply:
This retained search is managed by Mary Law of Mary Law Executive Search, the California leader in placing nonprofit and private school Finance and HR professionals.
Please contact Mary Law Executive Search at
mary[at]marylawexecutivesearch.com or 925-785-6991 (direct).
Assistant Coaching Positions
Currently seeking candidates for Spring (Track & Field, Tennis, Lacrosse)
Under the supervision of the Athletic Director and head coaches, provide support for the head coach with all aspects of the program.
Main Duties:
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Coach and instruct students in the proper use of equipment and rules of the specific sport
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Supervise students during practices, during athletic competitions and on buses to and from athletic competitions
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Maintain student discipline, including prevention of hazing, harassment and discrimination, which supports the principles of the Sonoma Academy Mission Statement
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Maintain proper inventory and care of equipment and facilities
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Assess student performance and make coaching decisions based upon those assessments
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
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Knowledge and ability to prevent injuries
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Ability to teach and motivate high school aged students
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Possess current CPR and First Aid certificate
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Ability to work with other staff - both assistant coaches and athletic staff
- Complete all school required paperwork before official start date
- Exhibit positive leadership skills, good sportsmanship and personal and professional integrity
- Maintain good communication with the Athletic Director, school administrators, other staff and parents
- Demonstrate good rapport with the coaches and staff of other schools and the athletic officials
- Organize, plan, and execute practices and meet schedules in a timely manner in coordination with the Athletic Director and school calendar
- Work with the Athletic Director to maintain the budget for the sport
- Administer CPR and First Aid if needed
Education & Experience:
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Experience in teaching and coaching the sport at the high school, college or professional level
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Athletic experience – ideally in specific sport at the high school, college or professional level
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Training in how to teach and coach the sport, and/or formal training in child development and/or experience with working with youth
Physical Requirements:
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Be able to lift up to 50 pounds
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Requires successful completion of employment background screening/verification and insurability on school auto insurance. Ability to drive at night as needed.
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Tasks involve the ability to exert physical effort, including during coaching, carrying equipment, etc.
Notes specific to Sonoma Academy spring positions:
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Season begins Monday, Feb 10
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Season includes 10-14 league games as well as non league games
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Season end date is mid to late May, depending on postseason.
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SA teams currently practice or compete Monday-Friday with occasional Saturday games
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Practice times are after school ranging from 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm
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Assistant coach stipend available based upon experience ($20-$25 per hour)
To Apply:
- Please include 2 references
- Resumes will be received until Jan 1st. At that time finalists will be contacted for interviews until the position is offered and accepted.
Adjunct Teacher (Part-time Adjunct Position for 2024-2025)
Sonoma Academy is seeking qualified applicants to establish a pool for adjunct teachers across all disciplines. Adjunct teaching assignments may be temporary, part-time, and may be immediate or as needed. This job posting is not for a specific course or for a full-time faculty position. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. If an immediate need arises, applications will be reviewed. If there is no immediate need, all applications will remain on file until the need arises or up to one year.
Key Responsibilities:
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Create and implement lesson plans for one or multiple courses in areas of subject-matter expertise.
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Facilitate interactive and student-centered learning experiences.
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Manage the classroom effectively to encourage student participation, minimize distractions and maintain a positive learning environment.
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Assess student progress and provide timely feedback.
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Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
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Maintain open and effective communication with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues.
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Required Skills and Experiences:
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BA/BS in relevant academic field.
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Enthusiastic about teaching high school students and developing impactful courses for learners.
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Thinks creatively about pedagogy and assessment and exhibits commitment to continued professional growth in those areas.
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Committed to working in a community of diverse students and learners; actively supports adolescent growth and well-being
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Practices cultural competency in all aspects of school life
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Flexibility, resilience, good humor
Compensation:
The base salary range for this position for the 2024-2025 academic year is $75.00 to $125.00 per hour. Within this broad range, we pay each employee in accordance with what could be reasonably expected based on an individual's experience level. This pay range is a reasonable estimate of what the School anticipates paying for a role but is not guaranteed. If hired, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year.
Work Environment:
This position operates in a professional, school environment at a private, independent high school.
This is a part-time adjunct position with occasional evening and weekend work.
To Apply:
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cover letter indicating subjects taught and interest in Sonoma Academy;
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current resume
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list of three professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address (references will not be contacted without the applicant’s permission).
Facilities Technician
The Sonoma Academy Facilities Team plays a vital role in maintaining the school’s collection of purpose-built and sophisticated buildings, as well as 34 acres of campus grounds. Under the supervision of the Facilities Manager, the Facilities Technician combines maintenance, repair and event logistics tasks with the safe and effective transportation of students. This position requires a team attitude, a high degree of flexibility, a strong customer service orientation, and the ability to interact with a broad range of users, including students, staffulty, parents and community members.
Key Responsibilities:
Facilities
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Assist with troubleshooting and repairs of buildings and installed systems to include package HVAC units, plumbing systems, kitchen equipment, roofs, drains and minor electrical.
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Ability to use technology such as: smart phones, tablets, web-based applications, including building automation systems (BMS) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
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Perform or assist with, to the extent capable, general building maintenance and repairs in the following categories: plumbing, electrical, painting, door hardware, HVAC, furniture and equipment, pavement and school vehicles, gates and fences.
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Assist with the facility preparation, set-up and clean-up for regular school activities and special events installing tents, canopies, artwork, draperies tables & chairs, working closely with various school personnel responsible for those activities.
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Handle deliveries of equipment and furniture to the campus, assembling and getting assets to the appropriate location.
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Maintain and operate fire and life safety systems such as: fire alarm, fire sprinkler and fire pumps.
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Operate various manual or powered tools and equipment.
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Respond to and take appropriate actions in the event of emergency or critical incidents to resolve, confine or prevent potentially injurious or hazardous conditions, as directed.
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Assist with any other facility-related projects as requested.
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Assist with maintaining records and schedules pf preventive maintenance using CMMS software (SchoolDude).
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Demonstrated knowledge of building and safety codes related to facilities systems.
Transportation
If you’re not currently trained as a bus driver or hold the proper licenses, Sonoma Academy will support the cost and provide you with the training to obtain the necessary licensing.
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Drive a school bus transporting students and teachers on athletic and educational field trips as requested.
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Drive a daily shuttle run from the school to the local train station (may be school bus or van).
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Work with the Transportation Coordinator to maintain the school bus in a safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections, reporting any mechanical defects and malfunctions. Secure the vehicles (including closing all windows) after every use.
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Maintain the school bus in clean condition.
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Maintain current knowledge of emergency evacuation procedures and techniques.
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Work with the Transportation Coordinator to submit all state required logs and forms on a weekly basis or for each payroll process. Notify the appropriate personnel of any bus compliance issues, (needed inspections, licensing, etc.)
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Maintain a clean DMV record.
General
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Comply with all Sonoma Academy policies and procedures, including those in the employee handbook.
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Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance.
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Perform any other duties as required.
Qualifications:
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High school diploma or GED required, with a minimum of three years related experience
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Requires successful completion of employment background screening/verification and insurability on school auto insurance.
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Knowledge of basic building and grounds maintenance skills.
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Ability to operate standard custodial, grounds-keeping and maintenance equipment.
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Knowledge of basic safety and OSHA requirements; willingness to follow guidelines.
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The ability to work effectively with employees, students, parents, school administration and local law enforcement representatives.
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Ability to prioritize emergency, high importance and larger repair projects against daily maintenance needs and to coordinate with the Facilities Manager.
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Understanding of blueprints, drawings and schematics.
Preferred Education & Experience
Competencies Required:
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Willingness to be part of a collaborative environment and work closely with students, colleagues, and parents.
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Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
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Ability to take charge and deal professionally/calmly in emergency situations.
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Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a sense of humor.
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Ability to work occasional overtime and after hours or on-call.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
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Ability to drive at night or in early morning hours.
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Tasks involve the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects, weighing 30-50 pounds; may occasionally involve heavier objects and materials weighing up to 100 pounds.
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Tasks are regularly performed with potential exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as strong odors, fumes, dusts, wetness, humidity, machinery, vibrations, temperature and noise extremes. There may be occasional contact with disease, pathogenic substances and toxic/poisonous agents.
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May work in varied extreme outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
To Apply:
Sonoma Academy is an equal opportunity employer. Sonoma Academy does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.