• Do you want to help create a more just and kind world? 
• Do you believe that diversity is a powerful strength for a school community? 
• Do you want to ensure that every student can be successful and prepared to thrive in college, career, and life?

You are: 

A kind, communicative, social justice leader that seeks a Director of Budget and Finance position, with a strong belief that you will provide the resources necessary to prepare students to thrive in college, career, and life. You want to be part of a school community dedicated to creating a more just and equitable world. You have a growth mindset, want to develop the perspective, agency, and urgency to make a positive impact in the world around you, and take actions that promote justice and equity in your community.

We are E.L. Haynes.  

A learning community where every student – of every race, socioeconomic status, home language, and ability – prepares to thrive in college, career, and life. Together, we create a more just and kind world.

Founded in 2004 and named for the first African-American woman to earn her Ph.D. in Mathematics, the award-winning E.L. Haynes Public Charter School serves nearly 1,200 students in grades Pre-K 3 through 12th grade. E.L. Haynes operates two campuses in the Petworth neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC, and offers a rigorous educational program designed to prepare students to succeed in the college of their choice.

We believe that our most significant contribution to ending systemic injustice is through purposefully empowering our diverse community— as individuals and as a collective— with the skills and the conviction to be effective leaders for equity.

Our mission of student success is inextricably linked with our commitment to equity and the daily efforts of every member of our community to live our motto: Be Kind, Work Hard, and Get Smart.

We:

• Lead For Equity: We challenge ourselves and each other to interrupt inequities and build equitable alternatives.
• Choose Joy: We find, bring, and share joy in our work every day. We practice gratitude, celebrate wins, and offer praise.
• Achieve Excellence: We deliver high-quality work every day. We set ambitious goals, embrace challenges, and hold ourselves and each other to high standards.
• Own Our Learning: We model a growth mindset for our students. We own our actions, mistakes, and learning. We continually look for ways to improve and produce high-quality work.
• Succeed Together: We value every member of our community and treat each other with kindness and care. We build meaningful relationships with students, families, and each other. We achieve more through collaboration and teamwork.

We are different. We are:

• A diverse and inclusive community, with nearly 70% of our staff identifying as people of color.
• The hub of the neighborhood. We are a community school and partner with neighborhood organizations to provide our families with comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services. 
• A place where all community members have their voices heard in the decision-making process.
• A school where students learn in a rigorous and coherent PK-12 environment.

We expect students to demonstrate the following skills and qualities in our graduate profile.  

ABOUT OUR ACADEMIC PROGRAM

We typically operate on an extended year calendar with an additional 1,000 hours of academic and extracurricular programming beyond the 1,200 hours that every DC student receives. 

Please read more about our academic program here.  

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of Budget and Finance will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and work with program staff, families, and other stakeholders to ensure a high level of service, compliance, and financial sustainability. This position works with the Chief Operating Officer in setting and communicating financial management strategies, and managing daily finance operations including school budgets, revenue, and expenditure data, audits, federal and state grants. The Director is a critical thought partner to the Board of Trustees, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Academic Officer, senior leadership team, school leaders, and other budget owners to realize organizational priorities. The Director of Budget and Finance will also manage the Budget and Finance Coordinator.

You will lead:

Financial Strategy, Planning, and Oversight

• Lead fiscal planning and implementation of the annual budget;
• Analyze key indicators to inform organizational decision-making;
• Manage financial forecasting, budgets, and overseeing the preparation of all financial reporting;
• Support contingency planning to ensure the organization can manage unexpected financial situations;
• Assist the COO in managing complex real estate financing structures; and
• Support the Audit, Finance, and Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees and other supporting entities.

Internal Accounting Processes and Controls

• In partnership with an accounting firm, direct preparation and transmission of financial statements, annual audits, tax filings, and financial compliance reports to banks, city, state, and federal agencies;
• Oversee all aspects of the budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting processes - ensure accuracy and predictability of results and key metrics;
• Oversee cash, investments, and asset management;
• Work closely with the Talent and HR teams to manage staff census and salaries;
• Set department budgets, and track and communicate spending to budget owners and school leaders;
• Manage purchasing and cash management activities; and
• Manage the Budget and Finance Coordinator position, who is responsible for coordinating monthly reconciliation and accounts payable/receivable processes.

Audit, Data, and Reporting

• Lead multiple audits to ensure compliance with all federal and state policies and procedures;
• Develop materials for reporting to senior leadership and Board of Trustees; and
• Coordinate submissions for all school financial reporting requirements.

Grants Management

• Manage planning and application process for federal and local grants;
• Serve as the point of contact for all grant monitoring activities;
• Assist in budget development for competitive and private grants;
• Ensure grants are aligned to the school’s budget; and
• Oversee all grant drawdown processes to ensure no lapsed grant funds.

You have:

• 2-3 years of experience in finance, grants management, or related position;
• Bachelor’s degree in finance or business area;
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; 
• Exceptional analytical skills and data management;
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal);
• A team player with a sense of collaboration and ownership;
• Expertise and demonstrated experience in understanding finance policies and budgeting processes;
• Ability to build strong, authentic relationships and credibility with people at all levels;
• Organized with attention to detail and ability to make timely, effective, mission-aligned decisions.
• Exceptional reliability and integrity to maintain confidentiality for sensitive issues; and
• Full COVID-19 vaccination.

You might also have:

• Prior experience in non-profit budget and finance management.
• Prior experience with QuickBooks preferred. 
• Additional experience with Google Spreadsheets preferred. 

We Look Forward To Meeting You!

We proactively recruit, intentionally develop, and deeply value all members of our diverse and highly talented staff community. Our work environment fosters inclusion and authenticity, supporting all staff to thrive in their roles and maximize their impact on our students.

Our hiring process consists of an online application, an initial virtual interview, a performance task, and a panel interview. Please see more here.

E.L. Haynes offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.  Click here to view our Employee Benefits Snapshot.

Spanish speakers and people of color are encouraged to apply.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, we have reimagined our safety and cleanliness procedures to keep our students, families, and staff as safe as possible. More details can be found here.