Director of Finance and Operations

Methuen Public Schools•Methuen, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, the Director/Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations serves as a vital member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team for Methuen Public Schools. This executive role is responsible for all financial and operational functions of the district and shall lead in the areas of budget development, financial forecasting and planning, accounting, building maintenance and custodial oversight, transportation services, nutrition services, and reporting. The Director/Assistant Superintendent is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective, efficient practices across all financial and administrative divisions of the organization. The ideal candidate will align financial resources with instructional priorities, ensure strict regulatory compliance, and foster collaborative relationships with city officials and the school community to support the district's mission.

Requirements

MA licensure as School Business Administrator and/or Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
Master's degree or higher from an accredited college/university
Experience as a School Business Manager, Finance Director, or similar position
Experience in budget development and monitoring, preferably in a school setting
Deep knowledge of public school finance, including knowledge of state law governing the financing of public schools
Strong understanding of state funding for public education, accounting, municipal business practices, budget development, and financial forecasting.
Working knowledge of the MUNIS financial system
Skilled in the use of Microsoft Excel and information management systems
Ability to perform and clearly communicate financial analyses
Experience with procurement procedures, personnel management, and human relations
Experience working with transportation software, overseeing transportation services
Leadership and management experience
Strong written and verbal communication
Experience collaborating, communicating, and working with multiple stakeholder groups

Nice To Haves

Outstanding preparation and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.

Responsibilities

Serve on the leadership team to drive strategic planning and advise the Superintendent and the Methuen School Committee on financial forecasting.
Align budget and resource allocation with school improvement plans and core instructional priorities.
Act as the school department’s primary financial and operational liaison to City of Methuen departments and city officials.
Ensure absolute compliance with all Methuen School Committee policies, district procedures, and state/federal regulations.
Design and lead professional development for administrators and support staff in finance, operations, and personnel management.
Develop and present a transparent, comprehensive annual budget aligned with the district's strategic plan and state reporting guidelines.
Conduct data-driven forecasting, enrollment projections, and comparative financial analysis to guide policy decisions.
Supervise budget appropriations, revenue collection, and internal financial controls across the district.
Oversee federal, state, and competitive grant expenditures and direct the preparation of year-end reports and audits.
Identify innovative cost-saving measures and pursue alternative revenue-generating opportunities.
Provide comprehensive financial data, cost analysis, and strategic support during collective bargaining with local labor unions.
Directly supervise, train, and evaluate all business office staff and financial clerical personnel district-wide.
Administer all district purchasing, bidding, and contract operations in strict compliance with Massachusetts General Laws
Oversee the internal review and approval of all purchase orders, payroll, and accounts payable prior to execution.
Review and optimize all bids, RFPs, and contracts for district activities, supplies, and construction in collaboration with city procurement officials.
Lead long-range planning for building space utilization and head the development of the annual Capital Improvement Plan.
Act as Central Office liaison for all school building construction, managing Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) processes, statements of interest, and feasibility studies.
Partner with and supervise the Director of Facilities to oversee custodial care, maintenance, health and safety compliance, and energy conservation.
Manage and oversee all aspects of student transportation, including routing, scheduling, and contracts
Direct nutritional services, supervising the food services management team to ensure effective program delivery.
Chair or advise the District Safety Committee, coordinating security and emergency management planning with Information Technology, Facilities, and the Methuen Police and Fire departments.