Director of Finance + Operations

Independence Preparatory Academy • Fairfield, AL

3d • $85,000 - $99,000

About The Position

Are you excited about the opportunity to be the driving force behind our school's seamless functioning, ensuring that all operational aspects, from facilities management to administrative processes, are efficient and effective? Can you envision yourself as a problem-solver and strategic planner, tackling challenges head-on to create an environment where students, staff, and faculty can focus on learning and growth without distraction? Are you motivated by the prospect of making a tangible impact on our school's daily operations, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and ultimately contributing to our educational institution's overall success and reputation? If so, Independence Preparatory Academy could be your perfect fit.
To achieve our vision, we seek a Director of School Finance + Operations with a Master’s degree and at least 3 years of experience in start-up/non-profit operations, with a proven record of leadership and a relentlessly high standard of excellence. The ideal candidate brings:
Love for building systems from scratch
Obsession with efficiency and execution
Ability to see problems and instinctively design solutions
Ability to thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
JOIN THE MISSION
iPrep teammates are perpetual learners, challenging the status quo and solving challenges together. We remain united by our commitment to envisioning the infinite potential of every child. Our ideal candidate believes in our scholars and our community. They have a passion for scholar-centered learning, evident in the following orientations:
Adaptability: Our educators are oriented toward building alongside each other. This means a commitment to:
Learning and iterating
An openness to giving and receiving feedback
An entrepreneurial spirit: building from the ground up
Collaboration with other adults and families
Belief in our model and our graduate profile through a commitment to:
Student agency and advocacy
Supporting students in finding their purpose
Mastery-based grading
Profound learning experiences
Student result orientation through a commitment to:
Hard quantitative academics
Holistic indicators for success
Knowledge of self: confidence in describing your identity, purpose, and passions
We are hiring for a June 1, 2026, start date. The salary range for this position is between $85,000 and $99,000. Salary is competitive and aligned to experience and internal equity.
DRIVE MEANINGFUL RESULTS
You are the operational engine of iPrep. You ensure that every system, structure, and resource enables excellent teaching and learning.

Requirements

• Master’s degree
• At least 3 years of experience in start-up/non-profit operations
• Proven record of leadership
• Relentlessly high standard of excellence
• Love for building systems from scratch
• Obsession with efficiency and execution
• Ability to see problems and instinctively design solutions
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments

Responsibilities

• Design and manage all school-wide operational systems to ensure seamless daily execution
• Lead logistics, scheduling, and systems that maximize instructional time
• Ensure a safe, clean, and fully operational facility at all times
• Oversee all facility maintenance, vendor relationships, and capital improvements
• Lead school safety systems, drills, and compliance protocols
• Manage school-based budgeting, purchasing, and financial systems
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements (including audits and reporting)
• Oversee federal programs and funding streams (Title I, Child Nutrition, etc.)
• Ensure high-quality, compliant food service operations
• Manage vendor relationships and meal program execution
• Oversee all school technology systems, devices, and infrastructure
• Ensure staff and students have reliable, functional tools daily
• Lead student recruitment, enrollment systems, and retention strategies
• Own daily attendance systems and interventions to drive strong ADA
• Design and manage high-quality after-school programming
• Build and manage external partnerships that enhance scholar experience
• Build, manage, and develop the operations team
• Create systems of accountability, clarity, and continuous improvement

Benefits

• A chance to be part of community development and work alongside the community to SOAR
• Being a part of a new, innovative, unprecedented school model
• World-class peers - we are looking for exemplary educators committed to pushing your practice, collaborating with peers, and being aligned with our mission and vision
• Discipline that makes sense - restorative practices rooted in our core values and celebrated through positive incentives and rewards
• Deep care about your personal and professional growth
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• 403(b) retirement plan; iPrep offers contributions of up to 5% of your salary toward your savings
• Competitive compensation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director