Finance and Operations Officer (Anticipated)

State College Area School District • State College, PA

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About The Position

The State College Area School District in State College, Pennsylvania, seeks a Finance and Operations Officer to oversee the District’s financial and operational functions and provide strategic leadership and responsible stewardship of District resources. This anticipated, cabinet-level vacancy works closely with the Board of School Directors, local municipal leaders, community advisory entities, District administrators and staff, and external stakeholders. The position reports to the Superintendent.

The Officer oversees financial management, accounting operations, grants and financial reporting, payroll, budgeting, purchasing, printing services, food services, transportation, and the physical plant. The role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and leads the creation, administration, and implementation of the annual operating budget, aligning appropriations and resources with the District’s comprehensive plan and long-term strategic aspirations. The Officer also works closely with the District’s Education Foundation and serves as the District’s Right-to-Know liaison.

The ideal candidate brings demonstrated financial and business operations experience in a public school setting, a strategic vision, and the ability to manage support and auxiliary resources efficiently while fostering a positive organizational climate and teamwork. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, including the ability to present complex information to varied audiences. The candidate should demonstrate ethical leadership and commitment to organizational excellence and to supporting the District’s mission of helping every student grow, thrive, and fulfill their potential through caring, responsive education. Familiarity with the Pennsylvania School Code, accounting standards, and Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines is expected.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Accounting, Finance, Organization and Operational Management, Business Administration, or Educational Leadership.
• Seven or more years of applicable, demonstrated progressive financial leadership and operational experience, ideally within a public school system.
• Demonstrated experience in financial and business operations in a public school setting.
• Deep knowledge of and familiarity with the Pennsylvania School Code, accounting standards, and Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex, detailed information to a variety of audiences.
• Commitment to ethical leadership and organizational excellence.
• Eligibility for appointment as a Pennsylvania school district treasurer.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree or MBA.
• Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials certification (PRSBA/PRSBO) or Certified Business Official designation.
• Progressive financial leadership and operational experience within a public school system.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the District’s financial and operational functions.
• Provide strategic leadership and steward District resources responsibly.
• Oversee financial management, accounting operations, grants and financial reporting, payroll, budgeting, purchasing, printing services, food services, transportation, and the physical plant.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead the creation, administration, and implementation of the District’s annual operating budget, aligning appropriations and resources with the comprehensive plan and long-term strategic aspirations.
• Work closely with the District’s Education Foundation.
• Serve as the District’s Right-to-Know liaison.
• Foster a positive organizational climate and teamwork.
• Present complex, detailed information to a variety of audiences.

What This Job Offers

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