Henry Ford Academy Director of Operations

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward.

Henry Ford Academy is a college prep high school (grades 9-12) located inside the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation & Greenfield Village and surrounded by the campus of Ford Motor Company. Students come from districts within Wayne County, as well as private, parochial, and home schools. The model partnership focuses some of the best thinking from the business, non-profit, and public education worlds toward the common goal of building a school that prepares students for life in the 21st century.

Job Title: Director of Operations and Finance

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Director of Business Operations and Finance to lead the financial and operational functions of the school district*, with a strong focus on supporting student activities and the instructional environment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of school budgets, grants, and related financial programs, while also participating in operations that directly impact students. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills, a high degree of professionalism, tact, and confidentiality, and an ability to manage a wide range of responsibilities that support both the financial health of the district and the success of its students.

*Note: "District" refers to a single 9-12 High School academy with two sites-both located at The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, Dearborn.

Key Responsibilities:
• Financial Management: Oversee the district's financial operations, including budget creation, financial planning, and oversight of revenue and expenditures. Ensure that financial resources are allocated to maximize support for student programs, teaching, and learning initiatives.
• Budget Development and Oversight: Collaborate with district leadership to develop an annual budget that aligns with the strategic priorities of the district, particularly around student-centered programs. Manage budget tracking, revisions, and reporting throughout the year to ensure alignment with instructional and operational goals.
• Grants and Funding Programs: Collaborate with the Director of Grants to manage all aspects of federal, state, and local grants, ensuring compliance with requirements and that funding directly supports educational programs, student services, and extracurricular activities. Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to enhance student experiences.
• Student-Centered Operations and Activities: Oversee and participate in district operations that have a direct impact on student life. This includes coordinating financial resources for **extracurricular activities**, athletics, arts programs, and student clubs. Ensure that all student activities are financially supported, well-organized, and contribute to students' personal development and school engagement.
• Facilities and Transportation Management: Collaborate with facilities and transportation teams to ensure that school buildings, grounds, and transportation services are safe, efficient, and support a positive learning environment for students. Ensure these services are well-funded, maintained, and meet the needs of both instructional and extracurricular activities.
• School Events and Activities: Oversee the financial and operational logistics of school events, including graduations, school dances, sports tournaments, field trips, and assemblies. Work with teachers, student activity coordinators, and other stakeholders to ensure these events are planned within budget and contribute to the overall student experience.
• Contract Negotiations and Vendor Management: Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and service providers for student-related services such as school supplies, uniforms, sports equipment, technology, and food services. Ensure that all vendors meet the quality and cost expectations of the district. Work closely and collaboratively with The Henry Ford Finance and Talent & Culture staff to provide key services to the school.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations, especially those affecting student programs and services. Oversee audits and ensure transparency in all financial operations, including those related to student activities and engagement.
• Support for Student Services: Work closely with administrators overseeing student support services (counseling, health services, and special education) to ensure they are financially supported and operationally efficient. Ensure that financial decisions align with the goal of providing a comprehensive support system for students.
• Technology and Classroom Resources: Oversee the financial planning and allocation of resources for classroom technology, ensuring that students and teachers have access to up-to-date learning tools that support both in-class and extracurricular activities. Work closely with IT and instructional teams to support the integration of technology into teaching and learning.
• Strategic Planning and Advisory Role: Provide financial and operational expertise to district leadership, contributing to long-term planning for academic and extracurricular programming. Work with school principals, athletic directors, and activity coordinators to ensure all programs are financially and operationally sustainable.
• Interpersonal and Professional Skills: Maintain high levels of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and operational matters. Work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, parents, and community members, while always prioritizing the best interests of students.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of experience in school finance or business operations, with experience supporting teaching, learning, and student activities.
• Deep understanding of school district budgeting processes, financial reporting, and compliance with education funding regulations.
• Proven experience in managing grants and external funding sources, particularly for educational and student activity programs.
• Strong knowledge of operations that impact students, including extracurricular activities, athletics, transportation, and event planning.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills with a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working in a school district or educational environment with direct involvement in student activities and services.
• Knowledge of financial software systems used in school districts.
• Familiarity with state and federal education funding mechanisms, including Title I, ESSA, and other major grant programs.

Key Competencies:
• Strong financial management skills, with the ability to allocate resources in ways that directly support student-centered programs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including school staff, students, and community members.
• Strategic leadership with a focus on both the financial health of the district and the enhancement of student experiences.

Work Environment:

The Director of Business Operations and Finance will work in a collaborative and fast-paced school environment, engaging with both financial and operational teams. The role will involve frequent interaction with teachers, students, and staff to ensure that financial decisions enhance the district's ability to provide high-quality education, extracurricular programs, and student services. This position requires both financial expertise and a strong commitment to fostering a positive, student-centered school culture. The role requires coordination and management of staff members who work in operations and financial areas of school functioning.

Henry Ford Academy - Dearborn is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.