Director of Finance
Opening Statement
The Director of Finance is a mission-aligned, strategic leader responsible for the financial stewardship of Maine Coast Waldorf School. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, this role is a vital member of the school’s leadership team and collaborates closely with the Director of Operations, Director of Enrollment, Director of Development and Community Engagement, and the Pedagogical Director. The Director of Finance will oversee a part-time, on-site bookkeeper and make recommendations to the Board of Directors for additional finance or business office headcount needs for department effectiveness.
The Director of Finance manages all aspects of the school’s financial health—budgeting, reporting, compliance, and forecasting—while maintaining a deep awareness of the needs of a non-profit, Waldorf school environment. This position balances high-level financial planning with hands-on operational responsibilities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the school’s mission and vision.
About
Founded in 1984, Maine Coast Waldorf School (MCWS) serves students from infant & toddler play programs to early childhood through high school. Our campus provides students with beautifully designed buildings, and acres of outdoor classrooms and woodland trails. Located on a beautiful, 75-acre campus in Freeport, Maine, our school is rooted in the rhythms of nature, the arts, and a deep respect for the unfolding development of each child.
With over 80 full and part-time faculty/staff and more than 250 students, MCWS has a +$5M annual operating budget.
Essential Job Duties
Strategic Financial Management
- Advise the Board of Directors and Finance Committee on financial strategy, planning, and policy.
- Oversee the annual operating budget process and multi-year financial projections in collaboration with the Finance Committee and other MCWS Directors.
- Ensure financial strategies support the pedagogical goals and the school’s long-term strategic vision.
- Cash Flow Management—oversight of cash flow planning and management to ensure liquidity
- Financial Risk Management—work with Director of Operations to oversee insurance and other areas of financial risk mitigation and strategies (in partnership with Risk Management Committee)
- Strategic Planning—assist with the implementation of strategic plan, including financial modeling
Accounting, Compliance & Reporting
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
- Prepare quarterly financial reports for the Board and leadership team.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and oversee annual audits and tax filings (including Form 990).
- Maintain effective internal controls and best practices in non-profit financial regulations and federal/state legal and tax requirements.
- Grant Reporting & Compliance—tracking, budgeting and compliance with donor/grantor requirements, in partnership with the Director of Development.
- Technology & Systems—systems improvement, financial software integration with software
Collaborative Leadership
- Work with the Director of Operations on campus planning, risk management, vendor relations, payroll & benefits, legal and insurance matters.
- Partner with the Director of Enrollment to support tuition modeling, tuition adjustment strategy and forecasting, and enrollment-based financial planning.
- Collaborate with the Director of Development and Community Engagement to manage and track fundraising income, grant funding, and donor-restricted gifts.
- Support the Pedagogical Director and faculty with budget planning related to staffing, programs, and pedagogical initiatives.
Governance Support
- Serve as the primary financial liaison to the Board’s Finance Committee, preparing meeting materials and participating in discussions on strategy and sustainability.
- Contribute to major decision-making processes involving capital projects, endowment strategy, or tuition policy.
- Attend monthly Board meetings and present any meaningful updates of which the Board should be made aware.
- Attend regular Director Meetings, monthly Finance Committee meetings and other committee meetings as appropriate.
- Provide direction and mentoring to Finance Department direct reports (currently a part-time bookkeeper), including annual performance reviews.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; CPA or Master’s degree preferred.
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance or accounting, ideally in a non-profit or independent school environment.
- Deep understanding of non-profit accounting standards (GAAP), budgeting, and financial reporting requirements.
- Experience with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) and strong proficiency with Excel and financial modeling.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to present financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences.
- Alignment with the values of Waldorf education and a commitment to supporting a collaborative, mission-driven school culture.
Employment Details
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Benefits include health and dental insurance, retirement contributions, professional development opportunities, and 80% tuition remission for enrolled children.
- Beautiful campus setting with a warm, collegial community dedicated to holistic education and lifelong learning.
To Apply
Please send a letter of introduction, your resume, a brief biography, and three references to the attention of Melissa Watson, Director of Operations, at jobs@mainecoastwaldorf.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
