Chicago Waldorf School is seeking a Business Manager to join our team beginning as soon as possible. The position is full-time, however those looking for a part-time option (approximately 30 hours per week) are also encouraged to apply.

CWS operates on a dual leadership model, with an Administrative Director and Faculty Director working together to serve in the traditional Head of School role. The Business Manager is a key member of the administrative team, reporting directly to the Administrative Director, and supervising one additional staff member in the business department. The Business Manager’s primary role is to supervise, manage, and/or execute all aspects of the school’s day-to-day and annual financial management and planning.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Partnering with the Administrative Director on all financial planning, including budget setting and management.
• Regularly preparing financial reports for the AD, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees; attending and presenting at monthly Finance Committee meetings, and attending/presenting at Board meetings as needed.
• Managing all accounting matters, including all aspects of accounts payable and receivable, cash flow tracking, budget tracking, tuition payments, donations, financial investments, and banking activities, and preparing reconciliations of these items monthly.
• Managing basic human resource functions, including working with our payroll vendor to process semi-monthly payroll, employee compensation and benefits administration, personnel files, and processes for both hiring and employee transitions.
• Partnering with the Enrollment Director to determine tuition amounts utilizing the school’s Family Individualized Tuition model.
• Serving as the point person to our auditors and managing the school’s annual independent audit.
• Supervising one staff member in the business office; determining best system for division of responsibilities in that office.
• Providing data for and managing reports as needed for ISACS, NAIS, year-end tax documentation, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by the Administrative Director.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A relevant degree.
• Significant nonprofit financial management experience with a strong accounting background.
• Proficiency in Financial Edge, or proficiency in a similar system and ability to learn quickly.
• Strong problem-solving, and analytical skills, with an ability to see and solve issues.
• A desire to dig in and both create new business/accounting systems and work to ensure our current systems are most effective.
• An ability to work together with fellow admin/faculty, board members, and parents.
• Strong communication skills to both convey financial information and present positive customer service to anyone with financial questions.
• An eagerness to collaborate with the Administrative Director on creating long-term financial planning models.
• A commitment to becoming a part of the CWS community.
• A willingness to pick up a piece of trash dropped on the floor, regardless of position or title.

Salary/benefits:

·        Salary range begins at $70,000 annually and is commensurate with experience.

·        All full-time employees receive a full menu of benefits including medical, dental, and vision.

·        All full-time employees (80% and higher) receive full tuition remission for their children attending CWS.

·        Admin staff received paid time off for school holidays/vacations, and a reduced summer schedule.

Chicago Waldorf School’s mission is to provide a diverse Pre-K-12th grade education that supports the development of self-directed young adults dedicated to the pursuit of ongoing learning and eager to contribute positively to the global society of the 21st century. This education is rooted in the pedagogical methods of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), who stated: “Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings, who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives.”

Founded in 1974, CWS is one of the most established Waldorf Schools in the United States, offering an Early Childhood program and a full curriculum in grades 1 through 12. From its inception, the school has committed to remaining in the City of Chicago’s vibrant urban setting. Our school has been in its permanent home for three years, the landmark Lyman Trumbull building in the Andersonville neighborhood, which includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym and an auditorium. Our faculty members come from around the world and all stages of life. Our families are also international and reflect diversity in all its aspects, and are united in their desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates difference.

The Chicago Waldorf School not only does not discriminate in its hiring practices, but beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all of their identities. In everything we do we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff and families ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

To apply:

Please send your resume and letter of interest to: fcoffeen@chicagowaldorf.org