Executive Director, Finance & Operations

Executive Director, Finance and Operations

St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK)

ABOUT ST. JOHN’S-KILMARNOCK

St. John’s-Kilmarnock School is the only accredited IB World Continuum School in Southwestern Ontario, offering enriched educational programming for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 on our picturesque 36-acre rural campus.

Having just marked our 50th anniversary, the spirit of our School continues to exemplify our motto to Go Beyond. We honour our roots as a small rural school that grew out of a community’s passion for education and arts, and the spirit of connection and togetherness that has helped us grow into a leading Canadian independent school.

Founded in 1972 in Elora, Ontario, St. John’s School for Boys grew from an evening choir program at St. John’s Church. St. Margaret’s School opened in 1976 as a sister school to St. John’s, focused on providing a similar educational opportunity for girls. In 1985, St. John’s and St. Margaret’s amalgamated, forming St. John’s-Kilmarnock School as it is known today.

SJK is committed to academic excellence, rigour, high-quality teaching and student-centered learning where we nurture students to reach their full potential. Personalized opportunities are created for each student with high priority placed on experiential learning that cultivates students’ natural curiosity through curricular and co-curricular programming offered on our rural campus. SJK graduates leave the School as citizens and leaders with a capacity for and commitment to global action.

For more information please visit: https://www.sjkschool.org/.

THE POSITION

The Executive Director of Finance and Operations will provide strategic leadership, oversight, and management of operations at SJK that include finance, facilities, food services, grounds and student transportation. This role ensures fiscal responsibility, long-term sustainability, and the effective alignment of financial planning with the school’s mission and strategic priorities. This role reports into the Head of School and leads of team of three finance and operations professionals.

The Executive Director of Finance and Operations will play a key role as a senior leader, partnering with the Head of School, Executive Leadership Team, Board of Governors, Foundation, and operational teams to deliver clear financial insight, prudent stewardship of resources, and robust risk management. The position also supports capital projects, fundraising initiatives, and the development of new revenue streams that strengthen the school’s future.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and oversees the school’s long-term financial and operational strategy by analyzing financial, enrolment, and operational trends and aligning plans with the school’s mission and strategic priorities to ensure sustainability.

• Partners with the Head of School, Board of Governors, and Board committees to prepare multi-year financial and operational plans using forecasting models and scenario analysis to inform strategic decision-making.

• Leads the annual budgeting process by collaborating with academic and operational leaders, reviewing submissions, and integrating priorities into a balanced budget that supports program excellence and operational effectiveness.

• Monitors financial and operational performance through monthly variance analysis, dashboards, and key performance indicators to identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

• Prepares accurate and timely financial statements, management reports, and Board materials using accounting systems and internal controls to support transparent governance and oversight.

• Manages cash flow, banking relationships, and liquidity by overseeing daily financial activity, reserves, and credit facilities to ensure financial stability and operational flexibility.

• Directs day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, tuition billing, audit preparation, and financial reporting, to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

• Ensures compliance with regulatory, audit, tax, and Ontario reporting requirements by maintaining accurate records, policies, and controls that safeguard institutional integrity.
• Identifies and mitigates financial and operational risk through regular assessments of internal controls, insurance coverage, contracts, and compliance practices to protect school assets.

• Oversees facilities and grounds operations by working with internal teams and external contractors to ensure safe, well-maintained, and cost-effective learning environments.

• Provides oversight of food services and student transportation by managing vendor relationships, contracts, budgets, and service standards to ensure reliability, safety, and value for families.

• Leads human resources operational oversight including compensation budgeting, benefits administration, personnel records, and onboarding processes to support compliance and positive employee experience.

• Oversees capital projects and major maintenance initiatives by managing financial planning, funding strategies, budgets, and cost controls to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

• Collaborates with the Advancement Office and Foundation to provide financial analysis, gift processing oversight, and campaign planning that strengthens fundraising and stewardship outcomes.

• Oversees the school’s investment portfolio in collaboration with external advisors, ensuring adherence to investment policy and prudent risk management.

• Leads and develops the finance and operations team through coaching, goal setting, and performance management to build a collaborative, high-performing department.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field. A CPA designation, or equivalent, is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of experience as a senior financial leader leading a team, ideally in an educational institution or nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated success overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
• Experience collaborating with non-profit boards and supporting fundraising operations.
• Background in financing and managing large-scale capital projects.
• Track record of developing new or diversified revenue streams.

• Proficiency with financial management software, accounting systems, and analytical tools.
• Strong understanding of Canadian financial regulations and Ontario-specific reporting requirements.
• Ability to develop financial models, interpret data, and present complex information clearly.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• High emotional intelligence with a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive leadership style.
• Strong organizational abilities and acute attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering an innovative work culture.

APPLICATIONS

St. John’s Kilmarnock is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in its policies, practices, and teaching, learning and work environments. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians and Disabilities Act 2005, accommodation will be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and express their interest in confidence via email to Samantha Galati at sgalati@bedfordgroup.com.