Senior Director - K12 Education Finance

THE ROLE

This position will serve Afton’s state education agency and school district clients, as well as other impact-focused clients intending to improve funding equity, fiscal transparency, and financial sustainability in the K12 public education sector. The position will lead consulting engagements with states and school districts of all sizes, with the goal of strengthening our clients’ capacity to serve students equitably, effectively, and sustainably.

THE ORGANIZATION

Afton Partners creates meaningful change in our communities by transforming public policies and practices so they are effective, sustainable, and serve those who need it most. By partnering with public agencies and nonprofits in K-12 education, workforce development, early childhood, and human services, Afton builds capacity, strengthens governance, and ensures resources are aligned and equitably distributed. We prioritize taking on initiatives with the potential to rectify racial and social opportunity gaps nationwide. Since 2011, Afton has collaborated on more than 150 initiatives in 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, unlocking human potential from birth to career.

CORE VALUES AND DEI COMMITMENTS

Afton team members commit to and embody our team’s core values, which include:

Prioritize justice. We recognize the impact of historical injustice and inequity, particularly for persons of color, and are committed to prioritizing justice. We take on public policy and practice initiatives that have the potential to identify and rectify racial and social opportunity gaps in our country.

Act with integrity. We hold ourselves accountable to high standards and work diligently on behalf of our clients and the people they serve. We are honest, positive, and proactive in our pursuit of solutions and meaningful change.

Collaborate inclusively. We work together with our colleagues, clients, and constituents in ways that value diverse perspectives, opinions, and ideas. We work to share decision-making power and amplify voices that have historically been silenced. We work humbly and believe answers exist in the communities we serve – it is our job to uplift them.

Center human experience. We focus on the human experience in our interactions and in our considerations of public policy and practice solutions. We know the potential for our work to dramatically alter human lives. We therefore seek to deeply understand the lived experiences of those most likely to be impacted by our work.

Be well. We value work-life balance and provide agency for our colleagues and clients to bring their whole selves to work. We support each other, uplift each other, and have fun along the way.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Consulting engagement leader

• Develop trusting relationships with clients
• Manage multiple client initiatives, timelines, and deliverables
• Understand client's priorities and objectives, works collaboratively with client personnel, and align details of work to the 'big picture' perspective of the client's needs
• Develop and implement a project plan, managing to key milestones and deliverables
• Assign responsibilities to project team members and oversee their work product
  
• Oversee and/or builds financial projection models and related analytics
  
• Oversee and/or develop communication and recommendation materials for clients

Talent developer

• Guide Afton’s directors, associates, and analysts toward progression of traits and technical skills
• Seen as a trusted mentor and guide by peers, leadership, and staff

Industry sector leadership

• Understand and communicate best practice for clients - in the areas of state and local funding allocations, budgeting and financial planning processes, financial reporting and transparency initiatives, financial oversight, financial policies, and other K12 finance priorities
• Counsel SEAs, LEAs, and other clients on strategic financial decision making
• Have the expertise to be a trusted expert advisor to district and state finance and academic leaders
• Plays a key role in Afton’s K12 industry sector strategic planning
• Actively cultivates, maintains, and applies meaningful network of relationships
• Cultivates new business opportunities; leads new project proposal development
• Presents at conferences and convenings
• Contributes to Afton’s marketing and thought leadership content

THE PERSON

Our experience suggests that the following types of professional experiences and skills lend themselves to this work:

• Alignment with Afton’s core values (above)
• Prior experience in a financial leadership role (such as CFO or Budget Director) for a school district or state education agency
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience
• Solid understanding of the K12 sector including governance structures, funding, and persistent challenges
• Ability to self-direct and take ambiguous problems & requests and structure a path for addressing
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Advanced leadership, managerial, and people development skills
• Self-awareness of strengths and areas for development
• Ability to perform effectively in a remote team environment
• Proficiency in MS Suite

EDUCATION

Our experience suggests the following certifications and degree(s) lend themselves well to this work:

• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree (for example, in finance, public policy and/or administration, education, etc.)
  
• Relevant Master’s Degree preferred
  
• Demonstrated lived experience, work experience, and/or personal interest in issues of racial equity and social justice
  
• Applicable experience and competencies will be considered in lieu of formal education