Reports to: Head of School
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Team Size: 20 Colleagues
Position Summary
The Business & Operations Manager is a key leadership role, overseeing finance, HR, compliance, facilities, and general business operations at our non-profit, independent TK–8 Montessori school located in El Cerrito. This position works closely with the Head of School, supports a tight-knit staff of 20, and helps keep operations running smoothly. It is an in-person position perfect for someone who values the human component of organization, collaboration, as well as a spreadsheet. This person engages with staff, families, and external partners to ensure smooth operations aligned with the school’s values and long-term sustainability.
Core Responsibilities
Financial Management
Develop, implement, and maintain financial systems that are accurate, logical, and sustainable.
Oversee financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, purchasing, investing, assets management, bank reconciliations, and cash flow.
Prepare monthly financial statements and reports for the Head of School, Board, and Finance Committee.
Coordinate the annual budgeting process and prepare multi-year financial projections.
Administer tuition billing and collections, oversee the Tuition Refund Plan, and manage financial aid (in partnership with Admissions and Head of School).
Maintain compliance with all tax filings (1096/1099, 571L, 990, Form 5500, etc.), audits, and governmental requirements.
Establish and monitor internal controls and fiscal policies.
Administrative & School-Wide Responsibilities
Maintain and manage all school insurance policies (liability, property, workers’ compensation, etc.).
Review and negotiate vendor contracts and manage business relationships.
Collaborate with the Director of Admissions on enrollment, re-enrollment, and financial aid matters.
Collaborate with the Site Director on facilities
Participate actively in school-wide events and projects as designated by the Head of School.
Represent the school in local and regional business or HR-related associations.
Communicate regularly and clearly with the Head of School and respond promptly to requests or concerns.
Collaborate and coordinate with K–8 campus staff on operations and finance matters and communicate regularly with the Head of School—timely, clear, and with a touch of humor appreciated.
Pitch in where needed to keep things running—flexibility and grace are essential in support of the school’s leadership in fulfilling its mission.
Human Resources & Staff Support
Serve as the go-to person for all HR needs: hiring, onboarding, benefits, compliance, and morale-boosting memes.
Partner with the Head of School on job postings, interviews, offers, compensation, and employment agreements.
Oversee new hire paperwork, annual employment memos, and personnel files.
Maintain sections of the Family and Employee Handbooks related to finance and HR.
Maintain up-to-date records in shared HR drives (staff rosters, birthdays, certifications—you name it).
Administer payroll and PTO tracking; stay current on employment laws and benefits plans.
Manage staff benefits in coordination with providers: medical, dental, life, disability, 403(b), and COBRA.
Coordinate annual trainings: CPR, First Aid, Health & Safety, and any new state requirements.
Maintain and periodically update the Employee Handbook and HR policies, staying up to date with current employment laws.
Provide timely and responsive HR support to staff and faculty, including general HR questions and employee relations.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; studies in business, finance, HR, or related fields preferred.
Experience with high-level budgeting and financial oversight to include interfacing with Board Treasurer and Head of School.
Solid experience in nonprofit or school-based business and HR operations.
Skilled in accounting/payroll software (QuickBooks, ADP, Google Workspace, etc.).
Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
Exceptionally organized, communicative, and detail-oriented.
Able to toggle between high-level strategy and everyday problem-solving.
Trustworthy, discreet, and thoughtful in all interactions.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in Montessori or independent school settings.
HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) or accounting credential.
Desirable Qualities:
The position seeks a self-starter who can both build and maintain systems while supporting others to do the same.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, discreet, collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a small, mission-driven school environment.
Takes great satisfaction in making things work even when no one sees what you do.
Appreciation of what education can do is key.
A keen sense of humor helps.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range is $95 - $125K, commensurate with experience.
Health, dental, retirement benefits.
Paid time off and school holidays.
Professional development support.
A collaborative, student-centered work environment.
To Apply: Must be eligible to work in the U.S. Send resume and cover letter by June 30, 2025 as one PDF document to Alissa Stolz, Head of School, c/o the email address associated with this posting.
East Bay Montessori is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit, qualifications and competence. EBM does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex or gender (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality, among others), age (40 and over), marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.