Chief Financial Officer for Milwaukee College Prep (Milwaukee)

Chief Financial Officer for Milwaukee College Prep

Chief Financial Officer for Milwaukee College Prep

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ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1997, Milwaukee College Prep (MCP) is a leading network of four K4-8th grade public charter schools that every child in Milwaukee is eligible to attend free of charge. This year they added K3 to one of our campuses — they know that high quality early childhood education can be transformational when done right. They now provide K3 programming to 100 young scholars at our MCP: Lola Rowe North Campus. No matter the age or the campus, MCP schools live our mission; “knowledge plus character pave the road to college and beyond.” Milwaukee College Prep is absolutely determined to provide equal parts academic rigor and character development so that our scholars have the foundation necessary to determine their own destinies. They absolutely believe, and research supports, that an uncompromising K-8 education taught by an exceptional team of teachers is the difference between dreams realized and dreams denied. If a child can’t read, problem-solve, draw inferences, think critically, be self-disciplined and self-determined, that child will not realize his or her dreams…he or she won’t even come close. Having determined, loving, master teachers in every classroom makes the difference. MCP ensures that the classroom is at the center of all its work.

MISSION ALIGNMENT

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic and operational leadership of all financial functions at Milwaukee College Prep (MCP), ensuring the school network’s long-term fiscal sustainability, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO advises the CEO, President, and Board of Directors and plays a critical role in driving mission-aligned financial strategy to support academic and organizational goals.

·Champion MCP’s mission and core values — Trust, Respect, Empathy, Courage, and Kindness — in all financial leadership, decisions, and partnerships.

·Strategic Financial Leadership

·Lead the development and execution of long-term financial strategies that support organizational growth, innovation, and impact.

·Serve as a key advisor to the CEO, President, and Board on all financial matters, ensuring data-informed decision-making and fiscal discipline.

·Incorporate scenario planning and forecasting to navigate enrollment shifts, economic conditions, and potential funding changes. Communicates and maintains positive working relationships with external parties providing financial services, including banks, lenders, investment advisors, insurance companies, investment bankers, and associated governmental agencies.

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POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic and operational leadership of all financial functions at Milwaukee College Prep (MCP), ensuring the school network’s long-term fiscal sustainability, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO advises the CEO, President, and Board of Directors and plays a critical role in driving mission-aligned financial strategy to support academic and organizational goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations & Oversight

·Direct all accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and audit functions.

·Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent reporting to internal and external stakeholders.

·Develop and monitor financial KPIs and ROIs to evaluate performance and guide course corrections.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

·Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations, including those related to charter schools and public funding.

·Oversee grant management, government contracting, and audit readiness.

·Proactively assess and manage financial risk to protect both organizational and financial integrity.

Budgeting, Equity, & Resource Allocation

·Execute the annual budgeting process, aligning resources with MCP’s strategic priorities.

·Ensure budgeting, resource allocation and diversification efforts reflect MCP’s commitment to equity, excellence, and access for all students.

·Provide clear, actionable financial insights to department leaders and school principals to inform site-level decision-making.

·Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing finance team aligned with MCP’s values and commitment to excellence.

·Set clear performance expectations and support ongoing development and professional growth.

·Collaborate with fellow executives to ensure financial strategy supports academic and operational goals.

·Lead cross-functional change initiatives that improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and mission impact.

Board & Stakeholder Engagement

·Serve as the primary liaison to the Board Finance Committee, providing clear, strategic financial reporting and recommendations.

·Build strong relationships with funders, financial institutions, and oversight agencies (e.g., DPI, charter authorizer).

Process Improvement & Systems Optimization

·Evaluate and improve financial systems, processes, and technologies to increase efficiency and accuracy.

·Identify and implement best practices that enhance internal controls and resource stewardship.

Lead financial aspects of procurement strategy and vendor relationships, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with MCP needs.

·Oversee the implementation and use of financial systems (e.g., ERP, dashboards, data tools) to support informed decision-making and reporting.

·Leverage technology to effectively drive transparency, accountability, and automation in financial operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

·Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; MBA preferred.

·Prior experience managing equitable funding strategies across diverse communities.

·Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.

·Minimum of 8 years of progressive financial leadership, or equivalent, experience.

·Successful financial leadership in organizations operating under government-funded programs (e.g., charter schools, Title I).

·Proficiency in financial software systems, including spreadsheet modeling and ERP platforms (e.g., Sage Intacct, NetSuite).

*Please note that comptrollers, finance directors, and others, are encouraged to apply.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ATTRIBUTES

·Deep alignment with MCP’s mission and a personal commitment to educational equity.

·Experience working with WI Department of Public Instruction, MPS, and School Nutrition Programs is desirable.

·Track record of managing cash flow and forecasting in complex financial environments.

·Strong strategic planning, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills.

·Demonstrated success in preparing and presenting financial reports and communicating organizational financial position with clarity and confidence.

·Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver assignments on time.

·Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.

·Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with an ability to build and maintain relationships across a diverse community.

·Positive attitude and commitment to being a collaborative and reliable teammate.

COMMITMENTS FROM MILWAUKEE COLLEGE PREP

Milwaukee College Prep is an equal opportunity employer. Personnel administration in the school shall be conducted so as not to discriminate of the basis of age, race, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression national origin disability, political affiliation, handicap, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, arrest or conviction record, membership in the national guard, stat defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United State of Wisconsin, use or nonuse of lawful products off school premises during non-working hours, or other reason prohibited by state or federal law. This policy shall apply to hiring, placement, assignment, seniority, transfer promotion, lay-off, recall or termination. Similarly, all salaries, wages, benefit programs and personnel policies shall be administered in conformity with this policy. Reasonable accommodations shall be made for qualified individuals with a disability or handicap, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship to the school. If you believe you have been discriminated against in violation of this policy, you may file a complaint. Responsibility for overseeing the school’s equal employment opportunity and affirmative action programs and investigating discrimination complaints is assigned to the Chief People Officer (Formerly HR Director). Milwaukee College Prep offers a generous 403(b) retirement plan, a generous health care plan including dental and vision, tuition reimbursement, professional development reimbursement, student loan reimbursement, and school paid Life and AD&D insurance.

References will not be contacted until a candidate has been notified. Background checks will subsequently be performed. All inquiries and interactions with potential candidates are kept in strict confidence. The position will remain open until fil