JOB OPPORTUNITY 

Scandinavian School & Cultural Center 

Position Summary

The Operations Director/Business Manager oversees the daily operations of SSCC, including finance, human resources, technology, and facilities. They will ensure that SSCC has the systems and procedures in place to run effective programs and will bridge operational processes between the preschool and the cultural center. They will lead the financial operations across the entire organization including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and processing of donations. This role works closely with other organizational Directors and SSCC staff, and also supervises the Bookkeeper/Office Coordinator. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight (40%) 

  • Oversee bookkeeping and financial business processes for cultural center and preschool including collecting tuition, paying vendors, and overseeing organizational budgeting and purchasing

  • Maintain internal controls and monitoring of SSCC finances 

  • Coordinate with external CPA on annual tax filings and ongoing financial issues

  • Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep SSCC Board of Directors informed

  • Initiate the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate

  • Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with SSCC’s Directors and Board of Directors; continuously collaborate with SSCC Treasurer to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations

  • Negotiate vendor contracts to identify cost-saving opportunities

  • Manage and track the performance of investments and ensure payment of debts (ie. mortgage) 

Human Resources (35%)

  • Oversee processes for hiring, onboarding, and training staff

  • Guide annual discussions and decision-making process for pay/benefits changes 

  • Oversee updates to SSCC employee handbook 

  • Support resolution of staff conflicts or issues 

  • Administer payroll and benefits, and provide staff education about offerings

  • Leverage strengths of the current Leadership team members and SSCC staff

  • Help to clarify roles and responsibilities, implement professional development opportunities to maximize and reach individual and organizational goals

Facilities (15%)

  • Collaborate with Bookkeeper/Office Coordinator to manage the operations of the SSCC facilities, including 511 Laguna Honda, 20 Woodside Ave

  • Manage relationship with landlord (church)

  • Manage relationship and contracts with teachers who live in 511 Laguna Honda

  • Ensure timely response to maintenance issues needed

Other (10%)

  • Attend weekly meetings with SSCC Directors and other staff 

  • Supervise Bookkeeper/Office Coordinator

  • Support the overall operations of the organization as needed (e.g., Attend cultural events)

  • Other duties as assigned 

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

Required: 

  • At least 10 years of professional experience, including the relevant fields of operations, business administration, IT, facilities HR, and bookkeeping

  • Knowledge of best practices in operations and small business and/or non-profit bookkeeping

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to Board of Directors, SSCC staff or other outside partners

  • Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; knowledge of accounting and reporting software

  • Knowledge of Quickbooks Online, Google Suite, Microsoft Word, and Excel required

  • Must be able to use the internet for research and information gathering

  • Demonstrates cooperation, respect, empathy, proactive and clear communication, and positively contributes to team morale 

  • Fluency in oral and written English required

  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interface with community members and vendors

  • Strong interpersonal and listening skills required, with sensitivity and appreciation for diverse viewpoints and various communication styles

  • Ability to handle sensitive information with a high degree of confidentiality

  • Must be able to use a computer for extended periods of time 

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work onsite at SSCC

  • Occasional weekend or evening work may be required to support events and projects 

Preferred: 

  • Previous experience in a school or educational setting 

  • We value a variety of life and work experiences. Experience living and working in other countries/cultures is a plus

  • Knowledge of a Nordic language is a plus

How to Apply: 

  • Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@scandinavianschool.org with the subject line:  “Operations Director/Business Manager”

  • Your cover letter should answer the following questions: 

    • How do your skills and experience align with the position description?

    • What aspects of SSCC’s programs and values do you find particularly interesting and inspiring? 

  • Note: 

    • This is an in-person and onsite role. 

    • We are open to part-time and full-time schedules. 

    • All applications will be held in strict confidence. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

  • The initial application deadline is Friday, March 22, 2024. After that, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and earlier applicants may receive priority consideration. SSCC encourages all interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

SSCC is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels of our work. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed, respected, and celebrated. 

The organization’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of  race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, national origin, age, abilities/disabilities, neurotypicality, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, prior convictions, or any other protected classifications under federal, state, or local law.


About SSCC:

The Scandinavian School & Cultural Center (SSCC) provides opportunities for lifelong learning. We offer a full-time Scandinavian language immersion preschool, language classes for children and adults, and other community programs that celebrate Nordic culture, language, and values. 

Today SSCC provides 20+ cultural events and more than 50 language classes each year for both children and adults, serving Bay Area residents at three locations: San Francisco, Menlo Park, and Marin. The School’s full-time preschool language and cultural immersion program continues to thrive at its San Francisco location. Close to 300 students and community members come through the doors at our two Bay Area locations each week. Learn more about our mission & values here.

Operations Director / Business Manager