Careers

Lower School Teacher

Position Summary: 

Westmark School is currently seeking a Lower School Teacher with early education experience. With the recent opening of a new, state-of-the-art Lower School Campus and an admission expansion to include first grade, this is a very unique and exciting time in the School’s history. Our ideal candidate will possess a knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences, and be able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.   

Salary Range:
$67,000–$85,000 depending on experience 

Responsibilities:

• Teach structured literacy, writing, math, science, and social studies to students with language-based learning differences.
• Plan, organize, and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences and classroom environments to fulfill Westmark’s mission, curricula, and programs that ensure that students find passion, purpose, and relevancy in their learning.
• Work collaboratively with grade level team to plan and implement curriculum.
• Use restorative and trauma-informed practices within the classroom.
• Create warm and uplifting professional relationships with students, families, and all constituencies of the School.
• Provide effective and consistent communication with parents/guardians and the Director of Lower School regarding students' behaviors, academic concerns, and progress.
• Write narrative progress reports and facilitate parent-teacher conferences.
• Differentiate and individualize lessons to fit students’ needs.
• Submit weekly lesson plans to the Director of Lower School and maintain class Blackbaud page.
• Integrate technology into the curriculum following best practices.
• Participate in the life of the School by attending student assemblies, plays, athletic events, concerts, faculty in-service, and other School events.
• Provide supervision for lunch, recess, carpool, and other duties as assigned.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

• Demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equity, including the ability to leverage conversations about identity and actively seek to create equitable learning spaces.
• Use Responsive Classroom or Culturally Responsive Teaching pedagogy and techniques to set up, run, and develop a consistent, caring classroom environment.
• Work collaboratively with academic leadership to ensure that the curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and is inclusive of a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. 
• Pursue professional development opportunities in and out of school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection.
• Exhibit warmth and kindness, firm expectations, knowledge of child development, and experience with learning differences. 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education, special education or related field preferred.
• Credential, graduate degree or extensive graduate work in the field of Special Education or learning disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of or training in specific programs for reading (e.g. ,Orton-Gillingham) writing, and/or executive functioning.
• Minimum 2-4 years of classroom teaching experience;
• Strong desire to teach students with language-based learning differences;
• Knowledge of multisensory teaching methodologies;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills;
• Strong organization and time-management skills;
• A strong sense of empathy and high EQ.
• A growth mindset characterized by a desire to continue to develop professionally by learning research-based practices. 

Physical Demands and Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

To Apply:
Please send a letter of interest and resume  via email to:
careers@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.

Middle School Science Teacher

Position Summary:
Westmark School is currently seeking a Middle School Science Teacher. Our ideal candidate will possess the knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably those with language-based learning differences, and be able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.

Salary Range:
$65,000–$90,000 depending on experience

Responsibilities:

• Teach Middle School sciences classes to students with language-based learning differences.
• Plan and implement science curriculum.
• Submit weekly lesson plans, integrating technology into the curriculum.
• Maintain class Blackbaud page; regularly update and post to the Blackbaud class grade book.
• Use behavior management systems that are effective with students with language-based learning differences.
• Provide a positive environment that encourages students to actively participate in their learning.
• Communicate regularly with the Director of Middle School to discuss student progress.
• Model professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, peers, and the community.
• Responsible for advising a small group of middle school students through Advisory lessons and academic support.
• Work collaboratively with team members to develop new science curricular offerings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in in science, education, or related field; teaching credential.
• Strong desire to teach students with language-based learning differences.
• Knowledge of multisensory teaching methodologies.
• Experience with technology, specifically iPads, PCs, and SMART Technologies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Desire to continue to develop professionally by learning new programs and methodologies.

Physical Demands and Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

To Apply:
Please send a letter of interest and resume  via email to:
careers@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.

Chief Business Officer

Position Summary:
The Chief Business Officer (CBO) is a senior member of the Westmark leadership team reporting directly to the Head of School and supporting/liaising with the Board of Trustees. The CBO is responsible for the development, oversight, and administration of all the financial and business affairs and the operations of the School. The CBO plays a key role in ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and strategic financial planning, and provides supervision for a team of non-academic personnel with responsibilities that include finance and accounting, budgeting, purchasing, inventory and resource management, risk management, facilities, human resources, and auxiliary programs. The CBO coordinates all capital projects and provides vision and leadership to help Westmark deliver on its strategy, mission, vision, and goals.

Salary Range:
$150,000–$170,000 depending on experience

Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Planning

• Collaborate with and assist the Head of School and the Board of Trustees in meeting the School’s fiduciary responsibilities.
• Create long-term strategic financial plans and projections with the Head of School and Finance Committee to ensure efficient financial operations and the long-term financial health and sustainability of the School.
• Develop and oversee financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets, protect confidential information, and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Manage investment portfolio, providing regular updates to the Finance Committee.
• Participate in the development of strategy for capital projects, providing recommendations, financial analysis, projections, timelines, and other data to both inform and manage the process.
• Provide relevant financial data and reports to the Head of School, division and department directors, and the Finance Committee of the Board.

Business Office

• Oversee the School’s business functions and related staff, including: tuition billing and collection, accounts payable, financial aid, contracting, payroll, accounting and reporting, regulatory reporting and compliance, and other business administration activities.
• Administer the annual budget and multi-year forecasting process to align with the School's goals and mission and maintain account records related to the School’s budget.
• Establish a plan and schedule for the preparation of the annual budget that will inform the setting of the succeeding year’s tuition early in the calendar year.
• Control cash flow through the organization and maintain the integrity of funds, securities, and other financial instruments.
• Create, publish, and update Accounting and Tax Compliance Policies and Procedures manual as needed.
• Formulate effective procedures and processes with the Admissions Office to ensure accurate and timely invoicing and the sharing of payment and student information, and oversee communication with parents in terms of financial issues.
• Work collaboratively and meets regularly with the Development Office to ensure accurate financial data reporting, best practices and fiscal accountability within the framework of the School philosophy, policies, and current tax laws.
• Oversee the annual audit of the School’s financial statements and 990 tax returns.

Operations and Facilities Management

• Oversee the maintenance of the buildings, grounds, and equipment to ensure buildings and grounds remain attractive and a vibrant environment conducive to learning.
• Work closely with the Head of School and Board to establish effective processes and procedures regarding land use and regulatory compliance.
• Work with the Head of School and Board to research and propose real estate strategies and facilities plans to meet the School’s mission and vision.
• Manage risk at the School to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of the facilities and to maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and to cover the liability of the School.
• Ensure that the health and safety policy is regularly updated and enforced to conform to current health and safety legislation
• Work closely with the Technology Committee to ensure the School’s management information system is developed and in line with the needs and that proper controls are in place to ensure overall security.

Human Resources

• Oversee human resources functions.
• Oversee changes in policies and procedures, employment contracts, compensation, and benefit administration.
• Ensure that human resources policies and practices are clearly articulated, consistently applied, are in line with the School’s mission and conform to legal requirements.
• Coordinate with the Head of School to develop effective hiring strategies.
• With and under the supervision of the Head of School, review salary schedules to determine fairness, legal compliance, and effectiveness in drawing best qualified personnel to the School.
• Commit to professional development by remaining current with business management trends and cultivate professional standards and development by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in local, regional, and national professional organizations.
• Understand the culture and climate of the School and the wider educational environment.

Other

• Manage, mentor, develop, and evaluate direct reports, providing constructive and timely feedback.
• Attend Board of Trustees and Finance Committee meetings as needed.
• Represent the School at various regional, state, and national associations related to the role.

Qualifications:

• M.B.A., M.Ed., CPA or related advanced degree required.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in financial management required; experience at a not-for-profit organization, higher education and/or independent school preferred.
• In-depth understanding of key financial controls, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of investment strategies and techniques; demonstrated record of generating positive return on institutional investments.
• Familiarity with financial and business systems software.
• Track record of leading, motivating, developing, and establishing trust with high performance teams.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills with all levels.
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and mathematical skills to reason, estimate, analyze, and recommend.
• Ability to think ahead and plan over a one-to-five year time span.
• Consistently exercises discretion and good judgment.
• Models and fosters high ethical standards, integrity, and respect for colleagues, alumni/ae, parents, and students in the conduct of the School’s business.
• Eagerness to engage in all aspects of the Westmark community while promoting the School’s mission, vision, and values.

Physical Demands and Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

To Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a formal letter of application, current resume, and a list of three references with contact information to:

Carolyn Stiles
Creative Independents
carolyn@creativeindependents.org

Please do not contact the School directly.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.

Controller

Position Summary:
The Controller position aligns with Westmark School’s strategic vision to enhance an effective and efficient Business Office that meets the needs of our families, faculty, and staff to deliver accounting, billing, payables, and other services. The Controller is responsible for the maintenance of all financial records through the management of the day-to-day accounting and the monthly, quarterly, and annual closes as well as the completion of
the annual financial statement audit and tax return.

The Controller reports to and works closely with the Interim Director of Finance and Operations (“Interim Director”), as well as supervises and works closely with the Payroll and Purchasing Coordinator (“Coordinator”).

Salary Range: $90,000–$100,000

Essential Responsibilities:

Accounting and Finance

• Manages the accounting department, ensuring accurate and timely financial information is input and generated from the Blackbaud financial system.
• Performs account reconciliations, researching and resolving discrepancies, particularly for revenue, deferred revenue, accounts receivable and accounts payable, on at least a monthly basis.
• Administers fixed-asset ledger in the Blackbaud financial system and reviews purchases for items to be capitalized, depreciated, and disposed of, as appropriate.
• Prepares journal entries for the operating P&;L and Balance Sheet, including investments, gifts, pledged donations, student billing, fixed assets, summer programs, cash receipts, and other adjustments.
• Completes monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close (P&L, Balance, Sheet, Variance Analyses) in a timely fashion.
• Executes evaluation and implementation of internal controls.
• Maintains compliance with all government regulations and GAAP.
• Communicates accounting policies to employees and ensures compliance with such policies.

Student Billing and Other Receivables

• Manages tuition, fees, and other billing, revenue recognition procedures, and student account receivable management.
• Prepares and distributes monthly billing statements for families.
• Ensures payments received for tuition, fees, and incidental charges are updated timely in Blackbaud and the operating bank account.
• Works directly with parents as needed on student billing and payment matters.
• Constructs and distributes collections emails/letters, including making sure accurate payment information is relayed from Blackbaud.
• Consults and advises the Interim Director of problem accounts and of any and all adjustments.
• Assists the Interim Director with the financial aid process utilizing the FAST online platform.

Payroll and Other Payables

• Supervises Coordinator in completion of the following:
  • All payroll functions
  • All payables functions, including account coding
  • All corporate credit card reconciliations and accounting
• Works closely with the Coordinator to review all payables accounts at least weekly.

Audit and Tax

• Takes the lead position on preparation of schedules and work papers for annual School and 403(b) (if applicable) financial statement audits and
• school federal and state tax returns.
• Coordinates preparation and maintenance of permanent office files for all audit schedules as well as schedules and work papers for tax filings (IRS 5500, IRS 990, California 199, Los Angeles County 571, quarterly sales tax report, private school affidavit and other required filing with local, state, and federal agencies).
• Acts as the subject matter expert for all accounting and tax rules.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Assists the Interim Director in developing, maintaining, and monitoring the School’s short-term budgets (operating, capital, development) and long-term financial models.

Treasury and Cash Management

• Processes and posts multiple bank account deposits on an ongoing basis.
• Maintains daily cash balances and reviews reports from banks daily.
• Completes monthly bank reconciliations on a timely basis.
• Assists the Interim Director in ensuring timely, accurate payment of debt
• serviced and monitoring of loan covenant requirements.
• Liaises with representatives from First Republic Bank and Pacific Western
• Bank.

Advancement
o Coordinates and meets regularly with the Advancement team for the
proper accounting of fundraising and the reconciliation between the fundraising and financial platforms in Blackbaud, including unrestricted
annual giving, restricted annual giving, campaign giving and pledges, and
endowment giving and pledges.

Governance

• Assists the Interim Director in preparation of committee and board reports
• as well as the development of dashboard metrics as requested by board
• members and/or other constituents.
• Attends and participates in the Finance and Audit Committee meetings, as
• requested.

Other

• Assists Interim Director and Human Resources Director in preparing all periodic surveys and reports for the School’s trade organizations (e.g., NAIS, CAIS, and CAL ISBOA).
• Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve the quality of
• services provided.
• Identifies and determines root causes of problems and develops and
• presents recommendations for improvement.
• Provides support in the hiring and training of the accounting department
• and other Business Office staff.
• Completes additional duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, finance or related field. CPA license strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in nonprofit accounting, including managerial experience.
• Recent experience working in an independent school environment strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of:
  • Blackbaud Financial Edge system strongly preferred.
  • Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge system preferred.
  • Paychex Flex payroll system preferred.
  • FAST system preferred.
• Strong computer skills; proficient in MS Office and Google Suite.
• Ability and willingness to learn new technologies and systems.
• Track record of effective financial and business management.
• Knowledge and experience in setting up effective financial controls.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, problem solving, and organizational skills. Excellent organizational and analytical skills. Accuracy and attention to details. Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and handle confidential information with utmost discretion. Ability to independently set priorities and handle competing priorities.
• Comfort in working in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work outside the job description in assisting other Business Office team members when unanticipated challenges arise.
• Knowledge and experience in addressing parents, faculty, and staff calmly and professionally. Polite and calm demeanor; handles inquiries and works through problems tactfully and respectfully.

Physical Demands and Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

To Apply:
Please send a letter of interest and resume  via email to:
careers@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.

Director of Human Resources

Position Summary:
Westmark School is currently seeking a forward-thinking Director of Human Resources (HR) to support the School’s strategic initiatives in alignment with mission-driven practices. The Director of HR partners with senior leadership and manages HR initiatives including compensation and benefits, recruitment, performance management, employee relations, employment policies and procedures, compliance, and employment laws. The Director will possess a knowledge base and passion for recruiting and retaining a talented workforce, preferably in an independent school environment.

The successful candidate will build relationships across all levels and clearly communicate and interpret HR policies while maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive situations with solid judgment and discretion. The Director of Human Resources reports to the Director of Finance and Operations and communicates regularly with the Head of School and the senior administration team.

Salary Range:
$110,000–$125,000 depending on experience

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serves as a strategic partner by collaborating with senior leadership to understand the School’s short- and long-term goals and strategy related to staffing, recruiting, engagement, and retention.
• Plans, leads, develops, coordinates, implements, and enforces policies, procedures and training and initiatives to support the School’s HR compliance and strategic needs, including onboarding, separation, and off-boarding. Recommends new and creative methods for retention and succession planning.
• Collaborates with the Business Office to prepare faculty and staff employment agreements and offer letters.
• Partners with Division Directors and supervisors to develop and execute recruitment plans.
• Recruits for all open positions by posting jobs, screening resumes, conducting phone interviews, scheduling in-person interviews, consulting with supervisors about leading candidates, checking references, issuing employment offer letters and employment agreements, and following up on such offers and agreements.
• Arranges for temporary staffing needs.
• Creates, updates, and maintains job descriptions for all positions.
• Oversees employee benefits programs and the annual open enrollment process by scheduling information meetings and coordinating preparation of materials. Works closely with brokers and benefit providers, as needed.
• Performs and assists with benefits administration, including claims resolution, status changes, and communicating benefits information to employees. Responds to benefit questions and supports employees with special and unusual circumstances.
• Assists in the administration, interpretation, application, and periodic review of personnel policies and procedures. Reviews and updates the Employee Handbook, generally every other year.
• Leads investigation of employee complaints and work-related issues.
• Consults with outside legal counsel on employment law matters, as necessary.
• Develops and communicates staff performance review timelines and materials ensuring completion of documentation by supervisors.  Ensures supervisors deliver performance reviews to their direct reports. 
• Manages the processes for workers’ compensation claims and leaves of absence.
• Manages outsourced vendor relationships of the School’s benefits and retirement plans.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, and regulatory changes at the local, state and federal levels.
• Demonstrates commitment to and participation in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program.
• Maintains personnel records and compliance training for all employees.
• Seeks to continuously improve HR processes and systems.
• Acts as an advisor on employee relations matters, leaves management, and payroll matters.
• Promotes a school culture that fosters collaboration, open and frequent communication, teamwork, and trust steeped in the mission of Westmark School.
• Additional responsibilities, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher and 7+ years of progressively responsible HR management experience.
• Effective and clear verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and management skills; proven expertise solving problems.
• Accuracy and attention to details. Ability to independently set priorities and handle competing priorities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidence about personnel matters.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work outside the job description in assisting the Director of Finance and Operations when unanticipated challenges arise.
• Experience with MS Office Suite and Google Docs required.
• Experience with Benetrac, Paychex Flex and Docusign preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

To Apply:
Please send a letter of interest and resume  via email to:
careers@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.