Position Type: Administration/Business Manager
Date Posted: 11/11/2026
Location: Fairview School District 72
Closing Date: 12/04/2026
JOB SUMMARY:Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, manages the Business Services functions of the District, including budget and finance, accounting, purchasing, payroll, transportation, facilities, safety and risk management, insurance, and other related areas.
Administers and directs the fiscal and operational services of the District in alignment with its mission, vision, and strategic plan.
Provides leadership to ensure the District's financial stability, efficient operations, safe and well-maintained facilities, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's and Master's degrees from an accredited college or university, preferably in Business Administration, School Finance, or a related field.
- Illinois State Certification as required for the position, including the Chief School Business Official (CSBO) endorsement.
- Demonstrated experience in school district finance, operations, and facilities management.
- Experience leading and managing staff.
- Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:- Knowledge of best practices in accounting and bookkeeping principles.
- Proficiency with computers and software applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and financial management systems.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding school district finance, transportation, safety, health, and other areas under responsibility.
- Ability to develop, implement, and manage projects.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to organize multiple tasks and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation regarding leadership, performance, and professional growth.
- Strategic fiscal vision, including the ability to define, operationalize, and periodically update financial strategies in alignment with District goals and Board priorities.
- Proven ability to translate fiscal needs into prioritized plans and budgetary requirements.
- Ability to communicate effectively with administrators and Board members regarding financial concepts, plans, operations, and requirements.
- Ability to balance strategic vision, operational requirements, and fiscal responsibilities into a comprehensive implementation plan.
- Demonstrated project management skills, ranging from minor fiscal adjustments to significant changes in accounting procedures and operational systems.
- Experience coordinating and supervising Business Office and operational personnel.
- Commitment to remaining current with developments in school finance, operations, technology, and educational administration.
- Ability to assess organizational effectiveness and develop short- and long-term staffing solutions.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and ethical leadership.
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Develops and Administers the Annual School Budget and Long-Range Financial Plan- Coordinates development and implementation of the annual budget calendar.
- Assists building principals and department administrators in developing budgets and provides regular guidance on fiscal and operational matters.
- Prepares and submits the annual school budget and required financial reports to the Illinois State Board of Education.
- Prepares multi-year projections of revenues and expenditures.
- Develops financial models to assess enrollment changes, staffing requirements, tax revenues, state funding, and other factors affecting the District's long-term financial position.
- Prepares annual tax levy options and manages the process of preparing, reviewing, and adopting the annual tax levy.
- Evaluates the feasibility of long-term financing for special projects.
- Monitors bonded indebtedness and advises the Superintendent and Board of Education regarding financing options and potential referenda.
- Reviews Business Office performance and monitors the District's overall financial condition.
- Develops strategies to maintain financial stability and rebuild fund balances toward the Board of Education's 75% fund balance guideline.
- Provides financial analysis and recommendations to support the District's Strategic Plan.
- Prepares clear and understandable financial presentations for the Board of Education and community.
- Provides annual or semiannual financial and operational updates to promote transparency and accountability.
2. Establishes and Maintains Accounting Systems to Ensure Accurate Accounting of All District Funds- Oversees accounting procedures and ensures accurate financial records for all District funds.
- Prepares monthly financial reports for administrators and the Board of Education, identifying significant variances in revenues and expenditures.
- Establishes and maintains appropriate internal controls to safeguard District assets.
- Monitors cash flow, fund balances, expenditures, and financial obligations.
- Coordinates preparation of the annual financial audit and any internal audit assignments requested by the Superintendent or Board.
- Works cooperatively with independent auditors and ensures timely completion of required financial reporting.
- Prepares and submits required state aid documents and financial reports.
- Coordinates applicable state and federal categorical grant claims and reimbursements.
- Reports quarterly and annually on grant disbursements and expenditures.
- Maintains relationships with the Niles Township Treasurer, Cook County officials, and other local governmental agencies.
- Ensures financial reporting and recordkeeping comply with applicable federal and state requirements.
- Makes financial information available to the public as required by law.
3. Monitors and Manages the Procurement Process- Ensures procurement processes operate economically and in accordance with budget limitations, Board policy, and applicable state laws.
- Oversees the District's purchasing procedures and internal approval processes.
- Ensures accurate and timely payment of legitimate accounts payable.
- Prepares required payment reports for Board approval.
- Oversees competitive bidding and requests for proposals.
- Negotiates supplier contracts as authorized and ensures completion of purchase orders and contractual requirements.
- Evaluates vendor performance and recommends improvements to purchasing procedures.
- Works with administrators, architects, engineers, and contractors in planning construction projects and major purchases.
- Identifies opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency and maximize the value of District resources.
4. Supervises the Payroll Process- Ensures District employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Oversees payroll procedures and internal controls.
- Ensures timely payment of employee withholdings to appropriate governmental agencies and retirement systems.
- Monitors compliance with applicable 403(b) regulations and procedures.
- Oversees required state and federal payroll payments and reports.
- Supervises and supports payroll personnel in the performance of their responsibilities.
- Maintains accurate payroll and employee records.
- Evaluates payroll processes and recommends improvements to accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
5. Provides Cost and Analytical Support During Negotiations with Employee Unions- Gathers comparative market data on prevailing salaries and wages of school district employees.
- Provides financial research and analysis to support compensation and salary administration.
- Develops financial models evaluating the short- and long-term costs of proposed collective bargaining agreements.
- Assists the Superintendent and negotiating teams with financial information during collective bargaining.
- Coordinates the development of statistical, financial, and management information related to employee relations.
- Evaluates the financial implications of staffing levels, compensation structures, and employee benefit programs.
6. Administers the District's Insurance and Risk Management Programs- Represents the District's interests in workers' compensation insurance programs.
- Represents the District's interests in property, casualty, and liability insurance programs.
- Oversees employee health, dental, life, and other applicable insurance programs.
- Coordinates with insurance cooperatives, brokers, consultants, and other service providers.
- Reviews insurance coverage, costs, claims experience, and potential financial exposure.
- Recommends appropriate risk management strategies to protect District personnel, property, and financial resources.
- Ensures appropriate insurance coverage and compliance with applicable requirements.
7. Directs and Coordinates Facilities Planning, Maintenance, and Capital Improvements- Works collaboratively with facilities personnel to ensure District buildings and grounds are safe, clean, functional, and properly maintained.
- Assists in developing and implementing long-range facilities plans.
- Coordinates with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants regarding construction, renovation, and major maintenance projects.
- Provides financial oversight of capital improvement projects, including budgets, contracts, expenditures, and timelines.
- Supports implementation of recommendations from building and grounds security audits.
- Coordinates planning and budgeting for roofing replacements, mechanical systems, boilers, and other major infrastructure needs.
- Assists with planning for classroom furniture, equipment, and facility improvements.
- Evaluates the financial implications of preventative maintenance and capital replacement schedules.
- Ensures facilities planning supports current and future educational programming.
- Advises the Superintendent and Board of Education regarding capital needs, project priorities, and financing options.
- Supports compliance with applicable health, safety, life safety, and building requirements.
8. Directs and Supervises the District's Transportation Program- Directs the general operations and financial procedures of the District's transportation program.
- Works with the appropriate transportation and maintenance personnel to hire, supervise, and support transportation staff, including drivers and monitors.
- Oversees procurement of buses within the established District bus replacement cycle.
- Coordinates annual transportation procedures, including bus routing, student registration, bus pass distribution, and driver and monitor assignments.
- Develops and maintains procedures for transportation safety and accident reporting.
- Serves as a primary contact for transportation vendors, including bus suppliers and routing software providers.
- Assists with training transportation staff on District policies and procedures.
- Oversees preparation and submission of the annual Transportation Reimbursement Claim.
- Monitors transportation expenditures and evaluates opportunities to improve service efficiency.
- Ensures transportation operations comply with applicable state and federal requirements.
9. Directs and Supervises the District's Food Service Program- Supervises the Food Service Director.
- Directs the general operations and financial procedures of the Food Service Program.
- Manages the free and reduced-price federal lunch program component.
- Supervises compliance with health and safety standards of the food program.
10. Directs and Supervises District Staff Assigned to the Business Office and Operational Departments- Recruits and interviews qualified personnel for assigned staff openings.
- Recommends qualified candidates to the Superintendent.
- Establishes programs for orientation, training, and professional development of assigned staff.
- Provides leadership, direction, and support to Business Office and operational personnel.
- Makes salary and staffing recommendations for budget purposes.
- Evaluates assigned employees and makes employment recommendations to the Superintendent.
- Establishes performance expectations and promotes accountability.
- Encourages collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
- Evaluates departmental staffing needs and recommends appropriate organizational structures.
- Assumes and performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:- Starting at $150,000, but commensurate with experience, accompanied by a competitive benefits package
- Board-funded Pension Contribution (Teachers' Retirement System)
- Board contributions for medical & dental insurance coverage (employee and family)
- Other benefits include: Term life insurance, cell phone stipend, and Illinois ASBO Membership
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical demands of the role include frequent movement, the ability to sit and use technology for extended periods, and occasional light lifting (up to 25 pounds). This position requires occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions and limited physical risk. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EVALUATION:Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the Board of Education's policy on administrative personnel.