Job Description

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

$140-165k

Joplin, MO - relocation assistance provided

Bell & Associates has been engaged to help our client find their next CAO. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will play a pivotal role in the growth and ongoing efforts to scale the company’s programs with expansions on to additional rural communities in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, then across the Midwest and eventually nationwide. This inaugural management role requires a seasoned professional with a broad business background including strong accounting background, expertise in financial oversight and planning, HR and IT management (including proficiency with platforms and AI-driven tools), vendor and partner management, operational excellence, and process standardization. The CAO will report to the CEO and will work collaboratively with the executive team (including the CEO, Executive Director, and Senior Director of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships) to drive growth, operational efficiency and maintain the high-quality delivery of the organization’s services, supporting its mission of advancing educational opportunities in rural areas.

Responsibilities

1. Financial Oversight and Planning

• Lead financial planning and budgeting processes to support the organization’s strategic goals.
• Oversee accounting operations, including audits, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Develop and maintain financial projections and scenarios to guide organizational growth and sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and regulations.

2. Human Resources and Organizational Development

• Supervise HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws across multiple locations and states.

3. IT and Infrastructure Management

• Oversee the organization’s IT systems, ensuring security, scalability, and efficiency.
• Identify and implement technology, including AI-driven tools, to improve processes and standardize operations.
• Manage vendor relationships for IT services and ensure cost-effective technology solutions.

4. Operational Excellence and Standardization

• Develop and implement standardized processes and procedures across all locations to ensure consistency and quality.
• Oversee operational risk management, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with program teams to streamline service delivery and support location-specific needs.

5. Leadership and Collaboration

• Work closely with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute strategic plans for scaling the organization.
• Act as a bridge between central administration and location-based leadership, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals through the deployment of effective processes.

6. Vendor and Partner Management

• Negotiate and manage contracts with external vendors and service providers.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in senior administrative or operational roles, preferably in a nonprofit or multi-location organization.
• Strong accounting and financial management expertise, including experience with financial planning, forecasting, and helpful to understand nonprofit accounting standards.
• Demonstrated success in HR and IT management, including policy development and team leadership.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology and AI tools to standardize processes and improve efficiency.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and delegate effectively.
• Proven ability to manage people, processes, and vendor relationships across multiple locations.
• Experience in scaling organizations or managing operations during periods of significant growth.

Character Traits:

• Honesty and Integrity
• Passionate about improving the lives of rural students and committed to the mission of Compass Academy Network.
• Highly collaborative and skilled at building strong relationships across teams and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to see bigger picture yet detail-oriented, with the ability to think strategically while managing day-to-day operations.
• Proactive problem-solver with strong decision-making and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex ideas and data.

Bell & Associates, Inc. was recently recognized by Forbes list of Best Professional Recruiting Firms in America -

BETTER TALENT. BETTER OPPORTUNITY. FIND IT HERE.

Bell & Associates, Inc. is a recognized Executive Recruiting & Staffing leader based in Kansas City. We focus and specialize in the following practice areas - Accounting/Finance, Engineering, Executive Leadership, Financial Institutions, Healthcare, Human Resources, Information Technology, Manufacturing/Operations Management. We provide top talent to our clients on a Direct Hire, Contract, and Contract-to-Hire basis.

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