Careers
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart provides a diverse and rigorous college preparatory environment that inspires young women to become confident, compassionate leaders. As a member of a global network of more than 150 schools, we educate to the core of our 200-year tradition through the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart educates young women to think critically, embrace challenges, model resilience, confront injustice, seek equality and lead globally. Forest Ridge is a community of lifelong learners and all faculty are urged to model an openness and curiosity that are the hallmarks of lifelong learning.
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart welcomes students, adults and families into a learning environment which respects and strives for diversity, openness, understanding and acceptance of all human beings.
Successful applicants at Forest Ridge are:
- Mission-aligned and committed to the advancement of girls’ education;
- Student-centered educators with subject matter expertise and a passion for creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment;
- Excellent collaborators with a can-do attitude and a desire to effectively meet the emerging needs of the school.
- Strong communicators who can positively connect to a variety of audiences through many modes of communication;
- Committed to actively participating in the life of the school community beyond the classroom;
- Empathetic, patient, positive and find joy in working with adolescents.
Opportunities at Forest Ridge
Non-Discrimination Policy
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart does not discriminate in its employment decisions or practices on the basis of gender, age, race, color, marital status, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any disability that can be reasonably accommodated in the administration of its educational policies and school-administered programs.
Current Openings
- Middle School History Teacher (Long-Term Substitute)
- Director of Finance & Operations 2023-2024 (Full Time)
- Database Administrator (Part-Time)
- Substitute Teacher
- Bus Driver (Part-Time/Temporary)
Middle School History Teacher (Long-Term Substitute)
This is a full-time long-term substitute position that includes teaching three sections of 7th Grade History and being an active member of the 7th Grade Team. The position will begin on February 27 and continue until March 24. There is an option to begin earlier, on a mutually agreeable date, in order to collaborate more deeply with the permanent teacher.
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart provides a diverse and rigorous college preparatory environment that inspires young women to become confident, compassionate leaders. As a member of a global network of more than 150 schools, we educate to the core of our 200-year tradition through the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria: a personal and active faith in God, a deep respect for intellectual values, a social awareness that impels one to action, the building of community as a Christian value, and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart educates young women to think critically, embrace challenges, model resilience, confront injustice, seek equality and lead globally in the pioneering spirit of our foundress. Our graduates change the world.
This teacher works collaboratively with the Social Studies department and the 7th Grade Team, reporting directly to the Director of Middle School.
Specific responsibilities for this position include:
- Teach three sections of 7th Grade History
- Serve as an advisor and member of the 7th Grade Team
- Co-teach a 7th grade service learning class with other members of the 7th Grade Team
- Provide support for students outside of class time (answering homework questions, providing extra writing help, etc.) as needed
- Review curriculum provided by the permanent teacher, make any necessary adjustments throughout the position to support student learning, and actively use assessments to enhance learning
- Attend grade-level team and faculty meetings as scheduled
- Participate in the life of the school community by attending school assemblies, divisional gatherings, school events, etc.
- Attend and respectfully participate in communal prayer and other faith services
The successful candidate:
- Holds a degree in a relevant subject area; master’s degree is preferred
- Has 3-5 years of successful teaching experience at the upper-school level and a demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction
- Collaborates with colleagues in shaping academic curriculum, assessment and instructional practices in alignment with best practices
- Is involved in all aspects of the school program, including advisory work
- Designs instruction that engages students and is differentiated to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Builds connections among academic disciplines
- Has experience with standards-based instruction and assessment practice
- Is willing to engage in all aspects of the school program, including advisory work
Personal Qualifications:
- Demonstrates the ability to build positive relationships with students
- Understands the developmental needs of adolescents, both in academic and social-emotional development
- Commits to ongoing professional and personal growth
- Commits to the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education and to the school’s Catholic, Sacred Heart, single-gender identity.
- Has successful experience working with a diverse constituency
- Desires to be a part of a collaborative, supportive and enriching environment for both students and adults
- Supports the school’s mission by participating in and attending required meetings, professional development and other events
- Demonstrates fluency with technology, including Microsoft Suite
- Is fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Salary/Benefits: Salary/Benefits: $5,271.20 - $12,820.50. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, degrees, and certifications. A comprehensive package of benefits is offered including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation, and holidays.
Application Process: Qualified applicants should email a letter of interest and resume to Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, Attn: Jessie Adkins, Director of Middle School at careers@forestridge.org. This position is open until filled.
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart does not discriminate in its employment decisions or practices on the basis of gender, age, race, color, marital status, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any disability that can be reasonably accommodated in the administration of its educational policies and school-administered programs.
Director of Finance & Operations 2023-2024 (Full Time)
THE ROLE: Under minimal supervision, the high performing position of Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) at Forest Ridge School plays a strategic leadership role in advancing the mission of the School. The DFO is a key strategic partner to the Head of School and Board of Trustees in all aspects of school finance and operations. The DFO is responsible for the following departments and staff: Finance (Accounting), Human Resources, Facilities, Food Service, Transportation and Risk Management. The DFO is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. In addition, the DFO attends all Board of Trustee meetings and is the primary staff member responsible on the Finance, Audit, Investment and Building & Grounds committees of the Board.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Overall duties and responsibilities and those driven by the School’s mission and Strategic Direction.
- Analyzes the financial needs of the School, architects the financial forecast and engineers the School’s financial strategy.
- Assists the School in reimagining financial and compensation frameworks.
- Manages the financial capital requirements and funding implications of all capital projects.
- Supervises the finance and accounting team and manages the financial stability of the School, overseeing purchasing, tuition billing and receivables, banking relationships, cash flows, liquidity, development of financial models, payroll and benefits program.
- Collaborates with the Head of School and Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, preparing monthly operating statements, securing an annual audit of the School’s financial records and position, overseeing financial investments and establishing annual budget goals.
- Collaborates with the Head of School and senior administrators, oversees the annual budget setting process for the school and establishes a clear, consistent process of budget-to-actual reporting for all school budget managers.
- Collaborates with the Institutional Advancement team to ensure all gifts and pledges are recorded accurately and distributed appropriately.
- Provides accurate and timely financial and facility reports to the Head of School, Senior Leaders, Board Committees and the Board of Trustees, enabling them to make decisions for the good of the school.
- Leads the efforts and coordinates with appropriate school leaders to implement financial and operational risk management policies and maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and cover the liability of the school.
- Develops partnerships with the corporate sector, nonprofit community and civic organizationsÍž and represents the school at various regional, state, and national associations.
- Identifies areas of opportunity for continuous improvement and leads large scale project initiatives for efficiency improvements through the utilization of technology and streamlined processes.
- Participates in department, division and school task forces and committees as needed.
- Performs other duties as required.
Finance (Accounting & Endowment)
- Directs and Advises on all accounting activities.
- Maintains compliance with GAAP in the management and structure of all accounting practices.
- Is responsible for creation of faculty and staff employment agreements.
- Reviews vendor contracts with appropriate department leaders (i.e. transportation, landscaping, janitorial, HVAC, telephones, copiers, mail machine and telecommunication services).
- Leads tuition assistance processing and collaborates with admission leaders for awarding assistance.
- Provides oversight for annual review and revision of student enrollment contracts/coordinates with admission team to ensure timely and accurate online enrollment process.
- Leads and directs annual financial and retirement plan audit processes and NWAIS accreditation process.
- Manages over $30 million of endowed funds and scholarships:
- Maintains compliance with WA State Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (PMIFA).
- Develops strategies for endowment growth and utilization in accordance with the School’s financial needs.
- Interfaces with and direct investment manager relationship in development of Investment Policy Statement (ISP) and subsequent activities.
- Maintains records regarding investment activities and application of investment activities to endowed funds.
- Provides regular reporting and consulting to the Head of School, Board of Trustees and various Board Committees.
Human Resources
- Ensures that the school is in compliance with all federal, state, and local employment regulations.
- Conducts annual evaluation of all employee benefits including medical, dental, vision and other insurances / communication plan with employees on any changes.
- Manages employee retirement plan, including vendor relationships / ensure compliance and fiduciary oversight as appropriate.
- Reviews and revises employee handbook annually and communicates changes to employees.
- Reviews and revises employment policies and practices on a periodic basis.
- Collaborates with appropriate Senior Leaders to manage hiring, interview and onboarding processes.
- Collaborates with Senior Leaders on all employee terminations.
- Manages worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance, programs, claims, etc.
Facilities/Security
- Supervises the Facilities Manager and assist with budget preparation and planning.
- In collaboration with the Facilities Manager, is responsible for the preparation and monitoring of the long term and preventative maintenance plans, ensuring that safety is the top priority.
- In collaboration with the Facilities Manager, is responsible for all vendor contracts and compliance.
Food Service
- Supervises the Executive Chef and assists with budget preparation and planning.
- In collaboration with the Executive Chef, ensures that safety is the top priority.
- In collaboration with the Executive Chef, is responsible for all vendor contracts and compliance.
Risk Management
- Leads the school’s Enterprise Risk Management initiatives.
- Manages the school’s property/casualty, directors’ and officers’ liability, employment practices liability, and fiduciary liability insurance programs, manage claims and litigation.
- Collaborates with educational and operational leaders to understand and mitigate risk as appropriate.
- Provides leadership and guidance for all school programs, especially travel.
Transportation
- Collaborates with the Facilities Manager to provide oversight of the school’s Transportation Program, including contracting with third party transportation provider, organizing bus routes, communication with families as well as faculty and staff.
- Oversees the use of school-owned vehicles and licensing of faculty and staff.
- Ensures that the highest levels of safety, compliance and satisfaction are met at all times
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business Administration or related field required.
- MBA or related advanced degree strongly preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in a CFO, Controller or Assistant CFO / Controller / Business Manager role (Director of Finance and Operations) required.
- Experience with non-profits or independent schools is highly desirable.
- Strong background in finance, budgeting, investing, and cash management required.
- Previous supervisory experience required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to simultaneously manage a wide variety of issues, situations and people.
- Detail-oriented, with excellent time-management skills.
- Ability to be autonomous, self-motivated, and driven, as well as having a team approach.
- Outstanding communication skills--ability to communicate with all constituents including: Board of Trustees, maintenance staff, parents, students, vendors, faculty, staff, etc.
- Advanced technology skills including Word, Outlook, Excel, accounting software and database management software.
- General digital literacy (use of a laptop, connecting to the network, internet safety, operating a network phone system and copier system, etc.).
- Advanced skills in MS Office Suite products (Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.), web applications such as Google Suite, video conferencing software, and database management software; ability to master common automated systems, and confidently learn new technology.
- Open and collaborative management style.
- A high degree of integrity and ethics, with an unwavering commitment to confidentiality.
- Strong customer service orientation and the ability to represent Forest Ridge in a professional manner.
- Flexibility, maturity, and a good sense of humor.
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through competitive compensation.
TO APPLY: Qualified applicants should email the following documents to careers@forestridge.org:
- Cover letter
- Updated CV/Resume
- List of three professional references
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart does not discriminate in its employment decisions or practices on the basis of gender, age, race, color, marital status, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any disability that can be reasonably accommodated in the administration of its educational policies and school-administered programs.
Database Administrator (Part-Time)
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Advancement and serving as a critical member of the fundraising team, the Database Administrator manages the fundraising database and ensures the timely and accurate recording of all gifts and pledges following internal policies and procedures as well as IRS regulations, CASE reporting standards, and FASB accounting guidelines. The Database Administrator is also responsible for updating and maintaining biographical data on all constituents (individuals, corporations, organizations) and producing regular reports for Advancement and Business Office reconciliation of gift accounts. This is a part-time, 20 hours a week, position.
This Database Administrator position has two parts serving both the Advancement Office and the School’s IT Department. As a member of the Advancement team, twenty hours a week would be spent managing the fundraising database (Raisers Edge) with timely and accurate recording of all gifts and pledges, following internal policies and procedures as well as IRS regulations, CASE reporting standards and FASB accounting guidelines. In addition, the Database Administrator is also responsible for updating and maintaining biographical data on all constituents (individuals, corporations, organizations) and producing regular reports for Advancement and Business Office reconciliation of gift accounts.
As a member of the IT Department, the Database Administrator will spend 10 hours a week partnering with the IT team, providing support of the Veracross system through regular data maintenance, handling requests for support and summer updates of the entire system.
Specific Responsibilities:
Raiser’s Edge, 20 hours per week
- Coordinates and implements all gift recording processes including data entry, maintenance, operations and support for the School’s Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge® database.:
- Maintains the highest integrity and expert working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and supported software programs in terms of accuracy and currency; implements and documents existing or new policies and programs to keep the database and records clean and growing in data relevant to our constituencies and our goals as a department and institution
- Processes biographical information research and updates in Raiser’s Edge including the annual creation of new student/family records
- Provides accurate and relevant gift data utilizing the query, export and reporting functionalities within Raiser’s Edge
- Manages, updates and reports on gifts and event registration fees made through Blackbaud Merchant Services (BBMS) online donation portal
- Ensures compliance with standard accounting and confidential information policies
- Completes timely and accurate gift receipting, pledge reminders, and acknowledgement letters
- Processes employer matching gift application paperwork and gift approvals
- Collaborates with the Business Office to produce timely and accurate gift batch reports and related monthly and quarterly reports and reconciliations
- Reconciles monthly and annual financial income reports for department reporting to the Board
- Performs routine database maintenance to ensure data integrity and identify areas to improve operational and reporting efficiency; regularly audits and syncs updated constituent data between the Admission and Registrar’s databases (Veracross and Ravenna)
- Manages, generates, and produces constituent lists for fundraising, specials events, and school communications and publications
- Provides the research, data, reports, and tools for a strategic, coordinated, and systematic approach to major donor prospect identification, cultivation, and donor engagement strategies
- Collaborates with Advancement team to track fundraising activity and effectiveness, determine reporting needs, and implement existing strategies for identifying new donors
- Compiles donor information and giving reports for the production of the Annual Report
- Generates industry benchmark reports and analyses as requested
- Performs other duties as assigned
Veracross, 10 hours per week:
- Regular data maintenance including weekly, monthly and annual summer upkeep. Management maintenance of records for students, families, and organizations, exportation of information for SchoolPass and Raiser’s Edge. Summer updates include closure of school year and implementation of new student/family information.
- Support and requests – troubleshoot portal issues from various constituents, pull various mailing lists or provide queries as needed
- Provide basic Axiom training to new staff
- Any other requests that come in relating to Veracross
- Communication and Training
- Act as liaison to Veracross Account Manager or Veracross Support for bigger/more complicated issues
- Attend relevant webinars
Veracross - Mosaic/My School Bucks Integration:
- Over the summer, work with Mosaic to batch remove exiting students/staff (coordinate with Business Office)
- Over the summer, work with Mosaic to batch enter new students/staff data
- Throughout the year, add new students/staff as needed
Veracross - Canvas Integration:
- Verify data integrity syncs overnight from Veracross to Canvas
- As integration endpoints develop between the two systems, assist as needed with data integrity
Other Integrations:
- Participate in review and implement other database integrations as they become available
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university required
- Formal training in either Raiser’s Edge required
- Certificate from Blackbaud preferred
- At least 3 years’ experience working within Raiser’s Edge
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent organizational, time management and critical thinking skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines efficiently and simultaneously
- Exceptional attention to accuracy and detail to ensure integrity and quality of data
- Ability to solve problems creatively and strategically
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a welcoming, friendly demeanor to effectively convey information
- Highly developed understanding of database systems; expertise in relational database queries, import/export reporting functions, and prospect research
- High degree of proficiency and analytic skills relative to technology hardware and software
- Ability to work collaboratively with other departments
- Excellent team player, self-motivated, and the ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential school and constituent information
- Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel
- Experience working in an education or non-profit setting (preferred)
- Knowledge of non-profit fundraising principles and related data needs (preferred)
- Flexibility, maturity, and a good sense of humor
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Ability to talk on the phone
- Ability to sit, stand and keyboard for prolonged periods
- Ability to walk outside and climb stairs in all kinds of weather
- Ability to successfully pass both initial and periodic federal, state and local background checks
Salary/Benefits: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through competitive compensation.
Application Process: Applicants should email cover letter and resume to Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, Attn: Casey O’Rourke, Director of Advancement (corourke@forestridge.org). This position is open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart does not discriminate in its employment decisions or practices on the basis of gender, age, race, color, marital status, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any disability that can be reasonably accommodated in the administration of its educational policies and school-administered programs.
Substitute Teacher
THE ROLE
Forest Ridge seeks talented, passionate and engaging substitute teachers for all grades and subjects.
This general recruitment may be used for daily, weekly and/or long-term temporary opportunities. Upon application, interested parties will entered into the School’s substitute work pool and potentially called for work when experience and interests align with school needs.
This position requires applicants to be, at the time of application, legally authorized to work in the United States. Forest Ridge does not offer visa sponsorship for this position and will not consider applicants who require visa sponsorship.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach a variety of courses as assigned by the day
- Abide by school rules, policies and procedures
- Communicate effectively with school leadership and other classroom teachers
- Participate/attend school events when necessary
QUALIFICATIONS
- Teaching experience
- A commitment to working in a girl-centric environment, designed to support the development of competent, confident and courageous women ready to lead in a multi-cultural world
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Prior experience working with a diverse population of students and colleagues
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
TO APPLY
Qualified applicants should email the following documents to Bobbi LaBoy, Director of School Operations, at bolaboy@forestridge.org:
- Cover letter
- Updated CV/Resume
- List of professional references
Bus Driver (Part-Time/Temporary)
Responsibilities: Under direct supervision from the Assistant Director of Operations, you will drive a bus for a local, before & after school route supporting on-campus academic days.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Before and after school driving of a shuttle bus with a capacity up to 40 passengers.
- Completing all required training and daily inspections.
- Keeping daily rosters of students/notifying direct supervisor of any student concerns.
- Following and maintaining safety procedures while ensuring compliance with all federal, state and local laws or regulations including proper and safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and use of chemical cleaning or disinfecting agents in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and safety data sheets (SDS).
Qualifications:
- Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License with a minimum of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License with a Passenger Endorsement and air brakes restrictions removed. A School Bus Endorsement also qualifies for this purpose and is acceptable in place of the Passenger Endorsement.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills including the ability to read, write and count; ability to use a laptop or personal computer with basic abilities to operate Microsoft and other software, ability to operate a mobile phone.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment handling multiple tasks and adapting to changing needs.
- Two years minimum verifiable experience driving high-capacity passenger vehicles.
- Ability to pass a background check and deliver verifiable professional references.
Salary/Benefits: $35 per hour. Five hours per day split-shift (2 hours morning, 3 hours afternoon.) 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Needed NOW through June 14th, 2023.
Application Process: Applicants should email the required information: Attn: James Adams, Assistant Director of Operations, at jadams@forestridge.org. You may attach a cover letter or resume if you have one. Prior to a written offer of employment, Forest Ridge will require the applicant provide three professional references and submit to a background check. This position is open until filled.
Independent School Diversity Career Fair
People of color who are interested in working at independent schools are invited to attend the Northwest Independent School Diversity Career Fair on Saturday, February 11. This virtual career fair is offered through the collaborative effort of 23 regional schools.
Attendees of the career fair will hear from diversity practitioners about working in independent schools and learn about current career opportunities in teaching and staff positions. To register and find more information about the sessions and career fair booths, visit lakesideschool.org/diversitycareerfair. Registration is free of charge.