Business Director (all gender)

The International School of Stuttgart e.

V. is a non‑profit Kindergarten through 12th grade, NEASC accredited, IB World School offering an international curriculum to a student body of over 820 students from over 40 nations.

Among its strengths are its student‑centred and holistic approach to learning and its commitment to professional development and emphasis on student pastoral care.

Business Director (m/f/d)

As a member of the school's leadership team, the Business Director is responsible for the supervision and management of the financial affairs of the school.

The position works closely with the School Director, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees to ensure the school's financial sustainability and support its strategic development.

The Business Director serves as a strategic partner to the School Director and Board, ensuring the financial sustainability, operational excellence, and long‑term development of the school.

The role integrates finance and operations responsibilities, supporting a high‑quality educational environment across multiple campuses.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership and Planning
• Lead the development of the annual budget and long‑range financial plans.
• Assess financial risks associated with school operations, development initiatives, and strategic projects.
• Support the School Director, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees in the financial planning and implementation of the school's long‑term strategic plan and campus expansion projects.
• Administration of budget control system for the school; preparation of monthly operating statement for the Director and the Board of Directors; provide monthly reports of expenditures according to cost centres within the school.
• Collaborate with the School Director and the Director of External Relations and Facilities Management to support and shape the school's income‑generation strategy.
• Prepare and facilitate the administration of the Grant in Aid Program and other financial support systems.
• Financial Management and Reporting
• Administer the school's budget control system.
• Prepare monthly operating statements for the School Director and Board of Trustees.
• Provide regular expenditure reports by cost centre across the school.
• Maintain accurate and continuous records of the school's financial position through sound accounting and bookkeeping practices.
• Manage the financial operations of the school in accordance with German laws and regulations.
• Oversee financial investments, banking activities, payroll, and employee benefits programmes.
• Ensure effective management of the fee collection and payment system, minimizing late payments and bad debts.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual audit of the school's financial records and financial position.
• Risk Management, Compliance and Governance
• Manage financial and operational risks to support the safety of students, personnel, and school assets.
• Ensure that appropriate insurance coverage is maintained to protect the school's property and liabilities.
• Review, assess, and document changes in regulations, school procedures, and operational circumstances.
• Recommend and support the development and modification of fiscal policies, procedures, systems, and internal controls in response to changing requirements.
• Represent the school at various associations relative to the role of being the Business Director.
• Manage relationships with banks, lenders, auditors and other key financial partners.
• Business Administration and Support Services
• Oversee school purchasing and procurement activities.
• Ensure the effective management of food service operations, transportation services, and other auxiliary enterprises of the school.
• Oversee the Boarding Programme with respect to facilities and financial matters.
• Leadership and Team Management
• Supervise and manage the work of the Finance Department.
• Provide leadership and oversight of facilities, maintenance, cleaning, and other operational support functions.
• Ensure the effective management of the food‑service operation and any other auxiliary enterprises of the school.
• Ensure effective leadership practices, including performance management, appraisal, feedback, and recognition.
• Manage workload allocation and support the professional effectiveness of supervised staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• Significant experience in financial management, budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic financial planning and risk management; strong understanding of financial controls, compliance requirements, and governance processes.
• Experience working with senior leaders, boards, trustees, or governing bodies is highly desirable.
• Knowledge about the rules of a non‑profit organization is desirable.
• Knowledge of German regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Understanding of government funding, grants and subsidy programmes is essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and international environment.
• Fluency in English and German is essential.

What we offer

• A key leadership position within a well‑established and highly regarded international school.
• The opportunity to shape the financial future and long‑term sustainability of a growing educational institution.
• Close collaboration with the School Director, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• A diverse, international, and mission‑driven community committed to educational excellence.
• A dynamic role with a high level of responsibility, autonomy, and professional impact.
• Opportunities for professional growth and ongoing development.
• A competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Additional Information

We welcome applications from experienced professionals who are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to a leading international school.

Please submit your application, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and professional references, in English via our online application portal.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All successful candidates will be required to undergo appropriate background checks and reference verification in accordance with our safeguarding policies.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

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