Meghan Wagner
Summary
Dedicated finance and operations professional eager to lead and grow organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication with strong understanding of finance, project management and team leadership. Collaborative with a passion for developing individuals and teams.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Springfield Preparatory Charter School District
06.2020 - Current
- Responsible for financial oversight of three inter-related organizations, including a charter public school district, Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business, and supporting 501(c)(3) including formulation of budgets, forecasts, financial statements, accounts payable, payroll, cash management, financial audit, tax reporting, and real estate finance and bond issuance
- Support development of a $25 Million Facility project, including all aspects of financing and budgeting, capital campaign, stakeholder engagement, and design work
- Led expansion of operations, finance, and human resources teams to support significantly expanding staff and student operations
- Implement new human resources policies and procedures to meet changing needs of staff members and adapt in varying hiring market landscapes, including leading multi-year Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professional development program for all finance and operations team members
- Develop standard operating procedures for finance, operations, facilities, nutrition, human resources and health services teams to ensure efficiency and effectiveness across teams, as well as compliance with all necessary local, state, and federal regulations and reporting requirements
- Oversee all state and federal grants, including writing grant applications, monitoring expenses and completing reporting requirements
- Lead annual organization financial audit and all required state and federal financial and compliance reporting
- Manage all operations and finance team staff members, ranging from entry level roles to developing leaders
- Manage relationships with external vendors and consultants, including IT providers, bankers and lenders, and human resources and business management consultants.
- Prepare and deliver reports for the Board of Trustees and board committees.
Director of Finance and Operations
Springfield Preparatory Charter School District
07.2016 - 06.2020
- Manage day-to-day financial operations with responsibility in the areas of accounting, banking, budgeting, procurement and financial planning
- Develop budgets and forecasts, preparation of financial statements, oversight of accounts payable and payroll, banking and cash management, financial audit and tax reporting
- Oversee all grant writing and grant management
- Collaborate closely with school and district leadership, as well as School Board to make strategic decisions about the organization’s direction
- Manage smooth operations of various school programs, events, and initiatives, as well as student enrollment and recruitment
- Lead and manage the school’s IT programs
- Develop and establish school-wide standards for school safety and emergency readiness
- Recruit and manage multiple teams in a range of operational areas including school office, facilities, food service and finance
Director of School Operations
Achievement First
09.2013 - 07.2016
- Develop and monitor annual school operating budget and prepare reports for the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees
- Oversee student enrollment, including communication with administration, host district and families
- Manage and coach multiple employees, including full‐time, contract, and seasonal positions
- Monitor and maintain records for all financial transactions, including accounts payable and school credit card purchases; and participate in annual finance audit
- Manage all school purchases, including vendor communication and bid submission process, tracking deliveries and maintaining appropriate inventory throughout school year
- Annually prepare campus for new school year by ordering furniture, equipment, and classroom supplies as well as ensuring that all school services are in place
- Ensure maintenance of campus facilities by managing custodial personnel and third‐party contracts
- Coordinate with district to manage school’s transportation, food services, nursing services and security
- Manage tracking and communication regarding certification and employee benefits
- Primary point of contact for all staff regarding human resources questions and issues
- Oversee administration of all student testing
- Develop and manage system for accurate student record keeping, including demographic information, contact information, grading and medical information
- Coordinate with school leadership team to develop annual school vision, goals and priorities
- Work to develop calendar and daily schedule and coordinate with multiple co‐located schools
- Develop and present reports for school administration network, school board and community
- Conduct trainings for operations staff, teachers and administrators
- Communicate with families as needed when questions or issues arise concerning school policies or staff.
Student Services Manager
Achievement First
05.2010 - 09.2013
- Organize school and community events, including organization of parent and community volunteers
- Work with external organization to create parent advocacy groups at school and network levels
- Manage enrollment, including communications with school administrations, public school districts and public
- Coordinate student transportation services and food services in co‐located facility
- Spearheaded and lead Parent Teacher Group
- Monitor and assist in planning annual school operating budget
- Manage and coach multiple employees, including both full-time and seasonal positions
- Coordinate operations & administrative needs, including weekly newsletter
- Develop and present reports for network, school board and community
- Conduct trainings for operations team members, teachers and administrators
- Successfully developed Healthy Initiative snack program school‐wide and supported this initiative in additional schools in network
- Successfully initiated, conducted and expanded several fundraising and community events.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Administration
University of Connecticut
West Hartford, CT05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA05.2004
Skills
- Extensive project management skills with acute attention to detail, efficiency, and communication
- Excellent public speaking, presentation, and leadership skills
- Highly proficient in Quickbooks, BILL, Little Green Light, and Google Suite
- Financial modeling, budget projections, and financial analysis
- Systems development and organization
- Coaching, development, and people management, including recruitment and retention
- Team leadership and development
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
Springfield Preparatory Charter School District
06.2020 - Current
Director of Finance and Operations
Springfield Preparatory Charter School District
07.2016 - 06.2020
Director of School Operations
Achievement First
09.2013 - 07.2016
Student Services Manager
Achievement First
05.2010 - 09.2013
Master of Arts - Public Administration
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Westfield State University
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