Monique Arrington

Dear Members of the Hiring Committee, I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Director of Finance and Operations position at PS1 Pluralistic School. With fourteen years of comprehensive experience in operations management, financial oversight, and fundraising for leading organizations, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your esteemed institution. Your mission to spark curious and critical thinkers who confidently contribute to their communities deeply resonates with me, and I am eager to bring my expertise to support and enhance the operational and financial functions of PS1. In my current role as Operations Manager at the United States Veterans Initiative (U.S.VETS), I have honed my skills in ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations while driving efforts to achieve performance goals, clean audits, and balanced budgets. My responsibilities include managing site operations, performing grants management, and supervising key personnel such as the Business Office Associate, IT Manager, and Director of Facilities. Additionally, I have served as the Interim Executive Director, further enhancing my leadership and decision-making capabilities. These experiences have equipped me with the ability to maintain ethical and legal standards in fiscal and business operations, as well as to implement and maintain appropriate personnel policies. Previously, as Director of Operations at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, I managed a $10 million portfolio of programs, developed and monitored day-to-day management, and provided training and mentorship to Program Center Directors and Managers. My ability to perform financial analyses, cost studies, and prepare budgets and financial forecasts aligns well with the responsibilities outlined for the Director of Finance and Operations at PS1. I am skilled in building relationships with colleagues, parents, and students, which is essential for maintaining a cohesive and supportive school environment. My academic background includes a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. These qualifications, combined with my practical experience, provide me with a strong foundation in financial management, strategic planning, and human resources, all of which are crucial for the successful execution of the Director of Finance and Operations role. Some key achievements that illustrate my capability include: - Awarded over $25 million in grants for a non-profit servicing homeless veterans in two years. - Received the Outstanding Leadership Award at the site level from U.S.VETS in 2023. - Received the Outstanding Leadership Award at the national level from U.S.VETS in 2024. - Supervising the operations of one of Ruffalo Noel Levitz's largest fundraising management programs, resulting in over 95,000 pledges/gifts and $11 million in total dollars at UCLA. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at PS1 Pluralistic School because of your commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for students. I am eager to leverage my expertise in financial management, compliance, and team leadership to support PS1's mission and contribute to the school's continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your school. Please feel free to contact me at (562) 522-5415 or Arrington.Monique@gmail.com to schedule an interview. Sincerely, Monique Arrington

[Today’s Date], PS1 Pluralistic School, [School's Address], Los Angeles, CA