Job description
Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.
DREAM is seeking a strategic, analytical, and impact-driven professional to serve as Director of Business Strategy. Reporting to the Senior Director of Educational & Business Strategy, the Director will support annual and long-term planning processes, guide financial decision-making through robust analysis, and oversee financial reporting and spend management initiatives. As a key thought partner to organizational leaders, the Director will be central in ensuring that financial and strategic efforts align with DREAM’s mission and long-term vision.
This role is ideal for someone with strong financial and project management experience, a keen strategic & analytical mindset, and a passion for using data to drive decisions in a mission-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
Annual Planning
Serve as the point person for the annual budget development process.
Develop budget frameworks, tools, and assumptions; lead budget owner engagement and coordination across departments.
Drive improvements to streamline budget development and increase engagement from key stakeholders.
Budget Management & Financial Reporting
Own monthly reporting processes, including financial statements and dashboards.
Serve as the primary financial liaison for cost center owners, ensuring accurate and actionable reporting.
Oversee the development of monthly and quarterly budget-to-actual reviews and variance analyses.
Financial Planning & Strategic Analysis
Conduct complex modeling and scenario analysis to guide strategic decisions and investments.
Develop business cases for new initiatives and synthesize data into clear, actionable insights.
Provide qualitative research and financial vetting of high-impact special projects and strategic initiatives.
Procurement & Spend Management
Lead system improvements and strong adoption of procurement systems (e.g., Coupa), including user training and compliance tracking.
Analyze organizational spend patterns to identify opportunities for cost efficiency and process enhancements.
Long-Term Planning
Build and maintain DREAM’s multi-year financial model to support strategic growth and sustainability goals.
Translate organizational priorities into long-term projections and financial scenarios.
Partner with senior leadership to model options for new or evolving strategic initiatives and special projects.
People Leadership
Provide day-to-day management for the Business Strategy Analyst.
Set performance metrics and ensure accountability through regular coaching, feedback, and professional development.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
Other responsibilities related to the role as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, required; Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Public Policy, Education, Finance) preferred;
- 5+ years of professional experience in financial planning & analysis, strategic finance, consulting, or similar fields;
- Strong modeling, forecasting, and financial analysis skills;
- Deep Excel proficiency;
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information for senior leadership;
- Track record of project management excellence and driving cross-functional initiatives;
- Highly collaborative, self-directed, and aligned with DREAM’s mission and values.
Working Expectations
- The Director of Business Strategy is part of the Network Team that currently works 3 days in the office and up to 2 days remote, per week (subject to change).
Benefits and Paid Time Off
- We offer comprehensive benefits including:
- Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
- The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
- Dental and vision plans;
- Disability benefits;
- Life insurance;
- Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave;
- Flexible spending account options;
- Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
- Fitness and entertainment discounts;
- A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
- A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment
- Referral bonuses;
- All full-time Network Support Team employees are eligible for approximately 48 days off throughout the year including holidays, sick days, personal days and summer Fridays.
- Benefits are subject to change.
Compensation
- DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $125,000 to $140,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All staff are eligible for annual performance-based increases. Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.
From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.
Come dream with us.
DREAM Maxims
All Kids Can. This Kid Can.
DREAM is Family.
Fun is a Serious Value.
Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.
Fail. Persist. Exceed.
DREAM Big.
Applying to DREAM
We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!
DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.
