Chief Strategic Finance and Operations Officer

Position Purpose

The Chief Strategic Finance and Operations Officer (CSFOO) is a creative, analytical, and strategic leader responsible for the school’s financial health and operational excellence. As a key advisor and thought partner to the Head of School, the CSFOO ensures long-term financial stability, advances organizational effectiveness, and supports the school’s educational mission through sound fiscal management and operational leadership.

The CSFOO oversees a $9M+ annual budget and provides executive oversight for finance, facilities, operations, compliance, risk management, procurement, information technology, safety, wellness, transportation, and student information systems. The role serves as a data-driven strategic resource for the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, developing metrics, dashboards, and scenario plans that inform long-term planning and sustainability.

Key Objectives

The CSFOO is responsible for establishing and maintaining financial policies and practices aligned with GAAP and industry standards, and for providing leadership across financial and operational domains, including budgeting, audit, enrollment, financial aid, facilities, IT, and risk management.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a strategic partner and sounding board to the Head of School.
• Provide financial models, dashboards, and scenario analyses to support Board-level strategic planning.
• Partner with leadership to identify critical organizational needs and develop long-range financial strategies.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee the creation, accuracy, and maintenance of all financial records.
• Prepare periodic financial statements for the Head of School and Board of Trustees.
• Manage the annual budget process and develop financial forecasts.
• Prepare materials for the annual audit and support the preparation of Form 990.
• Review and approve monthly bank reconciliations.
• Supervise all accounting functions, including accounts payable/receivable and cash management.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship in accordance with 501(c)(3) accounting and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Finance Committee of the Board

Tuition, Enrollment & Financial Aid

• Oversee annual enrollment contracts and tuition management for 400+ students.
• Address parent billing questions using a customer-focused communication approach.
• Ensure all financial aid documentation is complete; collaborate with the Head of School to determine awards, manage the financial aid budget, and process appeals.
• Support administration of tuition remission for qualifying faculty.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Administer and maintain all forms of school insurance, including annual policy review.
• Ensure internal controls safeguard school assets and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Oversee campus safety, security, and emergency response practices.

Operations & Facilities

• Provide executive oversight for facilities, maintenance, safety, and compliance.
• Supervise the Facilities Manager and collaborate with the IT Manager.
• Develop and oversee contracts, procurement, and relationships with outside vendors.
• Oversee building usage and ensure facilities support school operations effectively.

Human Resources & Employee Support

• Oversee business office HR functions, including payroll and benefits administration (in collaboration with the HR Associate).
• Regularly analyze benefit plans for competitiveness and make recommendations to the Head of School.
• Support the full employee life cycle alongside the HR Manager.
• Create, manage, and monitor policies and procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Auxiliary & Enterprise Functions

• Oversee the Student Store, ensuring efficient operations and annual profitability.
• Support Extended Day and Camps programming with the goal of achieving minimum 40% profit margins on all programs.