Chief Financial Officer - Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York, NY

Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York City invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned financial leader to join one of the city’s most respected independent schools at a moment of strategic opportunity and long-term planning. 

The CFO is a key member of the senior leadership team and a trusted partner to the Head of School, Kate Adams, the Board of Trustees, the Senior Leadership Team, and Faculty and Staff. The CFO provides strategic financial leadership, stewardship, and analysis to ensure the school’s continued financial strength, sustainability, and alignment with mission. This role offers significant influence, visibility, and partnership at the highest levels of governance in a complex, mission-driven independent school environment. 

Primary Areas of Responsibility 

Financial Strategy and Leadership 

• Partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop and advance long-term financial strategy and multi-year planning.
• Serve as a primary financial advisor to the Finance, Investment, and Audit & Risk Committees.
• Provide financial modeling, scenario analysis, and decision support to inform strategic initiatives and institutional planning. 

Financial Management and Oversight 

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, treasury, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of clear, accurate, and timely financial reports and Board materials.
• Ensure strong financial policies, controls, and compliance practices are in place and regularly reviewed. 

Endowment, Investments, and Debt Management 

• Work closely with the Investment Committee to steward the school’s endowment and board-restricted investment assets.
• Support investment, spending, and debt strategies that balance financial sustainability, mission priorities, and long-term capital needs.
• Provide financial analysis and guidance related to endowment performance, draw policies, and long-range financial planning. 

Risk Management, Compliance, and Audit 

• Oversee enterprise-wide risk management, including liability, property, and asset insurance programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to finance, employment, and nonprofit operations.
• Supervise and partner closely with the Controller and external auditors to oversee a rigorous, timely annual audit process. 

Human Resources Leadership and Partnership 

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of human resources functions, including compensation strategy, payroll, benefits administration, and employment compliance.
• Supervise and partner closely with the Human Resources Director to ensure alignment between financial planning, people strategy, and institutional priorities.
• Ensure HR-related systems and processes are well-managed, compliant, and effectively integrated with financial operations. 

Institutional Partnership and Business Office Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and support the business office team, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing culture.
• Provide clear direction, professional development, and accountability across finance, accounting, and administrative functions.
• Collaborate with senior administrators on enrollment, tuition, financial aid, and long-range planning.
• Maintain strong, productive relationships with external partners, including banks, investment managers, auditors, and legal counsel. 

About Convent of the Sacred Heart 

Founded in 1881, Convent of the Sacred Heart is the oldest independent all-girls school in New York City and a member of a global Network of Sacred Heart Schools. The school educates approximately 730 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and is rooted in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education, which guide the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical formation of students and adults alike. 

Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Sacred Heart is known for academic excellence, a deeply values-centered culture, and a commitment to educating young women of courage, confidence, and compassion. The school benefits from engaged governance, a strong leadership team, dedicated faculty and staff, and a passionate alumnae and parent community. Sacred Heart’s financial enterprise reflects both its scale and sophistication, including a growing endowment, significant physical assets, and long?range strategic priorities. 

Qualifications 

• Significant senior-level financial leadership experience, preferably within an independent school, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial planning, financial reporting, and fiscal stewardship.
• Experience working closely with Boards and Board committees.
• Knowledge of endowment management, investments, financial aid, and nonprofit compliance.
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• A leadership style that reflects integrity, discretion, collaboration, and service.
• A bachelor’s degree; advanced degree and/or professional credentials (CPA, MBA, or similar) preferred.