Chief Financial and Operating Officer - King School, Stamford, CT (Permanent or Interim)

King School invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO). This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished financial and operational leader to join a thriving independent school during a period of leadership transition and meaningful institutional momentum. While the school’s strong preference is to appoint a permanent Chief Financial and Operating Officer this summer, experienced interim candidates will also be considered for the 2026-27 school year. 

The CFOO serves as an integral member of the senior leadership team and a close advisor to the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and colleagues across the school community. In this role, the CFOO leads the school’s financial strategy and operational functions, bringing thoughtful analysis, sound judgment, and disciplined execution to support long-term sustainability and mission alignment. 

The position offers broad scope, institutional visibility, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to governance, strategy, and day-to-day operations within a dynamic, mission-driven educational environment. The CFOO will play a particularly important role during a period of leadership transition, partnering with both the current and incoming Heads of School to ensure continuity, stability, and forward momentum. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Financial Leadership 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School and Board of Trustees on financial strategy, planning, and long-range sustainability
• Partner with senior leadership to advance King’s Strategic Vision, translating priorities into actionable financial and operational plans
• Lead the development of the annual operating budget and multi-year financial models aligned with strategic priorities
• Provide clear, insightful financial analysis and reporting to support institutional decision-making
• Ensure strong stewardship of the school’s financial resources, including operating funds, reserves, and debt 

Operational Leadership and Oversight 

• Provide leadership and integration across all operational functions, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with institutional goals
• Oversee facilities management, safety and security, dining, transportation, and other auxiliary services, in partnership with the Director of Campus Operations and Director of Campus Safety
• Oversee the financial, operational, and strategic management of major campus capital construction and renovation projects, ensuring fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, and minimal disruption to school operations and student life
• Ensure that operational systems and practices support a high-quality student and employee experience 

Business Office and Financial Operations 

• Direct all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, reporting, cash management, and audits
• Ensure strong internal controls, compliance, and risk management practices
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with best practices
• Lead and mentor a high-performing business office team, fostering professional growth and accountability
• Ensure effective systems and processes that support efficiency, transparency, and data-informed decision-making 

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 Director of Human Resources 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

Strategic Planning & Institutional Effectiveness 

• Develop and monitor key financial and operational metrics to assess progress and inform strategy
• Partner closely with advancement leadership to align financial planning with fundraising and capital priorities
• Support enrollment management and tuition strategy through financial modeling and scenario planning
• Contribute to institutional planning efforts, ensuring alignment between mission, market, and resources 

Risk Management, Compliance & Governance 

• Oversee enterprise risk management, including financial, operational, and regulatory risks
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and independent school standards
• Serve as liaison to relevant Board committees (e.g., Finance, Audit, Investment, Buildings and Grounds), supporting governance and transparency
• Lead audit processes in partnership with the Controller and maintain strong relationships with external auditors, advisors, and partners 

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership 

• Serve as a collaborative and visible leader across the school community, building trust and strong relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators
• Partner closely with academic and administrative leaders to support programmatic innovation and operational needs
• Foster a culture of service, accountability, and alignment across departments reporting to the CFOO 

About King School 

King School is a vibrant, coeducational, independent day school serving approximately 700 students in PreK through Grade 12 on a 36-acre campus in Stamford, Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, the school draws families from across the region, including Westchester County, New York, and more than 30 surrounding communities.  

King provides an engaging, inquiry-based educational experience designed to foster curiosity, intellectual growth, and character development. Students are encouraged to explore, question, and make connections across disciplines, supported by dedicated educators and a collaborative, inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives.  

Guided by core virtues of integrity, kindness, perseverance, and respect, King prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world as thoughtful, confident learners and globally minded citizens.