Emma Willard School seeks a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as our Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO reports to and works closely with the Head of School to oversee all aspects of the school’s financial management. As a member of an 8-person senior team, the CFO helps establish the strategic priorities for the school. The CFO works closely with the Board of Trustees on establishing and maintaining long-term financial sustainability and effective investment strategies. In addition, the CFO oversees key aspects of Emma Willard’s operations and facilities management. A strategic thinker and experienced financial manager, the CFO is an active partner with members of the community including trustees, faculty, staff and parents helping to ensure decisions are student-centered and advance the Emma Willard School mission.

We seek someone with expertise in navigating today’s changing and diverse landscape and will help the School promote and nurture diversity, equity, access and inclusion. The School encourages candidates from under-represented groups and individuals who have demonstrated experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Develop and maintain a highly collaborative relationship with the Head of School to set a strategic vision and maintain financial sustainability.
Oversee the development, administration, and reporting on the operating budget to the School’s Board of Trustees, auditors and all requiring reporting agencies.
Develop and maintain multi-year financial models capable of ensuring the School’s financial strength and stability. Advise the Head of School by staying abreast of emerging trends in non-profit financial management and new approaches to financial planning and forecasting.
Oversee the School’s debt and lending strategy.
Work closely with administrative offices to maintain accurate and timely budgeting information on a monthly basis.
Oversee and coordinate annual audits.
Assume administrative responsibility for the School’s endowment and implement decisions of the Investment Committee; coordinate with the external investment manager on the implementation of effective endowment allocations, performance and reporting. This area of responsibility includes fulfilling all responsibilities set forth in the School’s Endowment Investment Policy Statement.
Assume administrative responsibility for the School’s 403(b) Plan Investment Policy and Debt Policy.
Act as key steward of cash management.
Be the staff resource to the Board of Trustees’ Finance and Audit Committee, Investment Committee and Facilities Committee.
Oversee school business functions, including: tuition billing and collection, accounts payable, contracting, payroll, human resources, accounting and reporting, regulatory reporting and compliance, and other business administration activities.
Manage, lead and oversee a total staff of more than 30 employees with six direct reports.
Oversee the Director of Human Resources and establish employee salaries and benefits in alignment with the school’s priorities and capacity. Provide ongoing oversight of the School’s employment policies and benefits programs.
Collaborate with general counsel regarding all risk management matters.
Work closely with the Director of Facilities Construction and Management to oversee capital projects and establish a clear plan to address regular and deferred maintenance.
Oversee key areas of the School’s operations: Campus Safety, IT and School Store.
Oversee auxiliary services including housekeeping and dining services.
Collaborate with other School administrators in maintaining strong and positive relations with local township, county and city officials.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Minimum Requirements:

At least ten years of experience as a CFO, Business Manager or position(s) involving similar areas of responsibility, independent school experience preferred.
Ability to serve as a critical business thinker, capable of providing positive and proactive solutions to business issues.
Highly motivated and ability to work independently and manage multiple functions and projects simultaneously with little direct supervision.
Knowledgeable with forecasting 5-10 year financial plans and managing the tension between competing resource demands.
Proficient use of accounting, word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and presentation technologies.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to motivate and manage a high-quality staff and hire new talent when needed.
Ability to think creatively and critically to solve problems, make effective decisions and manage projects.
Effective negotiation skills in developing contracts with external vendors.
Strong interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
Bachelor’s degree required, M.B.A. and/or a master’s degree in a related field and/or CPA certification strongly preferred.

Salary Range: $250K - $325K based on education and experience.

We seek to identify, recruit, and develop employees who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds.

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