Chief Finance and Operations Officer

Full Time / Exempt 

Salary Range:$175,000-$225,000

Position Summary 

The CFOO is a senior leader and strategic partner to the Head of School and Board, responsible for the school’s financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and long-term stability. 

This role leads the school’s financial stabilization efforts, including identifying structural vs. temporary deficits, aligning resources to mission priorities, and implementing a multi-year path to sustainability. The CFOO oversees finance, operations, facilities, technology, human resources, and risk management, ensuring disciplined, transparent, and data-informed decision-making across the organization. 

Institutional Context 

Chartwell School is a nonprofit nonpublic school serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. The school is in a period of leadership transition and continued financial stabilization following prior operating deficits. Core operational teams are in place; the CFOO provides strategic oversight, integration, and accountability across functions. 

Reporting Structure 

● Reports to: Head of School 

● Partners: Board of Trustees, Finance & Audit Committees 

● Oversees: Finance, HR, Facilities, IT, and Operations 

Core Responsibilities 

Financial Strategy & Management 

● Lead a 3–5 year financial sustainability plan 

● Diagnose and address structural financial drivers 

● Develop scenario-based models (enrollment, tuition, staffing, fundraising) 

● Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial reporting 

● Ensure strong internal controls and financial discipline

Board Partnership & Governance 

● Serve as primary financial liaison to the Board and committees 

● Deliver clear, actionable financial reporting and analysis 

● Support scenario planning, risk assessment, and decision-making 

● Manage key financial cycles (tuition-setting, budget approval) 

Operations & Infrastructure 

● Oversee Facilities, IT, and operational systems 

● Lead cross-functional improvements to increase efficiency and cost control 

● Provide oversight of capital projects, deferred maintenance, and vendors 

● Ensure technology and data systems support institutional needs 

Human Resources Oversight 

● Provide executive oversight of HR strategy and compliance 

● Support HR leadership in employee relations and performance systems 

Compliance, Risk & Stewardship 

● Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit regulations, and accreditation requirements

● Lead audit, 990/5500 filings, and financial reporting integrity 

● Oversee risk management, insurance, and fiduciary responsibilities (including 403(b))

Advancement & Revenue Alignment 

● Partner with Admissions and Advancement on enrollment modeling and financial aid strategy

● Align fundraising and restricted funds with financial priorities 

● Support development of diversified revenue streams 

Leadership & Culture 

● Build and lead a high-performing finance and operations team 

● Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and financial discipline 

Year One Priorities 

● Establish accurate, timely financial reporting and cash flow visibility 

● Conduct operational assessment (HR, IT, Facilities) to identify risks and gaps 

● Strengthen systems, controls, and processes

Qualifications 

● Bachelor’s in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA/CPA preferred) 

● 7–15 years of senior financial leadership experience 

● Independent school experience preferred 

● Demonstrated success in financial planning, business operations, and Board partnership

Leadership Profile 

● Strategic, analytical, and solutions-oriented 

● Comfortable navigating complex financial models with clarity and candor 

● Strong communicator with both financial and non-financial stakeholders 

● Systems thinker with the ability to translate strategy into execution 

Chartwell School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.