King School - Chief Financial and Operating Officer (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.

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.

The CFOO Role at King School

The Chief Financial and Operating Officer at King School is responsible for advancing the school’s financial sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term institutional priorities, in partnership with the Head of School and Board of Trustees.

As a core member of the senior leadership team, the CFOO oversees the full breadth of finance and operations, ensuring that systems, resources, and infrastructure align with and support King’s mission and vision. This leader brings both strategic perspective and operational discipline—guiding decision-making, strengthening systems, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization.

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
  
  

What Makes This Opportunity Compelling

Leadership Transition at a Pivotal Moment: With a new Head of School set to be named in early June 2026 (to begin July 1, 2027), the CFOO will play a critical role in ensuring continuity while helping to shape the next chapter of King’s leadership and strategic direction.

• A Strong Financial Foundation and Position for Continued Growth: King School benefits from a strong and stable financial position, supported by a balanced operating model, disciplined stewardship, and thoughtful long-term planning. With an operating budget of approximately $42 million, an endowment of $58 million, and a manageable debt of $25 million, the school is well-positioned to invest in strategic priorities while maintaining long-term sustainability. Annual fundraising of approximately $2 million further supports key initiatives and programmatic enhancements. With a team of 188 full-time employees, King operates at a scale that offers both institutional complexity and the opportunity for meaningful impact.
• A Clear and Ambitious Strategic Vision: King’s Strategic Vision 2025–2028, Recommitting Excellence: A Bold Vision for Innovation, Belonging, and Impact, provides a strong foundation for future growth and innovation. The CFOO will play a central role in advancing this vision—ensuring that financial strategy, operational planning, and resource allocation align with key institutional priorities, including programmatic innovation, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.
• Opportunity to Integrate Strategy, Finance, and Operations: This role offers broad enterprise leadership across finance and operations, with the ability to strengthen systems, improve processes, and enhance organizational effectiveness. For a CFOO who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution, King presents an opportunity to make a meaningful, visible impact across the entire institution.
• A Collaborative and Mission-Driven Community: King’s culture emphasizes curiosity, collaboration, and belonging, creating an environment where senior leaders work closely together in service of students and families. The CFOO will join a committed leadership team and a community that values thoughtful decision-making, transparency, and shared responsibility for institutional success.
• A Desirable Location with Access to the New York Metropolitan Area: King School is located in northern Stamford, Connecticut, a vibrant and growing community in Fairfield County along the Long Island Sound. The area offers an exceptional quality of life, with access to coastal amenities, strong public infrastructure, and diverse residential options. Its proximity to New York City—less than an hour by train—provides convenient access to one of the world’s leading cultural and financial centers, making King an attractive destination for senior administrators and their families.
  
  

Qualifications And Personal Attributes

Professional Experience

• Significant experience in financial and operational leadership within an independent school or similarly complex, mission-driven organization, with a strong preference for prior independent school CFO/CFOO experience
• Demonstrated success overseeing budgeting, financial planning and analysis, accounting, and reporting in a non-profit environment
• Experience leading and integrating multiple operational functions (e.g., facilities, campus operations, risk management, auxiliary services)
• Proven ability to develop long-range financial models and align resources with strategic priorities
• Experience working closely with a Head of School (or equivalent) and Board of Trustees, including committee engagement
  
  

Leadership & Management Skills

• A strategic thinker who can translate vision into actionable financial and operational plans
• A collaborative leader who builds trust, communicates effectively, and works across departments with credibility and respect
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Experience leading through periods of change, growth, or transition
  
  

Financial & Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and audit processes
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize and communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences
• Experience with financial systems, business processes, and data-informed decision-making
• Understanding of enrollment dynamics, tuition modeling, and financial sustainability in independent schools is highly valued
  
  

Personal Attributes

• A mission-aligned leader who is energized by working in a school environment and supporting student success
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a strong sense of accountability
• A thoughtful, steady presence who brings both strategic perspective and operational discipline
• A visible and approachable leader who engages effectively with faculty, staff, and community members
• A commitment to fostering a culture of respect, belonging, and collaboration
  
  

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business, finance, or a related field preferred
• CPA or other relevant professional credential is valued but not required
  
  

The Search Process

King School has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its next Chief Financial and Operating Officer. This search is being conducted in close partnership with Head of School Carol Maoz and her CFOO Search Committee.

The salary range for this position is $315,000 – $350,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additionally, employees at King School enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees through all stages of life and career.

All inquiries, nominations, and questions should be directed in confidence to: James Palmieri, CEO and Search Lead jpalmieri@nboaadvisoryservices.com

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and letter of interest ASAP through the application link on this page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Please do not contact the school directly. Interested candidates should apply using the form on this page at their earliest convenience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

It is King’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. King does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited under federal, state, or local law.