Chief Financial Officer

The CFO is a mission-aligned, visionary leader who ensures McDonogh School's financial strength and operational excellence while advancing our strategic priorities. As a key member of the senior administrative team, the CFO reports directly to the Head of School and serves as the lead staff liaison to the Board's Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees.

This is a dynamic opportunity for a strategic thinker and collaborative partner to shape the financial future of a school committed to LifeReady learning and service to others. The person should be an experienced CFO with impeccable standards and credentials to manage a complex, thriving organization in a highly competitive geographic location. The CFO will lead with integrity and curiosity, demonstrating resilience in navigating challenges, showing respect for all stakeholders, and valuing the opportunity to serve our educational mission.

Areas of Responsibility

• Strategic Financial Leadership and Planning
• Finance and Budget Management and Reporting
• Auxiliary Programs Management (Food Service, Equestrian, Corporate Campus, Summer, and After School)
• Investment and Endowment Oversight
• Risk Management and Compliance
• Capital Projects and Campus Stewardship

Key Leadership Priorities

Strategic Financial Stewardship

• Design and execute annual and multi-year financial strategies that enable McDonogh to continue its academic excellence, commitment to innovation, and other strategic initiatives  
• Lead dynamic annual budget modeling and long-range forecasting with curiosity and innovation, enabling data-driven planning 
• Transform complex financial information into actionable insights for school leadership and trustees, demonstrating integrity in all communications and understanding of  stakeholder needs
• Champion fiscal discipline while identifying opportunities for innovation and strategic investment that enhance the School’s financial sustainability
• Manage comprehensive school budgets, including endowment and investment portfolios, navigating economic and competitive challenges
• Ensure all internal and external financial reporting is timely, accurate, and compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Board and Governance Partnership

• Serve as primary financial advisor to the Head of School and Board of Trustees, delivering clear, transparent financial reporting and strategic counsel 
• Coordinate and serve as lead staff liaison to Board Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees, fostering trusted partnerships built on shared commitment to supporting the School’s Strategic Plan
• Actively contribute to Board committees, including Buildings & Grounds, Philanthropy, Campaign, Gift Acceptance, Risk Oversight, and Governance
• Translate school priorities into operational initiatives and measurable financial outcomes that support our vision of an inclusive, dynamic community
• Prepare comprehensive financial reports and presentations for Board and committee meetings, demonstrating resilience in addressing challenges and commitment to continuous improvement

Strategic Financing and Investment Management

• Coordinate strategic financing initiatives, including debt and liquidity analysis and S&P bond rating maintenance
• Oversee the work of the independent investment advisor and ensure they are appropriately managing the portfolio

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure annual income tax reporting and financial statement audit preparation are completed accurately and on time
• Oversee employee benefit plans and related financial planning
• Lead proactive risk assessments, insurance strategies, and compliance efforts that safeguard McDonogh's mission and reputation
• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure appropriate property and casualty and liability insurance coverage
• Continually assess the adequacy of the work of independent advisors

Auxiliary Programs and Operations Leadership

• Provide direct oversight of all auxiliary programs including:
  • Food service and café operations
  • Equestrian programs
  • Summer camps and after-school programs
  • School store operations
  • Corporate campus activities
• Ensure auxiliary operations align with the educational mission, contribute to institutional sustainability, and maintain appropriate risk management

Capital Projects and Campus Stewardship

• Actively contribute to major capital initiatives from vision to execution with disciplined financial oversight and stakeholder collaboration in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Philanthropy Officer
• Ensure capital projects have adequate funding from donors, operations, or financing
• Support development of campus master planning initiatives

Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration

• Partner with Chief Human Resources Officer on salary and benefit budget planning and strategy
• Collaborate with Chief Philanthropy Officer on financial aspects of philanthropy initiatives
• Work with Chief Enrollment Officer on enrollment-related financial planning, including tuition discounting
• Team with Chief Operating Officer on funding needs related to capital projects and campus operations
• Serve as strategic thought partner across all departments, ensuring resource allocation reflects institutional values and strategic goals
• Reshape complex financial data into clear and easily understood information for diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, trustees, and community members who may not have financial backgrounds

Team Development and Organizational Excellence

• Lead and develop high-performing Business Office team with empathy, encouragement, and clear direction, highlighting a shared purpose, supporting professional growth opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone can find joy in their work
• Cultivate a culture of service, collaboration, and excellence throughout business operations
• Ensure systems, processes, and technology effectively support institutional priorities and innovation with a commitment to efficiency, productivity, and customer service
• Embed a culture of accountability, ethical stewardship, and continuous improvement across all financial and operational practices, demonstrating that "we give something more than we take"
• Model lifelong learning and encourage team members to pursue professional development opportunities

Mission-Driven Innovation

• Identify and explore new revenue models, partnership opportunities, and cost efficiencies that enhance McDonogh's sustainability and impact, approaching challenges with curiosity, collaboration, and resilience
• Incorporate equity and inclusion through financial aid modeling, strategic tuition planning, and data-driven compensation analysis to ensure access and belonging for all at McDonogh
• Participate actively in professional organizations, including NBOA, NAIS, and INDEX, as a lifelong learner committed to continuous growth and knowledge sharing
• Lead special initiatives as assigned by Head of School in support of our mission
• Champion innovations that help prepare students to lead that are in alignment with our commitment to a transformative education

Required Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 7-10 years of senior-level financial management experience
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and systems
• Experience working with boards of trustees and preparing and presenting board-level financial presentations

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or MBA
• CPA certification
• Understanding of independent school financial management and culture
• Knowledge of endowment and investment management
• Familiarity with auxiliary program operations
• Experience with financial systems such as Blackbaud, Veracross, or similar platforms

Please review the full position statement here.