Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO)

Location: Severna Park, Maryland
Type: Full Time / Exempt

About the Role

The Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) is a senior administrative leader at Severn School and a key strategic partner to the Head of School and Board of Trustees. The CFOO leads the School’s financial and operational functions, ensuring long-term fiscal health, disciplined resource stewardship, and operational effectiveness in support of Severn’s mission and strategic priorities. In this role, the CFOO provides integrated leadership across finance, human resources, facilities, and technology, aligning administrative operations with institutional goals and the educational program. Working closely with the Head of School, Executive Administration Team, and Board leadership, the CFOO supports informed decision-making and advances strategic initiatives through thoughtful financial planning and operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership and Strategy
  • Partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop and advance the school’s long-term financial strategy, policies, and priorities.
  • Oversee all financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, cash management, tax compliance, internal controls, and reporting.
  • Lead the development, presentation, and ongoing monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets.
  • Provide multi-year financial modeling and analysis to support strategic decision-making and institutional planning.
  • Serve as a primary financial advisor to the Head of School and Board Finance Committee, ensuring timely, accurate, and clear communication of the School’s financial position.
• Board Engagement and Governance
  • Serve as the administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees and key committees, including Finance, Audit, Investment, and Buildings and Grounds.
  • Organize and coordinate committee agendas and materials in collaboration with Board leadership.
  • Present financial reports, forecasts, and strategic analyses to the Board and its committees.
  • Partner with trustees to support informed governance and effective fiduciary oversight.
• Business Office Leadership and Financial Operations
  • Provide direct leadership and oversight of the Business Office, including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting functions.
  • Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial records, reporting, and internal controls.
  • Oversee the preparation and coordination of the annual financial audit and tax filings, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
  • Establish and maintain efficient and effective financial systems, processes, and workflows that support transparency, accountability, and strong internal controls.
  • Supervise and develop Business Office staff, promoting professional growth, operational excellence, and a high level of service to the school community.
  • Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and all applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts to strengthen financial operations, reporting capabilities, and the effective use of financial systems.
• Operations and Administrative Leadership
  • Provide executive oversight for all operational functions, including facilities, technology, and campus operations.
  • Supervise and support the Director of Buildings and Grounds, ensuring effective management of maintenance, capital projects, long-term facilities planning, and regulatory compliance.
  • Supervise and support the Director of Information Technology, ensuring that technology infrastructure, systems, and planning align with instructional and operational needs.
  • Lead contract negotiation and vendor management to ensure quality service, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Human Resources Leadership
  • Provide executive oversight of the school’s human resources function, including payroll, benefits, employee relations, and compliance.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and EEO requirements.
  • Support the development of competitive compensation and benefits strategies aligned with institutional priorities and financial sustainability.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture through effective HR leadership and partnership.
• Risk Management and Compliance
  • Oversee enterprise risk management, including insurance programs, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
  • Ensure appropriate policies, procedures, and systems are in place to mitigate institutional risk and protect School assets.
  • Partner with school leadership to promote a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Investment and Capital Planning
  • Oversee the management of the school’s endowment and investment portfolio in partnership with the Board and external advisors.
  • Lead long-term capital planning, including facilities improvements and major construction initiatives.
  • Ensure financial alignment between capital priorities and strategic objectives.
• Organizational Leadership and Collaboration
  • Serve as a member of the Executive Administration Team, contributing to institutional strategy and decision-making.
  • Build strong, collaborative relationships with senior administrators, faculty, staff, trustees, and families.
  • Align financial and operational planning with academic and programmatic priorities.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across administrative functions.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in senior-level financial and operational leadership, preferably in an independent school, nonprofit, or similarly complex, mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in accounting, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, audit management, and internal controls, with a strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Proven experience leading and developing a business office team, including oversight of accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting functions.
• Experience overseeing multiple administrative functions, including human resources, facilities, and technology, with the ability to align operations in support of institutional priorities.
• Strong understanding of risk management, compliance, and regulatory frameworks applicable to independent schools or nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with a Head of School, senior leadership team, and Board of Trustees, including experience presenting financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate across a diverse school community.
• High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to service within a mission-driven environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and/or professional certification (e.g., CPA, MBA) strongly preferred.

Supervises

• Business Office staff (accounting, payroll, financial operations)
• Human Resources staff
• Reception staff
• Director of Buildings and Grounds (and facilities team)
• Director of Information Technology (and technology team)
• Other operational functions as assigned