Chief Financial and Operating Officer

New York , New York, WSMS seeks a Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) who will serve as a strategic thought partner to the Head of School (HOS) and Board of Trustees (the Board) to actively manage our operating budget of approximately $15 million, an investment portfolio valued at $14M, and $22M in real estate assets. Stewardship of the School's financial resources paired with leadership on the operational priorities that sustain fiscal discipline and long-term financial strength are integral to the role. Organizational Scope

Oversee finance & accounting, business administration, facilities, technology, culinary services and HR. Direct reports may include Director of Operations and Director of Food Service. Leads the above functions through strategy and budgeting rather than hands-on technical work in each area. Department directors and service partners manage day-to-day execution; the CFOO sets priorities, owns budgets and major contracts. Partner closely with the Directors of Development and Admissions, who report to the HOS, to ensure that fundraising, enrollment, financial aid, and related operational decisions are integrated into WSMS’ financial planning and budgeting processes.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership: Serve as chief financial thought partner and senior operational leader to the HOS and Board.

Serve as the HOS’s principal thought partner on institutional strategy, translating the School’s mission and strategic plan into multi-year financial and operating models and business-model sustainability. Lead financial modeling for strategic initiatives such as tuition/pricing strategy, new programs and program structure, and peer-school benchmarking. Translate enrollment trends and market dynamics into long-range financial strategy for growth and sustainable long-term financial strategy. Partner on the School's long-term capital and growth planning, including multi-site facilities and operations, capital projects and financing options. Bring clear analysis with recommendations to HOS and Board. Partner with Development on integrating fundraising and Investment Account strategy into the School's overall financial plan, including modeling annual fund and capital campaigns, and overseeing gift and pledge accounting. Collaborate with Admissions to align financial planning with enrollment strategy, financial aid policy and net tuition revenue. Coordinate with HOS and WSMS-TEP Program Director on roll-up financial reporting, program growth and business-model sustainability.

Financial Planning, Reporting & Compliance: Own WSMS’ financial planning, reporting and compliance ensuring sound management of the $15m operating budget, accurate financial statements, strong internal controls and a clean annual audit.

Partner with the HOS and department heads to build comprehensive budgets aligned with WSMS’ strategic priorities. Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts and scenario analyses incorporating enrollment, tuition, staffing, fundraising, investment performance, capital expenditures, and liquidity needs. Proactively identify financial and operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies. Create and present the monthly actuals-to-budget reporting, financial analysis, and recommendation directly to the Board and its Finance & Investment and Audit committee, and HOS. Maintain KPI/dashboard reporting for real-time Board and senior leadership visibility into financial health and risk. Set investment reserves strategy in coordination with the Board's Finance & Investment Committee and external advisors, including investment and spending policy, manager selection, and ongoing performance monitoring. Oversee and actively manage the school's $14 million investment portfolio in coordination with the Board's Finance & Investment Committee and external investment advisors. Lead WSMS administrators and finance and audit business services partners in accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls, and manage the annual audit and required tax filings (including the Form 990) in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. Maintain the banking, lending, and financial-institution relationships, including negotiations for any credit-related lines and debt instruments.

Business Operations & Team Leadership: In partnership with the Department Directors, manage day-to-day business operations across WSMS’ campuses, including facilities, security, technology, insurance, vendor relationships and contract management, and risk management across both campuses.

Lead and develop the business administrative team and serve as staff liaison to the Board's Finance & Investment, Audit & Compliance, and 403(b) committees. Collaborate with business office staff to administer payroll, benefits, and tuition billing and collection and oversee the School's 403(b) retirement plan and participate in the financial allocations of its financial aid program. Facilities & Security (oversight): Supervise the Director of Operations, who manages day-to-day facilities, maintenance, and security across both campuses. The CFOO owns the capital and maintenance plan financials, major vendor and construction contracts, insurance, and risk management. Technology (oversight): Oversee the IT infrastructure including sourcing and implementing new IT best-practices and integration of AI tools across the school’s administration. Supervise our technology service provider, network and staff support, and evaluate and implement the latest cyber security protocols as needed. Human Resources (direct leadership): Lead human resources functions, including hiring practices, compensation structure, benefits administration, and employment policy/compliance in collaboration with business office staff. Culinary Services (oversight): Partner with the Director of Operations to oversee the culinary services program, including budget management, vendors relationships and health-code compliance, and staffing. Evaluate and oversee financial/business systems for scalability and data integrity. Identify school operations suitable for outsourcing, evaluate viable solutions and facilitate business service partnerships as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required; CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, including substantial experience in a senior finance or operational leadership position, with demonstrated responsibility for strategic financial planning, organizational management, and advising executive leadership or a Board. Experience in a nonprofit organization and/or independent school setting strongly preferred, with familiarity with fund/nonprofit accounting. Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic thought partner to the HOS, translating complex financial and operational information into actionable recommendations, constructively challenging assumptions, and leading cross-functional initiatives. Exceptional people management skills with the ability to inspire, mentor and motivate team while implementing rigorous control processes. Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to work effectively among internal and external constituencies. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, sound judgment, and a commitment to timely, high-quality execution. Plus performance bonus