Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Since 1910, St. Anne’s-Belfield School has been committed to nurturing the whole student: body, heart, mind, and soul. As the largest independent school in the college town of Charlottesville, Va., our 900+ students, age 2 through Grade 12, inspire us each day as we aspire to educate the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders.

As a member of our school community, you'd be joining a team of people who are passionate about their roles and contributing to a community of purpose and belonging. Those who thrive at St. Anne’s-Belfield are people who, as outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate, pursue knowledge to generate impact, seek to engage diverse perspectives and practices, engage in reflection, demonstrate moral character and integrity, and work to understand and meet the needs of the community.

Our two beautiful campuses on 55 acres serve as vibrant hubs for curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence. This is perfectly complemented by our location in Charlottesville, one of the top 5 happiest cities in the U.S., as recognized by National Geographic and Outside Magazine. Opportunities abound to connect with nature, enjoy arts and culture, engage with the University of Virginia, only one mile away, and explore American history both within our region or Richmond (one hour by car) and Washington, D.C. (two hours by car).

If you're looking for a dynamic learning environment where your contributions help spark each child’s potential, we invite you to consider a career with St. Anne’s-Belfield. We at St. Anne’s-Belfield School believe it is the quality and passion of our people that set us apart. We seek to hire the best teachers, administrators, staff members, and coaches to support our student body by offering a competitive benefits package and providing a wonderful working environment.

THE OPPORTUNITY

St. Anne’s-Belfield School seeks a strategically oriented and experienced financial and business leader to fill the key position of Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO). The COFO will work closely with the Head of School in support of the school’s mission, vision, and values. The COFO oversees the organization, management, and implementation of the school's comprehensive business, financial, and investment initiatives. The COFO is a key member of the Senior Administrative Leadership Team (SALT) that oversees the day-to-day operation of the school, as well as the “big picture” issues and ambitious plans that outline St. Anne’s-Belfield’s future.

The COFO ensures that the institution’s people and programs benefit from access to ample resources, that current and future projects are well-funded and well-managed, and that St. Anne’s-Belfield School considers both mission and financial sustainability in all its decisions. Proficiency with accounting systems and effective data management and analysis to support innovation and efficiency across the organization is critical to effectiveness in this role. In addition, the successful candidate must have demonstrated leadership in implementing change and fostering a high level of teamwork and customer service, while embracing both diversity and technological advancement.

The COFO supervises the Controller, and the Directors of Auxiliary Services, Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology. In addition, the COFO's responsibilities encompass the management of contracted services, including Dining, Housekeeping and Security. The COFO serves as the school’s fiscal and fiduciary officer, responsible for issuing financial and management statements and reports.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree is required; an M.B.A. and/or a master’s degree in a related field is strongly preferred.
• Eight years of work experience in a financial and business leadership position.
• A strong commitment to education, a high level of integrity, an extraordinary work ethic, and an interest in serving as a mentor and positive role model.
• Strong background in financial systems, modeling and forecasting, budgeting, investing, cash and risk management, and the establishment of effective financial controls.
• Experience in support services administration, business services, human resources and benefits administration, and facilities management. Ability to effectively interface with all levels of the school community — administration, staff and faculty, Board of Trustees, parents/guardians, boarding and day students, alumni and friends of the school, and the city of Charlottesville.
• An open and collaborative management style characteristic of a team player who can provide superior customer service and foster a high level of teamwork.
• Ability and interest in effectively recruiting, leading, developing, motivating, supporting and retaining diverse staff.
• Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
• Effective negotiation skills in cultivating and developing contracts with external vendors.
• Interest in industry associations and “best practices” to bring about appropriate change in the spirit of total quality improvement.
• Creativity, a positive outlook, proactive orientation, empathetic leadership style, humility, maturity, and a sense of humor.
• Experience in an independent secondary school, college, or university setting is strongly preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations:

• Partnering with the Head of School, Senior Administrative Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees in managing and developing efficient and effective methods to steward the annual operating budget to meet short-term needs and long-term strategic goals and objectives.
• Reimagining a modernized, agile, and best-practice-based Information Technology (IT) department that meets the needs of all students, faculty, and staff.
• Ensuring technology is integrated into the Business Office and the school’s operations to optimize effectiveness in support of the school’s mission.
• Partnering with the human resource department to support the more than 225 full- and part-time faculty, staff, and administrators, and 75 seasonal coaches and employees.
• Partnering in conversations around strategic planning to achieve long-term sustainability.
• Providing the leadership and management necessary to ensure that the school has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and staff, including systems in place to ensure financial strength and operational efficiency.
• Assisting the Head of School with overseeing the school’s Emergency Management Plan, including active participation on the Emergency Management Team.
• Overseeing design, budgeting, and completion of all capital construction and renovation projects.
• As the school’s compliance and risk officer, serving as the first point of contact for risk management issues, directing the risk management process for the school, and ensuring effective liability insurance for building assets, equipment, employees, students, and trustees.
• Attending and presenting financials at all Board and select Board Committee meetings.
• Assisting the Director of HR in evaluating benefit negotiations, resulting in the most competitive packages for faculty and staff.
• Providing operating budget oversight and preparing and presenting financial reports for both internal and Board functions.
• Managing the employee and vendor contract process and partnering with the head of school on legal matters impacting the school.
• Working closely with key trustees and monitoring the school’s investment portfolio.
• Developing, maintaining, and reporting all required environmental, health, and maintenance standards as required by law and ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations.
• Co-chairing the Financial Aid Committee with the Associate Head of School for Enrollment Management.
• Managing the School’s relationship with vendors related to the financial aid allocation process.
• Preparing financial aid reports for internal and board purposes.

COMPENSATION

• Competitive annual salary, based on experience.
• Generous PTO – up to 6 weeks vacation + 3 personal days annually.
• Shared cost high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• School paid short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance.
• Retirement plan with match.
• Supplemental insurance policies.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition remission and program discounts for children enrolled at the school.
• Free, after-school care for children enrolled at the school.
• Free lunch when school is in session.
• 20% discount to the St. Anne’s-Befield School store.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the U.S.

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