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 schoolduring a period of leadership transitionand meaningful institutional momentum. While the school’sstrongpreference is to appoint a permanent Chief Financial and Operating Officerthis summer,experienced interim candidateswill also be consideredfor 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, andday-to-dayoperations 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 Schoolisresponsible foradvancing 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 andvision. 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 particularlyimportant rolduring a period of leadership transition, partnering with both the current and incoming Headsof School to ensure continuity, stability, and forward momentum. Key Responsibilities Strategic Financial Leadership Serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School and Boardof Trusteeson 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 LeadershipandOversight 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 OfficeandFinancial 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 ofaccurateandtimelyfinancial statementsin accordance withbest 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 theDirector ofHuman Resources to ensure alignment between financial planning,peoplestrategy, and institutional priorities. EnsureHR?relatedsystems and processes arewell managed, compliant, and effectively integrated with financial operations. Strategic Planning & Institutional Effectiveness Develop andmonitorkey 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 processesin partnership with the Controllerandmaintainstrong 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, anda manageabledebt of $25 million, the school is well-positioned to invest in strategic priorities whilemaintaininglong-term sustainability. Annual fundraising of approximately $2 million further supports key initiatives and programmatic enhancements. With a team of 188 full-time employees, Kingoperatesat 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,RecommendingExcellence: A Bold Vision for Innovation, Belonging, and Impact, providesa strong foundationfor future growth and innovation. The CFOO will playa central rolein 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 Schoolis located innorthernStamford, Connecticut, a vibrant and growing community in Fairfield County alongtheLong 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 experiencein 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 nonprofitfinancial 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, anda strong senseof 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 degreerequired; advanced degree in business, finance, or a related field preferred CPA orotherrelevant professional credential is valued but notrequired The Search Process King School has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for itsnextChief 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,commensuratewith 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 View email address on click.appcast.io Interested candidates are invited tosubmita 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 isAugust2026 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 toprovide 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr