University School of Milwaukee

Chief Financial Officer

University School of Milwaukee, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is pleased to announce a national search for a new Chief Financial Officer. This opportunity is available July 1, 2025.

University School of Milwaukee (USM) is an outstanding PK-12 independent day school of 1,135 students, located in the northern edge of Milwaukee County. Accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), USM is Wisconsin’s top-rated independent school offering an outstanding college-preparatory school experience in a supportive and inclusive community. Established in 1964, and with nearly 175 years of history stemming from the three predecessor schools that combined to form the current school, USM is located on a beautiful 125-acre campus that includes state-of-the-art classrooms and co-curricular facilities. Grounded by its Common Trust, an agreement “to relate to one another and the school with respect, trust, honesty, fairness, and kindness,” the school community is well known for cultivating excellence in learning, leadership, and citizenship.

Under the leadership of fifth-year Head of School Steve Hancock, USM conducted an in-depth strategic planning process that identified three strategic commitments: first, USM will advance its long-standing tradition of educational excellence to cultivate learners, leaders, and citizens; second, USM will galvanize its commitment to the values of its Common Trust as the foundation for strong community and culture; and third, USM will align and invest its resources to ensure a vibrant school future and achieve its vision for educational excellence. USM recently began the quiet phase of a $31 million comprehensive campaign that includes capital projects, endowment growth, and annual giving. The school has an endowment valued at over $100 million, no debt, and consistently strong enrollment. For more background on the school please visit www.usm.org

General Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at USM is a key strategic partner to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and the entire school community, serving as a collaborative leader who ensures the institution’s long-term financial strength and sustainability. The CFO reports directly to Head of School Steve Hancock. By blending analytical rigor with vision, foresight, and a commitment to careful resource stewardship, the CFO manages and optimizes all financial activities, including overseeing a $34 million operating budget and a $100 million endowment. Through innovative financial strategies, clear communication, and unwavering support, the CFO and the Business Office team enable USM’s faculty, staff, and students to thrive now and into the future. On-campus housing in a two-story, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a three-car unattached garage may be considered if desired.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership:

Provide inspirational, supportive leadership for the Business Office, fostering a positive, collaborative environment where team members feel valued and empowered.
Develop and maintain a highly collaborative working relationship with the Head of School, to ensure cohesive messaging of the head’s institutional strategic goals and objectives, including alternatives and their financial implications, for consideration by board committees and other constituencies.
Work closely with and advise the Head of School to set strategic vision for maintaining the financial sustainability of the school, including staying abreast of emerging trends in nonprofit financial management and new approaches to financial planning and forecasting.
Partner closely with the Board of Trustees, Head of School, and Leadership Team to develop and implement long-range financial strategies that promote the USM’s mission and guiding principles.
Balance deep analytical expertise with creative, future-focused thinking to guide sound decision-making and growth.

Financial Management & Oversight:

Direct all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring high accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.
Support the Director of Accounting with accurate accounting, payables, and receivables.
Support the Chief Operating Officer in managing capital budgets and the financial dimensions of capital projects, providing insightful guidance that informs strategic priorities.
Work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer on the management of unrestricted and restricted gift reports including other strategic and tactical initiatives related to the capital campaign.
Personally manage cash flow, credit, operational investments, collections, and the bad debt reserve while maintaining policies and schedules for timely payment of financial obligations.
Manage the Building Reserve Fund and its spending policy.
Manage relationships with financial institutions, ensuring robust banking, borrowing, and investing arrangements that support school priorities.
Maintain appropriate internal controls, ensuring compliance with audits, regulations, and financial best practices.

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

Prepare and present clear, concise financial reports and forecasts that empower leadership, committees, and the board to make informed decisions.
Evaluate revenue streams, develop and refine budgets, and create financial forecasts that anticipate challenges and seize opportunities.
Collaborate with external auditors, addressing recommendations and ensuring prompt resolution of audit findings.

Endowment & Fund Stewardship:

Carefully manage and monitor the $100 million endowment and its more than 100 named funds, balancing current needs with long-term sustainability with the help of an endowment board and management firm.
Uphold the highest levels of integrity and diligence in stewarding the school’s resources, ensuring their thoughtful use today and for future generations.

Collaboration & Community Engagement:

Serve as a trusted partner to faculty, staff, and departments, providing user-friendly support, exceptional customer service, and resources that help them excel.
Partner with Enrollment Management on enrollment, financial aid, contracts, and related strategic and annual planning.
Partner with Advancement on gift management, justification of endowed and restricted funds, capital campaigns, general fundraising, and related strategic and annual planning.
Partner with and oversee Auxiliary Programs on ancillary revenue and programs.
Partner with Human Resources to analyze and evaluate self-funded insurance plans and other benefits, ensuring competitive and cost-effective offerings.
Support cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, social, economic, and geographic diversity and sensitivity.

Risk Management & Compliance:

Collaborate with insurance advisors and brokers to maintain comprehensive, cost-effective coverage, including liability, property, casualty, directors and officers, and workers’ compensation.
Anticipate and address potential financial risks, ensuring the school’s long-term stability and financial health.

Organizational Management:

Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, technology, and processes, seeking innovative solutions and efficiencies.
Manage the Business Office budget and operations, ensuring that resources are aligned with strategic priorities.

Other Duties as Assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Financial Expertise & Vision:

Proven ability to lead complex financial operations, with particular skill in strategic forecasting and multi-year planning.
Strong analytical skills complemented by creativity and vision, enabling proactive solutions and dynamic resource allocation.

Collaborative Communication:

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging diverse groups with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
Ability to build trusting partnerships and work effectively across all levels of the organization, ensuring that financial decisions reflect shared goals and values.

Integrity & Service Orientation:

A reputation for high ethical standards, confidentiality, and accountability.
Genuine commitment to delivering outstanding customer service to colleagues, supporting their work, and helping them succeed.

Adaptability & Problem-Solving:

Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to navigate complex, changing environments.
Capacity to handle multiple priorities, think critically, and lead with calm, confident decision-making.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; MBA preferred. CPA desirable but not required.
Minimum 10 years of experience in accounting, finance, and senior financial and strategic leadership roles.
Experience stewarding endowments and interfacing with auditors, regulatory bodies, and compliance standards.
Background in independent schools, higher education, or nonprofit sectors highly beneficial.
Advanced proficiency with modern software, especially Microsoft Excel and the Google Suite, spreadsheet functions, and experience leveraging financial systems and tools to enhance organizational effectiveness.

This is a unique opportunity to join USM’s dynamic community, collaborating closely with colleagues to shape a bright financial future and create a lasting impact for its students, faculty, and staff.

About the Head of School

Steve Hancock has over 30 years of experience teaching and leading at top independent schools, serving in roles such as faculty member, department chair, division head, assistant head, and head of school. He has led initiatives across all school divisions, from early childhood to high school.

Steve is deeply committed to enhancing the educational experience, from coaching tennis and directing 20 high school musicals to collaborating with colleagues on innovative programs. He believes enduring learning happens in a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and known.

Currently, Steve serves as Head of School at University School of Milwaukee, which enrolls over 1,100 students and employs approximately 250 faculty and staff in Milwaukee’s North Shore. Along with Milwaukee, his career includes leadership and teaching roles in Memphis, Tennessee; Princeton, New Jersey; Atlanta; and Naperville, Illinois. Steve has also led summer programs and written diverse curricula.

University School of Milwaukee Benefits

USM offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, and a generous benefits package including a retirement plan, paid vacations, and the full complement of health plans.

USM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, disabilities, or sexual orientation in the administration of its policies and programs.

Candidates are selected by their qualifications to meet the needs of the position.

Contact Information

University School of Milwaukee has retained the executive search firm of DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES Executive Search, Inc. to conduct this high-profile search. To explore this superb career opportunity on a highly confidential basis please send a resume, letter of interest, and five references (which will only be contacted if mutual interest is determined) to: Doug Cooney, Executive Search Consultant, DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES Executive Search, Inc.

572 Washington Street, Suite 15, Wellesley, MA 02482 Telephone: 781-237-2800.
Email: [email protected]