Charlottesville, Virginia Position: Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer Deerfield Associates Executive Search, Inc. has been retained by St. Anne’s-Belfield School, an independent pre-school through grade 12 school located in Charlottesville, Va., to conduct a national search for a Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer […]

St. Anne’s-Belfield School

Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer

Deerfield Associates Executive Search, Inc. has been retained by St. Anne’s-Belfield School, an independent pre-school through grade 12 school located in Charlottesville, Va., to conduct a national search for a Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer.

St. Anne’s-Belfield School

St. Anne’s-Belfield School seeks an innovative, experienced, and highly engaged Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer (CFO/COO) to serve as lead business strategist to Autumn Graves, the newly appointed Head of School. A critical member of the senior leadership team, the CFO/COO works closely with the Head of School to oversee the Business Office, Human Resources, Buildings and Grounds, Food Service, Security, and Maintenance. The CFO/COO serves on the Board of Trustees’ Financial Resources Committee and works closely with the Board’s Treasurer.

One of Charlottesville’s oldest independent schools, St. Anne’s-Belfield School has an established reputation as a leader in student-centered education. Its commitment to supporting the whole learner means teachers, coaches, and staff are continually improving their own knowledge and applying new skills in and out of the classroom. The person who will thrive in the CFO/COO position is one who is also passionate about lifelong education and is unafraid to recommend innovative solutions to the Head of School as a member of a supportive, collaborative team.

St. Anne’s-Belfield serves 888 boys and girls in grades pre-school through 12, both day and boarding, with 220 teachers, coaches, and staff. The School has a $22.6 million annual operating budget, an endowment of over $58 million, and a physical plant that includes two 25-acre campuses and more than 300,000 square feet of buildings. The scenic campuses are centrally located in the City of Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia and named among the top 5 happiest cities in the U.S. by The Today Show and National Geographic. The area is a prized destination for outdoor recreation, arts and culture, wineries and food, and American history.

This position is a unique and high visibility opportunity, critical to the School’s continuous trajectory upward. The CFO/COO ensures that the School’s people and programs have ample resources at their disposal, 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 of its decisions. Highly qualified CFO/COO candidates who are exceptionally creative, strategic business operators, and visionary financial thinkers are invited to learn more about the School at www.stab.org

The Position

St. Anne’s-Belfield School seeks a strategically-oriented and experienced financial and business leader to fill the key position of Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer. This opportunity is available in January 2021, although candidates who may not be able to start until a later date, July 2021, are encouraged to explore early in the search process (Fall 2020).

The CFO/COO will work closely with the Head of School in support of the School’s mission and strategic plan. The CFO/COO is responsible for the organization, management and implementation of comprehensive business, financial, and investment initiatives for the School. The new CFO/COO will be a key member of the senior leadership team that oversees the day-to-day operation of the School as well as the “big picture” issues and ambitious plans that outline the School’s future.

The ideal candidate for this high-profile position is a strategic thinker who has exceptional leadership and critical thinking skills. Our goal is to recruit a seasoned professional who will build on the significant accomplishments of the School and determine what policies, technologies and programs need to be adapted to respond to the needs of the School and its strategic priorities.

The candidate of choice will be proficient with accounting systems and in effective data management and analysis to support innovation and efficiency across the organization. The candidate we seek must have demonstrated leadership in implementing change, fostering a high level of teamwork and customer service while embracing both diversity and technological advancement.

Responsibilities include management and strategic leadership of the Business Manager and the Director of Human Resources to ensure that appropriate financial controls and HR policies are utilized effectively. The CFO/COO will oversee staff in the Business Office, Human Resources, Buildings and Grounds, Food Service, Security, and Maintenance.

Here are links to additional materials that would enhance an understanding of St. Anne’s-Belfield School’s mission, leadership, culture, diversity, and purpose:

Responsibilities/General:

Partner with the Head of School, senior leadership team and Board of Trustees in managing and developing efficient and effective methods to steward the School’s annual operating budget to meet short term needs and long terms strategic goals and objectives.
Develop and participate in strategic planning discussions to achieve long-term sustainability.
Provide 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.
Ensure technology is integrated into the Business Office and the School’s operations in a way that optimizes effectiveness, collaborating with other administrators to bring consistency to, and to maximize the efficacy of technological tools across departments.
Assist the Head of School with overseeing the School’s Crisis Plan, serve on the Crisis Team, and supervise the work of our security guards.
Oversee design, budgeting, and completion of all capital construction and renovation. Serve as the point person for construction projects.
Attend all Board and select Board Committee meetings.
Serve as the first point of contact for risk management issues, serve as the School’s compliance officer.
Direct the risk management process for the School ensuring effective liability insurance for building assets, equipment, employees, students and Trustees. Serves as the School’s senior compliance officer.
Participate on the Senior Administration meetings and work to assist departmental goals and objectives.

Responsibilities/Finance:

With the Head of School, co-lead strategic and operational conversations with Business Manager and Director of Human Resources.
Assist with evaluating benefit negotiations, resulting in the most competitive packages for faculty and staff.
Provide operating budget oversight and prepare and present financial reports for both internal and Board functions.
Manage the employee and vendor contract process as well as legal matters impacting the School.
Work closely with Trustees and monitor the School’s investment portfolio.
Develop, maintain and report all required environmental, health and maintenance standards as required by law and ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.

Responsibilities/Financial Aid:

Chair the Financial Aid Committee, which includes general management of the Financial Aid budget, and related internal and external reporting.
With a spirit of respect and service, support families in their understanding of the Financial Aid application and evaluation process.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for CFO/COO should have the following work experiences and skill sets:

Bachelor’s degree is required, M.B.A. and/or a master’s degree in a related field strongly preferred.
Eight (8) years of work experience in a financial and business leadership position.
Ability and interest in effectively leading, developing and motivating staff; ability to recruit and hire new staff. Creativity, a positive outlook, proactive orientation, empathetic leadership, humility, maturity, and a sense of humor are helpful.
Experience in an independent secondary school, college or university setting strongly preferred. Individuals with strong financial and leadership skills in a related field are encouraged to explore this opportunity.
A strong background in financial systems, modeling and forecasting, investment and risk management; support services administration, business services, human resources and benefit administration, and facilities management.
Effective financial and business management skills, and the ability to earn the respect and attention of faculty, administration, staff, students and the Board of Trustees.
Ability to effectively interface with all levels of the School community – the administration, staff and faculty, the Board of Trustees, current parents, 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.
Ability to embrace and implement change while fostering a high level of teamwork, a customer service orientation, and technological advancement.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Knowledge of and experience in setting up effective financial controls.
Strong background in finance, budgeting, investing, and cash management.
Effective negotiation skills in developing contracts with external vendors.
A strong commitment to education, a high level of integrity, an extraordinary work ethic and an interest in being a positive role-model.
Interest in industry associations and “best practices” and the ability to keep current, and bring about appropriate change in the spirit of total quality improvement.

St. Anne’s-Belfield School Benefits

St. Anne’s-Belfield School offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries and a generous benefits package including a retirement plan, paid vacations, and medical insurance.

As an inclusive community, St. Anne’s-Belfield School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Anne’s-Belfield School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid program, employment policies, or any other programs administered by the School.

Contact Information

To explore this superb career opportunity on a highly confidential basis please send your resume and letter of interest and references including contact information (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: jobs@deerfieldassociates.com

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