Chicago, Illinois
Posted: 19-Dec-25
Location: Byfield, Massachusetts
Type: Full Time
Salary: 250,000-300,000
Categories:
Preferred Education:
The Governor’s Academy, the oldest boarding school in New England, inspires and engages inquisitive students in ninth through twelfth grade. Our 456-acre campus is located thirty miles north of Boston and five miles south of Newburyport, a classic New England coastal town. Govs has approximately 400 students and 175 employees.
Govs faculty and staff are committed to creating and cultivating an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that allows students to learn from each other’s unique backgrounds and experiences, discover their passions, find and use their distinctive voices, and achieve academic and co-curricular excellence. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Adults in our community are professionals who appreciate individuality, collaboration, and service to others— all so that we can go far together.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Governor’s Academy is searching for a dynamic and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to be responsible for a wide range of financial and administrative management responsibilities. Reporting to the Head of School and working closely with the Admin Team and the Board of Trustees, the CFO must be able to formulate and articulate a vision, demonstrate strong business skills, and be a strategic thinker who will provide strong, innovative financial and organizational leadership. As the principal non-academic officer of Govs, the CFO functions as a business partner to the Head of School, advising on an array of matters ranging from day-to-day operational issues to the implementation of long-term strategic goals.
This is a full-time, exempt position with Administrative Faculty status.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide Academy-wide strategic leadership, analysis, and management of the Academy’s finances
- Establish financial and capital strategies that enhance the long-term value of the Academy and are consistent with the Academy’s strategic priorities
- In consultation with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, create, administer, monitor, and adapt the Academy’s strategic financial plan, operating and capital budgets, and other financial matters as needed; provide oversight of the management of the endowment
- Support the chairs of the Finance, Investment, Buildings and Grounds, Legal Affairs and Risk Management, and Audit Committees of the Academy’s Board of Trustees; prepare and present management and Board reports
- Evaluate and improve financial systems, operations, and controls by championing continuous improvement, adopting best practices, and effectively utilizing technology
- Manage and actively participate in all Business Office operations, including budgeting and accounting, financial modeling and analysis, payroll, human resources, risk management, and benefits
- Directly responsible for operational management of the Business Office, Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, the Bookstore, Auxiliary Programs, and Dining Services (outsourced)
- Serve on the Head of School’s Admin Team and the Crisis Management Team
- Chair the Academy’s Safety Committee
- Serve on the Personnel Committee
- Manage and make decisions regarding the Academy’s insurance programs: property, casualty, medical, workers’ compensation
- Work with auditors to ensure compliance with applicable accounting procedures and standards; oversee and actively participate in the annual audit process
- Manage the timely and accurate filing of all required financial reports in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the IRS and other regulatory standards and requirements
- Support the Head of School and other senior administrators during accreditation reviews
- Work with colleagues to identify areas in which greater coordination or collaboration can improve the quality or cost-effectiveness of operations, services, and administrative support
- Collaborate effectively with and provide support for the Office of Advancement
- With the Head of School, work to maintain positive relationships with the Academy’s neighbors and local town officials, including the town manager, police, and fire
- Complete annual surveys and reports for benchmarking purposes
- Maintain appropriate professional memberships and represent Govs at related meetings and conferences
- Attend Board meetings ex officio
- Administrator on Duty responsibilities and other duties as assigned
- Must be able to work collegially; must be committed to working in a diverse community and have the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations; must enjoy working with young people in a boarding school environment
- A demonstrated interest in supporting our commitment to fostering community and belonging, and participates in professional development related to these priorities
- Successful completion of a criminal records background check
Govs seeks candidates with 10-15 years of senior-level experience creating and executing financial planning and management strategies; hands-on experience implementing, managing, and analyzing budgets and financial reports; outstanding leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively and proactively with all members of the community, the Head of School and the Board to evaluate and improve business processes and operations and to advance the mission of the School; demonstrated ability to manage a team of senior direct reports in diverse administrative and operational areas; a passion for innovation and experience as a relentless problem-solver who takes initiative and contributes as a business-oriented strategic thinker; a sophisticated understanding of the complexities of an independent boarding/day school; and outstanding written and oral communication skills. The ideal candidate will appreciate the 24/7 lifestyle of a boarding school and the opportunities it provides to interact with faculty members, staff, students, and parents.
SALARY RANGE
$250,000 - $300,000 per year. Please note that the quoted salary range is not a guarantee of what the final salary offer might be. Variables include years of work experience, industry-specific experience, education level, etc.
REPORTING
This position reports directly to the Head of School
SUPERVISION OF OTHERS
This position supervises the Director of Finance, Director of Facilities, Director of Auxiliary Services, Director of IT, and Director of Human Resources, and manages our relationship with our contracted dining service provider.
STATEMENT OF SCHOOL VALUES
As an educational community, the Academy has an administration, faculty, and student body committed to learning. We pursue this commitment in a dynamic environment that fosters lifelong intellectual independence, responsibility, teamwork, service, and respect for others. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community that is physically and emotionally healthy. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Academy are based on merit, qualifications, and skills.
The Academy is committed to a policy of non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants and strives to promote equity in all areas of employment. The Academy is committed to ensuring that employment decisions are made without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as protective hairstyles), color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law (“Protected Characteristics”). The Academy will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. This commitment is evident in all aspects of our employment practices and policies, including recruiting, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. Any employees or qualified applicants with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of their immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Office. Employees can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal. Retaliation against an individual for making a good-faith report of discrimination is unlawful and is strictly prohibited by the Academy. Anyone found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination or retaliation in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.