Chicago, Illinois
Posted: 04-Jun-26
Location: Midland, Texas
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Required Education:
PRINCIPAL FUNCTION
The Chief Financial Officer reports to the Head of School and leads all financial and operational activities, acts as a strategic thought partner to the Head of School, and collaborates closely with the Administrative Leadership Team (ALT). The CFO serves as the leader and manager of the Business Office, a group of experienced and talented school professionals; supervises the Maintenance, Food Service, and Technology Departments; and oversees the School’s Security protocols. The CFO must be a goal-oriented leader who respects and embraces the school’s culture and values, builds upon the School’s remarkably strong financial foundation, and develops strategy that advances the School’s mission and the realization of its strategic goals.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader with deep expertise in financial management and operational oversight within a complex organization, preferably in an independent school or nonprofit setting. The candidate will bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders, including the Head of School and the Board of Trustees. An effective communicator and team builder, the candidate will demonstrate integrity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture. The candidate will be equally comfortable managing day-to-day operations and leading long-term strategic initiatives with a proactive approach to risk management, innovation, and continuous improvement.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strive to embody the Mission and Core Values of Trinity School and to model them to others.
- Support and work collegially with the Head of School and the Administrative Leadership Team to ensure the delivery of the mission of the School.
- Ensure the School’s effective operational and financial procedures by consistently examining current processes to ensure operational excellence that moves the School forward to meet strategic goals.
- Advise Head of School and Board of Trustees on matters of policy and financial management.
- Lead the organization and management of the Business Office including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable (tuition and fees), cash management, purchasing, budgeting, financial reporting, audits, investment, banking, human resources, payroll, employee relations, and benefits program.
- Maintain projected financial models, including tracking revenues and expenditures associated with capital and major gift campaigns, that facilitate long-term strategic planning and decision making by the Head of School and Board of Trustees.
- Serve as the School’s liaison to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees and the Trinity School Endowment Corporation.
- Along with the Associate Head of School for Strategic Initiatives, serve on the School’s Construction/Risk Management Committee.
- Work closely with the Board of Trustees, Head of School, Associate Head of School for Strategic Initiatives, and any outside professionals during the planning and construction phases for all building projects.
- Prepare the School’s annual operating budget that will permit discussion and approval by the Board of Trustees.
- Work closely with the Controller to manage and report financial operations and monitor and report on the budget throughout the year to ensure the School remains financially stable.
- Secure an annual external audit of the School’s financial records and work with the auditor to prepare annual financial statements and tax returns for the School.
- Work with the insurance agencies to secure proper coverage for the school and present to the board of trustees
- Serve on the Financial Aid Committee to award the School’s $900,000 budget.
- Provide oversight and implementation of risk management strategies relating to the financial health of the School, including but not limited to accident prevention, fraud and cyberthreats, contractual risk, internal fraud and financial liquidity.
- Work closely with the Director of Facilities to oversee the Facilities Department in its stewardship of Trinity’s campus and strategically plan for capital expenditures.
- Collaborate with the Associate Head of School for Strategic Initiatives and the Construction Committee of the Board of Trustees to oversee all maintenance, capital projects and relationships with consultants, architects, contractors, lawyers and/or city and state officials; oversee compliance with building codes and safety regulations and maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and cover the liability of the school.
- Oversee the Security Coordinator to maximize safety on campus by undertaking risk assessment, developing and reviewing the School’s safety plan and protocols, and managing security measures including cameras and on-campus security.
- Work with the Administrative Leadership Team to achieve Trinity’s strategic goal of being the employer of choice in the Permian Basin.
- Assist the Director of Human Resources to:
- Provide information, empathy, and support when employees have questions or concerns about workplace policies or experiences.
- Ensure that personnel policies conform to state and federal laws.
- Maintain a working knowledge of government regulations, policies and related issues relevant to Trinity.
- Work with the Director of Food Service to ensure the effective financial and operational management and code compliance of in-house dining services.
- Ensure compliance with audit standards of all regulatory and funding agencies and the rules of accrediting bodies by continually monitoring operations, programs, and physical properties; initiate change when required.
- Oversee the work of the Director of Technology to strategically plan and implement technology infrastructure and capital budgets, device purchasing and inventory, protocols and cyber security.
- Review and analyze major contractual obligations of the institution such as construction and professional services and contract and grant proposals.
- Collaborate with the Trinity Charger Alliance, the School’s Parent Association, as needed.
- Serve as a Trustee on the ISAS Benefits Trust
- Manage and lead other projects as assigned by the Head of School.
QUALIFICATIONS
Trinity School seeks the following personal values, professional skills, and work experiences in the new CFO.
- The ability to serve as a strategic business thinker, capable of providing positive and proactive solutions to business issues.
- An open, collaborative and sophisticated management leadership skill set, a team player.
- Demonstrated skills for engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Experience with operating not-for-profit businesses/organizations.
- Knowledge and experience in setting up effective financial controls, and proven financial modeling and forecasting skills.
- Excellent technical expertise in financial and operational systems, with a focus on data-driven decision-making, process improvement, and scalable execution.
- Effective negotiation skills in developing contracts with external vendors.
- Creativity, analytical skills, project development and management skills.
- A strong background in financial management and modeling, investment and risk management, support services administration, business services, human resource and benefit administration, and facilities management.
- An effective financial and business manager, capable of earning the respect and confidence of the faculty, administration, staff, families, and the Board of Trustees.
- Ability to interface with all constituencies of the school community: the Head of School, the administration, staff, faculty and students, the Board of Trustees, alumni, parents, and friends of the School.
- Experience and ability to use technology to support the School.
- Ability to lead, motivate and manage a high-quality staff, and hire new talent.
- At least 7 years of direct work experience in a financial and business leadership position.
- Bachelor’s degree required, MBA and/or a master’s degree in a related finance or accounting field, preferred.
