The American School in Japan (ASIJ) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Chief Financial Officer/ Chief Operating Officer (CFO/COO). The successful candidate will bring extensive training and demonstrated expertise in leading the financial and operational systems of a private, independent school or other organization, preferably with an understanding of the international environment. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative, a team player, and enthusiastic about engaging with all members of ASIJ’s diverse community.

The CFO/COO is a key member of ASIJ's senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Head of School (HOS), and works closely with the Board of Directors and its committees, including Finance, Personnel, Facilities, Enterprise Risk Management, and Governance. As a member of ASIJ's Leadership Team (LT), the CFO/COO collaborates with the Head of School and with others across all operational areas of the school.

The CFO/COO is chiefly responsible for the leadership and supervision of ASIJ’s critical operational systems, including Finance & Accounting, Risk Management, Human Resources, Facilities, Housing, Security, Food Services, Transportation, Summer Programs, and the Health Center.

In addition, the CFO/COO is a strategic partner with the HOS and Board of Directors in creating systems and policies that will best serve the long-term financial health and advancement of ASIJ.  

Please view full job description. 

1. University degree (required) - Graduate degree (MBA, MA, or MS) required, preferably in business/finance, school finance and/or educational administration.
2. Finance Experience (required) - Significant administrative experience in accounting, finance, and business operations.
3. Human Resources experience 
4. Operations experience -  Experience with facilities planning, security, transportation, crisis management, and enterprise risk management.
5. Experience in culturally-diverse settings - A track record of working effectively with various constituencies in a culturally-diverse setting 
6. Leadership experience 
7. Applicants will have an extensive record of engagement and collaboration while serving as a senior leader 
8. Communication skills - outstanding oral and written communication skills.
9. Language skills - Some level of proficiency in Japanese; fluent in English.

About The American School in Japan

Founded in 1902, The American School in Japan (ASIJ) is one of the oldest and most well-regarded international schools in the world. ASIJ offers an enriched American curriculum to students of all nationalities that features the development of experiences that extend beyond traditional academics, including real-world internships, high-quality advisory experiences, learning partnerships, and service learning opportunities.ASIJ’s student body consists of approximately 1,700 students (N-12) representing nearly 60 different nationalities. Beyond its rigorous academic program, ASIJ offers diverse co-curricular opportunities and learning experiences that leverage its location and partnerships in Tokyo. As our mission states, ASIJ focuses on fostering a community of inquisitive learners and independent thinkers, inspired to be their best selves, and empowered to make a difference in the world. At ASIJ, we believe that a school should be a safe, child-centered place where educators are idealistic about the potential of every student and tenacious in their support for each student as she learns, takes risks, makes mistakes, and grows. We believe that every student has the right to learn an...d that we have an obligation to know, value, and care for each child. We believe that creativity and independent thinking happen when students are highly engaged, especially when purposeful assessment drives learning and when goals are clear, focused, and personalized. We believe that students excel in a learning environment where they receive high quality feedback, opportunities for reflection, and a culture in which they frequently self-assess their own learning. We believe that students should learn through authentic experiences that challenge them to identify, understand, and solve complex multidisciplinary problems. All this, and more, is embodied in ASIJ’s Vision 2030, an aspirational roadmap that will guide us in the years ahead.

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