Posted: 27-Feb-26
Location: Bedford, New York
Type: Full Time
Salary: $200,000 - $225,000
Categories:
Salary Details:
The mission of Rippowam Cisqua School is to develop independent thinkers, confident communicators, and engaged leaders who respect and contribute meaningfully to a diverse and increasingly complex global society.
Rippowam Cisqua School (RCS) seeks a Chief Financial Officer to partner with the Head of School in aligning resource allocation and traditional Business Office functionality with the school’s mission and strategic priorities. Rippowam Cisqua’s new CFO will join an incoming new Head of School on July 1, providing exceptionally qualified candidates an opportunity to help lead Northern Westchester’s finest PK-8 school as part of a talented, dynamic Senior Administrative Team who will work together to write the next chapter in RCS’ history.
In addition to embracing Rippowam Cisqua School's mission, supporting the Head of School and leadership, and representing the school at professional and public forums, the new CFO will have a number of primary responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership, analysis, and management of finances and operations.
- Working closely with the Head of School to develop financial and capital strategies that are consistent with school priorities and strategic direction.
- Serve on the Head of School's Administrative Team and lead, co-lead, or participate in several other teams and committees as appropriate.
- Provide executive leadership for all business office functions.
- Provide financial reporting to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and various committees.
- Serve as chief liaison between Staff and Board committees.
- Build and/or maintain the school's short- and long-term strategic financial models.
- In concert with the Investment Committee of the Board, oversee the administration of the school's endowment.
- Provide strategic partnership and support to Director of Operation and Technology, who oversees school operations including personnel, maintenance, and vendors.
- Work closely with Director of Admissions to align enrollment, marketing, and financial aid strategy with strategic fiscal priorities.
- Maintain strong relationships with banks and lenders to ensure compliance with loan terms and that funding is secured for the needs of the school.
- Administer and manage all employee benefit programs including health insurance, retirement, worker's compensation, life insurance, and other related plans.
- Manage insurance programs including property, casualty, medical, workers' compensation.
- Ensure compliance with all local and state reporting requirements.
- Collaborate effectively with Advancement, Enrollment Management, and other departments.
- Coordinate closely with the Director of Operations and Technology on oversight of the physical plant, grounds, and construction functions.
Qualifications and Personal Attributes
- Bachelor's degree required, MBA or CPA preferred;
- Significant senior-level experience creating and executing financial planning and management strategies;
- Experience in an independent school preferred, though all individuals with strong financial and leadership skills are welcome to apply;
- Significant experience leading a team and building positive, collaborative, and healthy workplace culture;
- Experience managing a team with both in-office and remote members, successfully creating cohesion among the team itself and setting clear goals, responsibilities, expectations, and clear systems of accountability;
- Proven record of accomplishment designing, implementing, and managing large-scale organizational change, including the development and implementation of automated and digitized business processes;
- A strong track record of integrity and ability to build and maintain trust;
- Enthusiasm for the lively, joyful culture of a PK-8 school where the needs of students come first;
- Demonstrated commitment aligning management and business practices with RCS’ principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging;
- Superb communication skills including excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills;
- Experience on senior administrative teams and working with non-profit Boards;
- Demonstrated experience in measuring and improving organization-wide productivity;
- Demonstrated experience in the development of analysis for strategic decision-making, such as key cost drivers, competitive analysis, market analysis, organizational strengths, and weaknesses, etc.;
- Experience in human resource management, employee benefits (including pension plans), and payroll procedures.
- Knowledge of business and not-for-profit accounting policies, procedures, practices, facilities, and software programs.
- Blackbaud experience a plus;
- Ability to think and plan strategically and creatively;
- Ability to remain calm, flexible, and work effectively under pressure;
- Skill at negotiating and initiating contracts with external vendors;
- Aptitude for high customer-service standards;
Instructions to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a detailed, school-specific letter of interest and an updated CV to CFOPOSITION@rcsny.org. All submissions will be kept confidential, and the School will contact candidates directly if needed. All questions regarding the position should be sent to the above email with "Candidate Question" as the subject line. Please do not call or contact the School in any other ways.
More About Rippowam Cisqua School
Rippowam Cisqua School is a PreKindergarten through Grade 8 independent country day school in Bedford, New York. RCS is known for its high academic standards, small classes, exceptional teacher quality, and a unique commitment to child-centric, mission driven education. Rippowam Cisqua School students face high expectations and are given the support and tools they need to meet each new challenge.