Associate Head for Finance and Operations/Chief Financial Officer

Title: Associate Head for Finance and Operations/Chief Financial Officer

Reports to: Head of School

Status: 12 month position, Exempt, Full-time, Benefits Eligible

Salary Range: $300K - $375K

Start Date: July 1, 2026

ABOUT MASTERS

The Masters School ( www.mastersny.org ) is a premier, independent day, five- and seven-day boarding school for students in grades 5–12. We are a mission-driven, globally diverse educational institution of high standards, great achievement and hard work. The Harkness teaching method — a discussion-based approach to teaching and learning that empowers students — is a transformative tool in all subjects.

Situated on a picturesque 96-acre campus overlooking the Hudson River, our campus is just 12 miles from New York City, one of the most dynamic cultural and professional classrooms in the world. We offer competitive athletics, exceptional visual/performing arts programs, talented faculty at the top of their fields, outstanding facilities, and a welcoming seven-day community.

Guided by our motto — Do it With Thy Might — we prepare students for success in college, career and life.

MISSION AND BELIEFS STATEMENT

The Masters School celebrates active participation, deep understanding, and meaningful connection. A community of diverse individuals, we gather to learn, to strive, to dare, to do – to be a power for good in the world.

In addition, The Masters School seeks employees committed to the work of advancing equity in the school community and beyond. A community of diverse individuals, we celebrate both our differences and our similarities, and we embrace a broad definition of diversity that includes but is not limited to age, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion, sexual identity and socioeconomic status. Masters seeks diverse candidates to serve our student body, and we expect all employees to engage in the work of inclusion as an important aspect of working in a school setting.

SUMMARY

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations/Chief Financial Officer will join Masters at an exciting time in the school’s 149-year history. Masters has recently concluded Our Might , a historic $122M capital campaign that has fundamentally transformed the school both financially and operationally. The campaign funded over $76M in capital improvements, including renovations of Masters Hall and existing dormitories, construction of the new 25,000 square foot Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, and a full renovation of Strayer Hall (renamed Follett Hall). The School recently broke ground on the campaign’s final initiative, a renovation of the 500-seat Claudia Boettcher Theatre, expected completion in 2027. The campaign also strengthened the School’s balance sheet with over $20M of new endowment support, growing the School’s endowment from $25M in 2015 to over $91M. While the School’s balance sheet is strong, there remains immense opportunity to build on the School’s current strengths while charting a financial and operational strategy for its continued evolution. The School’s next Associate Head for Finance and Operations/Chief Financial Officer will have immediate opportunities for impact and growth.

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations/Chief Financial Officer will manage and direct all of The Masters School’s business practices and operations, including finance, human resources, information technology, buildings and grounds, and other functions as necessary. This individual, while fostering a collegial environment, will also ensure the administrative capability of the School, making business improvements necessary to support campus life, delegating effectively and solving problems based on thoughtful planning and analysis.

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will build and maintain a strong finance department, providing leadership and direction for financial policy and overall management of financial operations. This individual will provide direction and management of the budget, financial reporting and controls, systems, forecasting, accounting, audit and investment, while connecting financial processes and procedures with the School’s overarching strategies and mission.

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will report to, and work in close partnership with, the Head of School who is responsible for the overall vision for The Masters School. The individual will act as a catalyst for positive change, including infrastructure improvements, translating institutional priorities into action plans, and implementing efficient business procedures and sound policies that realistically support the complex demands of the school – current and future.

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will manage four direct reports and oversee a total staff of 80 professionals and support staff, plus additional contracted food service staff. The School’s annual operating budget is $45 million.

It is critically important that the Associate Head of Finance and Operations gain the trust and confidence of, and provide support to, the Head of School and the Board of Trustees – including the Finance, Audit, Investment, Facilities and Technology, and Executive Committees, as appropriate – as well as the members of the Leadership team, serving as their partner, advisor, and implementer for internal business and financial matters.

Priorities

The Associate Head of Finance and Operations should give priority to the following during the first 12 months:

• Manage direct reports in Finance, Human Resources and Operations;
• Thoroughly understand The Masters School – its history and culture, mission and academic programs, personnel, Board of Trustees, structure and organization, student activities and services, finances, fundraising efforts, policies and the substantive issues critical to the organization;
• 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 cyber threats, contractual risk, internal fraud and financial liquidity;
• Establish a strong working partnership with the Head of School and other members of the Leadership team; build a trusting and collaborative relationship between business and finance and other administrative and academic functions on campus, as well as with parents and students, and staff at all levels;
• Oversee the operational and financial aspects of any new construction and renovation projects, including the new major construction; be vigilant in controlling project-related expenses.

Responsibilities

The Associate Head for Finance and Operations will also be responsible for the following:

Finance

• Work closely with the Director of Finance to develop, maintain and execute proper financial and accounting policies and procedures, including management of the Business Office functions: accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable (tuition and fees), cash management, purchasing, budgeting, financial reporting, investment, payroll, campus store operations and managing banking relationships;
• Plan for appropriate income and monitor expenses to ensure sound financial management and control; develop annual cash flow forecast based on operating budget and related banking/investment strategy;
• Manage the budgeting process which will conclude in the annual operating budget and financial plan, proposing actions on tuition and compensation to ensure a balanced budget;
• Provide in-depth financial reporting and analysis to the Head of School and appropriate staff; prepare financial reports and related analyses for presentation to the Board of Trustees and relevant Committees;
• Monitor and report on the School’s investments; provide assistance to the Investment Committee with respect to implementing policies and investment decisions;
• Maintain effective communications and relations with banks and other financial institutions;
• Monitor preparation of annual financial statements, Form 990, and Form 5500; maintain effective communications and relations with the outside auditing firm, including the planning, coordination, implementation and review of the annual outside audit;
• Ensure safety of personnel and students in their use of facilities; manage risk by maintaining appropriate levels of insurance to protect property and cover liability;
• Review and authorize all school contracts and agreements; consult with attorneys regarding legal issues involving contractual and regulatory matters to be sure the school is in compliance with such matters.
• Strategically manage the School’s debt position and adhere to required covenants, including maintaining compliance with S&P for the School’s credit rating

Human Resources

• Work closely with the Director of Human Resources and Chief of Staff on all human resources functions including hiring, developing and on-boarding new talent, ensuring we have the right policies and resources in place for a best-in-class HR function, developing the best benefits programs possible, and managing constraints such as operating budget capacity.
• Provide advice and counsel to the Head of School and Leadership team on all matters related to personnel, including salary administration, performance monitoring and organizational structure; working with the Head of School and business office staff, monitor and administer salary and benefits to ensure they are properly executed;
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and government regulations; ensure that all necessary employee relations policies are in place and up to date; when necessary, consult with attorneys regarding legal issues involving employment relationships and employee benefits;
• Stay current with changing employment practices and compliance issues by any/all of the following: professional journals, attendance at business officer meetings, attendance at workshops and seminars, contact with fellow business offices and business officer networks.

Operations

• Work closely with the Director of Operations to oversee the stewardship of The Masters School’s 96 acres of grounds and 21 buildings, and strategically plan for capital expenditures, including work objectives, priorities and responsibilities for custodial, plant and grounds to ensure the efficient operation of the entire physical plant, including maintenance, equipment renewal and security; Review and approve all major expenditures, bid proposals and selection of contractors; ensure compliance with contractual agreements and budget restrictions
• Oversee 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.
• Work closely with the Director of Operations to ensure compliance with all required environmental, health and maintenance standards and local, state and federal regulations;
• Establish overall capital expenditure strategy and priorities for building and grounds maintenance; Responsibilities associated with working in a boarding school environment: tenant support, etc.
• In concert with the Director of Campus Safety and Security, maximize safety on campus by undertaking risk assessment and crisis planning; develop and review the School’s safety plan and protocols.
• Work closely with the Director of Operations to establish overall technology and communications strategies and priorities aligned with the School’s strategic plan;
• Establish work objectives, priorities, and responsibilities relating to information technology and communications;
• Review and approve all major expenditures, bid proposals and selection of contractors; ensure compliance with contractual agreements and budget restrictions.
• Ensure that the School is actively working toward environmentally sustainable practices in all areas of campus life.

Additional Responsibilities

• Establish work objectives, priorities and responsibilities relating to use of school facilities;
• Work closely with the Director of Auxiliary Programs to establish rental policies, rates and procedures for use of facilities and summer use of school facilities, including creation of new programs and offerings that elevate the School’s profile and drive revenue;
• Negotiate and coordinate contracts and services for all outside vendors, including food service and campus store;
• Maintain collaborative relationship with the Village of Dobbs Ferry, working with Village administration on project approvals, neighbor complaints and ongoing use of the campus by Dobbs Ferry residents;
• Work with the Leadership team and others to support a positive workplace culture, proactively seeking to maintain a diverse, inclusive and consistent environment for all. Help 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 and, through regular staff meetings, professional development, and annual evaluation, support and monitor the administrative staff;
• Work with the Food Service contract manager to ensure the most successful outcomes for our community, effective financial and operational management, and code compliance of contracted dining services;
• Manage and lead other projects as assigned by the Head of School;
• Serve on the Head of School’s Leadership Team.

Personal Characteristics

The ideal candidate will be

• A dedicated leader/manager, collaborative and team oriented, who is self-motivated, can take charge, build consensus and effect change; must model and inspire trust, enthusiasm, integrity and ethics;
• A confident and competent team builder with strong skills in management and leadership; one who understands the subtleties of motivating and directing a staff with different work styles, and who values and models collaboration;
• Decisive, resourceful and responsive, with the organizational sensitivity to gain the support and confidence of all facets of the campus community at all levels;
• A hard worker with a high energy level; results oriented, adept at planning, prioritizing, organizing and following through;
• Emotionally mature with a sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations.

Experience and Skill Set

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional with excellent management and team-building skills, who will have the following experience and qualifications:

• Proven senior-level, problem-solving and planning capability, as well as significant financial, administrative or day-to-day operating responsibility in a well-regarded public, private or nonprofit sector organization of similar scope known for its strong financial discipline, complex systems and operations;
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and communicate clearly, with the ability to work effectively within the culture of The Masters School;
• Demonstrated competence in core areas of responsibility, e.g., finance, benefits and physical plant management; Experience with management of construction projects;
• Experience (preferably direct or supervisory) in human resources, building and operations, information technology;
• Experience in an independent secondary school, college or university setting is strongly preferred. Individuals with strong financial and leadership skills in a related field are encouraged to explore this high visibility, high impact opportunity.
• 10 - 15 years of work experience in a financial and business leadership position.
• Bachelor’s degree required, M.B.A. and/or a master’s degree in a related field strongly preferred.

The Masters School’s Benefits

The Masters School offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries and a generous benefits package including a retirement plan, paid vacation, and medical insurance.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, explaining why you would succeed in this position, your resume, and three references via email to [email protected] (Adobe® PDF format preferred) and include “CFO position” in the subject line.

This position announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title and the education and skills required. This is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that are required or may be required in the future.

BACKGROUND SCREENING

The Masters School conducts background checks and fingerprint screening on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and uses a third-party administrator to conduct background checks/fingerprint screening. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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The Masters School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining fairness, equity, and impartiality in all of our relationships with employees. In accordance with federal law, New York State law, and Westchester County law, The Masters School does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived differences, including but not limited to: race, color, religion, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship status, gender and gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, as well as any other classification protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.