JOB TITLE: Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO)
OVERVIEW:
The Westover School, an independent boarding and day high school in Middlebury, CT, seeks a strong leader and strategic thinker to serve as the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO). The full-time, exempt position is open July 1, 2023.
The Chief Financial and Operations Officer is a senior member of the Westover School administration, reporting directly to the Head of School and responsible for financial objectives, policies, programs, and practices consistent with the Board of Trustees policies and legal guidance. She/he also works extensively with the Finance Committee, Investment Committee, Audit Committee, and the Facilities Task Force of the Board of Trustees.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Management and Planning
Responsible for the oversight of all financial operations, including endowment, investments, cash management, financial analysis, budget management, debt compliance, and all tax- exempt financing
Monitor all loans and indebtedness, including any possible inter-fund loans and transfers ? Responsible for acting on decisions made by the Investment Committee, including executing approved draws from endowment
Responsible for oversight of purchasing policies/procedures and internal control/audit functions in collaboration with the Controller
Management of operational cash flow by maintaining adequate sources of borrowing and investing excess cash in short-term funds
Approve all agreements concerning financial obligations, such as contracts for products or services and other actions requiring a commitment of financial resources; execute bids, contracts, and leases
Maintain accurate budgets and financial forecasts, prepare periodic financial statements, and report on financial affairs of the School to the Head of School and Board of Trustees; comply with formal reporting requirements of financial institution relationships
Coordinate the long-range plan, assess the financial requirements implicit in this plan, and develop alternative ways in which financial requirements can be satisfied
Develop innovative solutions to the challenges in the areas of financial strategies, financial analysis, reporting, and information dissemination to management, use of appropriate systems and technology, and cost-effective use of resources
Build a strong partnership with Head of School to ensure that the educational goals of the School are in sync with the business/fiscal goals of the School
Communicate with Head of School and the Board of Trustees about fiscal changes and anticipated/unanticipated fiscal challenges in a timely fashion
Collaborate with Senior Leadership team on strategic planning and serve in leadership capacity during the absence of the Head of School
Risk Management
Responsible for the School’s insurance coverage, liability and risk-related policies, and controls ? Work with Security team to ensure all practices, systems, and emergency plans are in place, up-to-date, effectively communicated to the entire Westover community, and understood by all constituents ? Oversee all campus and work safety issues, regulatory and environmental compliance, and any legal matters ? Work with insurance advisors and brokers to insure that adequate, appropriate and cost-effective insurance is in force; including liability, property and casualty, directors and officers, and Worker’s Compensation ? Ensure compliance with all government regulations including ADA, OSHA, IRS reporting, hazardous materials, fire/health and building inspections, and EPA issues
Serve as liaison with the School attorney for business matters
Maintain vigilance for situations that could pose a safety or health hazard and recommend appropriate action
Personnel Management
Oversee, in collaboration with the Head of School, the employee benefits program, all employment practices related to non-academic personnel, payroll services, and reporting and employment compliance ? Supervise and manage human resource functions, including writing, implementing, and maintaining appropriate personnel policies which support its programs and ensure that the School’s actions regarding hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and separation conform with state and federal requirements ? Supervise maintenance and security of personnel records
Facilities Management
Work with the Director of Facilities in all aspects of plant operations, facilities usage and planning, procurement, general transportation, and vehicle care
Oversee all construction project planning and campus renewal programs as well as general maintenance, housekeeping, and groundskeeping
Oversee facilities maintenance, including PPRSM, preventative maintenance system, capital planning utilizing PPRSM, and state and federal regulations governing school facilities and the overall campus plant
Communications, Technology, and Administrative Support Systems Management
In collaboration with the Director of Technology, ensure the development and support of campus technology infrastructure, support for administrative computing systems, and maintenance of all telecommunications systems
Auxiliary Services and Program Management
Oversee the outsourcing of the dining services and snack bar operations
Work with the Coordinator of Summer Programs to monitor facilities usage by outside groups and organizations
Develop and manage all appropriate sources of non-tuition revenues
Additional Responsibilities
Indirectly responsible for more than 35-40 non-academic staff
Serve as member of Westover’s Administrative Team
Represent Westover in local governmental matters
Other duties as requested or assigned per the Head of School
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND QUALITIES:
Bachelor’s degree required; M.B.A., M.Ed. or related advanced degree preferred
Ten years plus of experience in accounting, financial analysis, and budget formulation
Extensive experience/knowledge of independent boarding schools required
Working knowledge of federal and state employment law, including HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and EEO ? Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques with the ability to analyze and organize financial data ? Successful hands-on leadership experience within a progressive, diverse, multicultural learning environment with proven ability to work well with a variety of constituents
High ethical standards and integrity
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to motivate, direct, and train staff
Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), knowledge of Blackbaud and other school administrative software programs a plus
Must have the ability to successfully complete all legally required and school required background checks including the state mandated Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Record Information
ABOUT WESTOVER:
Westover School is an independent boarding and day high school that challenges smart, motivated girls to becomeconfident, connected women. Serving nearly 200 students each year, the School offers a wide range of opportunitiesthat provoke thought, spur discussion, and help build skills and expertise. Westover empowers young women to leadlives of consequence.
At Westover, talented and motivated girls grow into confident and connected women - women who find lives ofpurpose and meaning, who understand they can make a difference and who understand the power of relationships.Heralded as one of the most beautiful schools in America, the Westover campus continues to inspire and connect all who walk through its halls.
Westover values strength of character fostering citizens of the world who are compassionate, brave, and resilient advocates for themselves and others. The School empowers young women to take action as confident leaders by discovering their individual voices through exploration, reflection, and global awareness. They champion enthusiasm and engagement while cultivating innate curiosity into an enduring love of learning. Westover nurtures an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming community rooted in traditions. Through shared experience, the School forges meaningful, supportive, and enduring relationships.
Polly Oppmann Fredlund has been appointed the eighth Head of School at Westover School, starting in July 2023. She is an independent school leader with over twenty-five years of experience working in schools and currently serves as the Assistant Head of School for Community Engagement at The Bush School in Seattle, Washington. Over her time in schools, Polly has served as an Assistant Head of School, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, and Assistant Director of Upper School, English.
FACTS AND FIGURES:
Enrollment: 188
? 137 boarding
? 51 day
Students from 12 states and 14 countries
Student/teacher ratio: 8:1
Students receiving financial aid: 65%
Students of color: 45%
Operating Budget: $15M
Annual Fund: $2M
Endowment: $60M
WESTOVER HISTORY:
Mary Robbins Hillard founded Westover in 1909. Hillard worked with renowned architect Theodate Pope Riddle to design and build a “new school west and over the hill from Waterbury away from the city” so she could direct the education of girls. The school sits on 145 acres in Middlebury, CT. During its 108 years, Westover has graduated nearly 3,600 alumnae and continues to distinguish itself as a school, not just a school for young women but for students who graduate with confidence. True to the values of its founder, Westover provides a complete education that prepares young women for stimulating and substantive lives.
FOR CONSIDERATION:
Westover School offers a caring and collaborative working environment, as well as a competitive salary and benefits package, medical and disability coverage, and generous time off. Westover School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit formal letter of application, current resume, and a list of three references with contact information to:
Carolyn Stiles
Creative Independents
carolyn@creativeindependents.org
Please do not contact the school directly.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
