Chief Operating and Financial Officer

St. Anne’s-Belfield School, an independent, co-ed day and boarding school serving over 925 students from age 2 to Grade 12 across two vibrant campuses in Charlottesville, Virginia, seeks nominations and applications for the next Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO).

Embracing the school’s mission, the COFO role requires an innovative, experienced, and strategic administrator to oversee the school’s financial portfolio and lead its daily operations.

A critical member of the Senior Administrative Leadership Team (SALT), the COFO works closely with the Head of School to oversee the Business Office, Human Resources, Dining Services, Technology, Auxiliary Services, and Facilities (including Buildings and Grounds, Housekeeping, Transportation, and Security).

The COFO is the administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Financial Resources Committee and works closely with the Board’s Treasurer.

With a strong commitment and the ability to recommend innovative financial and operational solutions, the COFO is an active member of a supportive and collaborative team of educators.

A unique and highly visible role that is critical to the School’s continuous upward trajectory, the COFO will ensure that the institution’s people and programs benefit from access to ample resources, that current and future projects are well-funded and well-managed, and that St.

Anne’s-Belfield School considers both mission and financial sustainability in all of its decisions.

The candidate of choice will be proficient with accounting systems and effective data management and analysis to support innovation and efficiency across the organization.

In addition, the successful candidate must have demonstrated leadership in implementing change and fostering a high level of teamwork and customer service, while embracing both diversity and technological advancement.

The ideal candidate for COFO will have the following work experiences and skill sets :

• Bachelor’s degree required; M.B.A. and / or a master’s degree in a related field strongly preferred.
• Eight years of work experience in a financial and business leadership position.
• Ability and interest in effectively recruiting, leading, developing, and motivating diverse staff.
• Creativity, a positive outlook, proactive orientation, empathetic leadership style, humility, maturity, and a sense of humor.
• Experience in an independent secondary school, college, or university setting is preferred.
• A strong background in financial systems, modeling and forecasting, investment and risk management, support services administration, business services, human resources and benefits administration, and facilities management.
• Ability to effectively interface with all levels of the school community administration, staff and faculty, Board of Trustees, parents / guardians, boarding and day students, alumni and friends of the school, and the city of Charlottesville.
• An open and collaborative management style characteristic of a team player who can provide superior customer service and foster a high level of teamwork.
• Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong background in finance, budgeting, investing, and cash management and experience setting up effective financial controls.
• Effective negotiation skills in developing contracts with external vendors.
• A strong commitment to education, a high level of integrity, an extraordinary work ethic, and an interest in being a positive role-model.
• Interest in industry associations and best practices to bring about appropriate change in the spirit of total quality improvement.

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