Vice President of Finance and Operations

Punahou School Vice President of Finance and Operations Position and Candidate Specification ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Founded in 1841, Punahou School is one of the world’s leading independent K–12 schools and the largest independent K–12 school in the United States on a single campus. Located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Punahou serves approximately 3,770 students and is committed to developing the knowledge, skills, values, and character needed to improve the world.

Punahou combines academic excellence with innovation, creativity, global awareness, and social responsibility. Its diverse community of students, faculty, staff, families, and nearly 30,000 alumni is dedicated to lifelong learning and leadership. The School’s 76-acre campus provides exceptional opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, and co-curricular programs, while its location in Hawai‘i fosters a strong sense of place and global perspective.

• Founded: 1841
• Grades: K–12
• Enrollment: 3,770
• Campus: 76 acres
• Facilities: 64 buildings; more than 1 million square feet
• Faculty: 360
• Full-Time Staff: 417
• Annual Budget: $170 million
• Endowment: $490 million
• Tuition (2026–27): $34,230
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 24%

A key member of the President’s leadership team, the Vice President of Finance and Operations serves as the School’s chief financial, business, and administrative officer and a trusted adviser to President Michael Latham, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees.

The Vice President provides strategic leadership for the stewardship of Punahou’s financial, physical, technological, and human resources in support of the School’s mission and long‑term priorities. Areas of responsibility include finance, budgeting, accounting, financial planning, asset and risk management, information technology, facilities, human resources, food services, health services, campus security, and other administrative functions.

The Vice President plays a central role in supporting strategic initiatives, campus planning, operational excellence, and institutional sustainability. The position attends all Board meetings and works closely with multiple Board committees.

Reports To

Michael Latham, President

• Assistant Treasurer/Controller
• Carnival Coordinator
• Chief Human Resources Officer
• Chief Information and Technology Officer
• Director, Physical Plant
• Director, Food Service
• Director, Health Center
• Director, Campus Safety and Security
• Executive Assistant
• Coordinator, Parent Faculty Association

• Board of Trustees
• Senior Leadership Team
• Faculty and Staff
• Parents, Students, and Alumni

The successful candidate will be an accomplished finance and operations executive with experience leading complex organizations and partnering effectively with senior leadership and governing boards.

• Ten or more years of senior financial and operational leadership experience
• Experience in education, nonprofit, or mission‑driven organizations preferred
• Demonstrated strategic planning and decision‑making capabilities
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams
• Strong financial, analytical, and technology expertise
• Experience with enterprise systems, risk management, and organizational improvement
• Appreciation for education and the values of a mission‑driven institution
• Understanding of or appreciation for Hawai‘i’s culture and history
• MBA or related graduate degree preferred

• Develop and execute long‑range financial strategy aligned with institutional priorities
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and scenario modeling
• Provide sound financial counsel regarding investments, capital planning, and resources
• Ensure effective systems, reporting, transparency, and accountability

• Lead a broad portfolio of operational functions
• Drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and service excellence
• Leverage technology and data to enhance decision‑making and performance
• Oversee enterprise risk management and regulatory compliance

• Build, mentor, and retain high‑performing teams
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation
• Establish clear expectations and standards of excellence

• Serve as a trusted adviser to the President, senior leaders, and Board
• Build strong relationships across the School community
• Communicate complex financial and operational matters clearly to diverse audiences
• Promote collaboration, transparency, and shared problem‑solving

Punahou School has retained Spencer Stuart to support the search.

Punahou School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law.