Chief Financial Officer

The CFO is a mission-aligned, visionary leader who ensures McDonogh School's financial strength and operational excellence while advancing our strategic priorities. As a key member of the senior administrative team, the CFO reports directly to the Head of School and serves as the lead staff liaison to the Board's Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees.

This is a dynamic opportunity for a strategic thinker and collaborative partner to shape the financial future of a school committed to Life Ready learning and service to others. The person should be an experienced CFO with impeccable standards and credentials to manage a complex, thriving organization in a highly competitive geographic location. The CFO will lead with integrity and curiosity, demonstrating resilience in navigating challenges, showing respect for all stakeholders, and valuing the opportunity to serve our educational mission.

Annual compensation for this position will be in the range of $250,000 - $275,000.

Title:
Chief Financial Officer – Supervisor:
Head of School

FLSA Designation:
Exempt;
Calendar: 12 month

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Planning Finance and Budget
• Management and Reporting
• Auxiliary Programs Management (Food Service, Equestrian, Corporate Campus, Summer, and After School)
• Investment and Endowment Oversight
• Risk Management
• Compliance
• Capital Projects
• Campus Stewardship

• Design and execute annual and multi-year financial strategies that enable McDonogh to continue its academic excellence, commitment to innovation, and other strategic initiatives.
• Lead dynamic annual budget modeling and long‑range forecasting with curiosity and innovation, enabling data‑driven planning.
• Transform complex financial information into actionable insights for school leadership and trustees, demonstrating integrity in all communications and understanding of stakeholder needs.
• Champion fiscal discipline while identifying opportunities for innovation and strategic investment that enhance the School’s financial sustainability.
• Manage comprehensive school budgets, including endowment and investment portfolios, navigating economic and competitive challenges.
• Ensure all internal and external financial reporting is timely, accurate, and compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Serve as primary financial advisor to the Head of School and Board of Trustees, delivering clear, transparent financial reporting and strategic counsel.
• Coordinate and serve as lead staff liaison to Board Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees, fostering trusted partnerships built on shared commitment to supporting the School’s Strategic Plan.
• Actively contribute to Board committees, including Buildings & Grounds, Philanthropy, Campaign, Gift Acceptance, Risk Oversight, and Governance.
• Translate school priorities into operational initiatives and measurable financial outcomes that support our vision of an inclusive, dynamic community.
• Prepare comprehensive financial reports and presentations for Board and committee meetings, demonstrating resilience in addressing challenges and commitment to continuous improvement.

• Coordinate strategic financing initiatives, including debt and liquidity analysis and S&P bond rating maintenance.
• Oversee the work of the independent investment advisor and ensure they are appropriately managing the portfolio.

• Ensure annual income tax reporting and financial statement audit preparation are completed accurately and on time.
• Oversee employee benefit plans and related financial planning.
• Lead proactive risk assessments, insurance strategies, and compliance efforts that safeguard McDonogh's mission and reputation.
• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure appropriate property and casualty and liability insurance coverage.
• Continually assess the adequacy of the work of independent advisors.

• Provide direct oversight of all auxiliary programs including:
  • Food service and café operations
  • Equestrian programs
  • Summer camps…