Director of Finance, Risk Management and Strategic Partnerships/CFO
The Thacher School, Ojai, CA, United States
Director of Finance, Risk Management and Strategic Partnerships / CFO
The Thacher School, a boarding school located 85 miles north of Los Angeles in Ojai, California, is seeking its next Director of Finance, Risk Management and Strategic Partnerships/CFO.
The School serves 258 academically talented students from over 20 states and 11 countries on a 540‑acre campus.
Founded in 1889, it offers a rigorous college‑preparatory experience governed by an Honor Code rooted in the core values of Honor, Fairness, Kindness, and Truth.
Position Description The Director of Finance, Risk Management and Strategic Partnerships/CFO will join a school that is looking to expand enrollment, diversify revenue and modernize operations in ways consistent with its culture and history.
The CFO will oversee the business office and financial operations, develop additional revenue sources including summer programs, and manage risk broadly.
The CFO will provide strategic leadership as a member of the senior leadership team, report directly to the Head of School, and collaborate closely with the Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities
Ensure effective stewardship of existing resources to address rising operational costs through disciplined financial management and operational efficiency.
Assess staffing needs and implement strategies to recruit, retain, and develop talent, fostering a cohesive, high‑performing, mission‑driven division that values collaboration, expertise, and mutual respect.
Review all processes and procedures in the business office to ensure they are current, effective, and efficient.
Explore and implement opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.
Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment to model the impact of student enrollment expansion on the financial sustainability and health of the School.
Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment on tuition setting and strategic use of financial aid.
Develop summer programs that are revenue positive and consistent with the School’s mission.
Develop programs and opportunities for greater collaboration and inclusion of the Ojai community with the School.
Collaborate with the Board, Head of School, and Advancement Office on a planned campaign to support the strategic plan.
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, CPA, or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of financial experience with increasing breadth and leadership responsibilities.
Experience in an independent school, nonprofit, or higher education setting preferred.
Superior communication skills, both written and spoken.
Superior interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and managerial skills.
Superior analytical, modeling, and problem‑solving skills.
Compensation Compensation is very competitive.
The salary range is $275,000–$350,000.
Final salary is based on experience relevant to the role and internal equity.
The School offers a generous fringe benefit package, including a 403(b) match, healthcare coverage, and a broad range of other benefits such as full tuition remission for eligible dependents, use of campus facilities, and professional development support.
The new CFO will not be expected to live on campus.
Equal Employment Opportunities The Thacher School is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law.
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The School serves 258 academically talented students from over 20 states and 11 countries on a 540‑acre campus.
Founded in 1889, it offers a rigorous college‑preparatory experience governed by an Honor Code rooted in the core values of Honor, Fairness, Kindness, and Truth.
Position Description The Director of Finance, Risk Management and Strategic Partnerships/CFO will join a school that is looking to expand enrollment, diversify revenue and modernize operations in ways consistent with its culture and history.
The CFO will oversee the business office and financial operations, develop additional revenue sources including summer programs, and manage risk broadly.
The CFO will provide strategic leadership as a member of the senior leadership team, report directly to the Head of School, and collaborate closely with the Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities
Ensure effective stewardship of existing resources to address rising operational costs through disciplined financial management and operational efficiency.
Assess staffing needs and implement strategies to recruit, retain, and develop talent, fostering a cohesive, high‑performing, mission‑driven division that values collaboration, expertise, and mutual respect.
Review all processes and procedures in the business office to ensure they are current, effective, and efficient.
Explore and implement opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.
Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment to model the impact of student enrollment expansion on the financial sustainability and health of the School.
Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment on tuition setting and strategic use of financial aid.
Develop summer programs that are revenue positive and consistent with the School’s mission.
Develop programs and opportunities for greater collaboration and inclusion of the Ojai community with the School.
Collaborate with the Board, Head of School, and Advancement Office on a planned campaign to support the strategic plan.
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, CPA, or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of financial experience with increasing breadth and leadership responsibilities.
Experience in an independent school, nonprofit, or higher education setting preferred.
Superior communication skills, both written and spoken.
Superior interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and managerial skills.
Superior analytical, modeling, and problem‑solving skills.
Compensation Compensation is very competitive.
The salary range is $275,000–$350,000.
Final salary is based on experience relevant to the role and internal equity.
The School offers a generous fringe benefit package, including a 403(b) match, healthcare coverage, and a broad range of other benefits such as full tuition remission for eligible dependents, use of campus facilities, and professional development support.
The new CFO will not be expected to live on campus.
Equal Employment Opportunities The Thacher School is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law.
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