Job Description

Job Details Level : Senior Job Location : Gilman School - Baltimore, MD Position Type : Full Time Education Level : 4 Year Degree Salary Range : $200000.00 - $250000.00 Salary/year Job Shift : Day Job Category : Education

POSITION TITLE : Chief Financial Officer

DEPARTMENT: Business Office

SUPERVISOR: Head of School

STATUS: Full Time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt (Salaried)

HOURS OF WORK: 7:30 AM 4:00 PM

CLASSIFICATION: Essential

POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the schools senior leadership team, responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the schools financial health. Overseeing a nine-person business office team that includes the Director of Human Resources, Controller, and Chief Operations Officer, the CFO provides leadership and direction for all business and financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, investment management, risk management, and regulatory compliance. The CFO works closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and Investment Committee to ensure the schools long-term sustainability and mission-driven financial stewardship.

This is an exciting time to be the CFO of Gilman. Budget and operations include an enrollment of 1030 students, an annual budget of roughly $43 million, an endowment of over $200 million, and a 57-acre campus. Two ambitious facilities projectsone in performing arts and another in athleticsare on the horizon. The Schools financial footing is strong, and the new CFO will be playing a critical role in shaping the Schools future.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Financial Management & Planning

• Develop and oversee the annual operating and capital budgets and long-range financial forecasts.
• Prepare timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.
• Manage cash flow, investments, debt obligations, and endowment funds in accordance with Board policies.
• Meet with Budget Managers regarding budgets, actual spending, and projections.
• Work closely with the Directors of Enrollment and Financial Aid to discuss enrollment trends and the impact on financial aid allocation and the budget.
• Work with the Investment Committee to manage the Endowment in conjunction with decisions by the Board of Trustees.
• Project the Schools cash requirements and ensure that excess cash is appropriately invested. Manage all investment activity per instructions from the Committee.

Accounting & Compliance:

• Oversee the activities of the Accounting Department to ensure that the Schools accounting records are maintained with relevant nonprofit accounting standards.
• Coordinate annual audits and act as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and reporting requirements.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls to safeguard the Schools assets.

Business Operations & Risk Management :

• Ensure the School has appropriate legal counsel available to advise on the conduct of its affairs .
• Supervise the Accounting office staff and ensure efficient day-to-day operations, including accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, and other business functions, in collaboration with the Controller.
• Manage insurance programs, risk management policies, and vendor contracts.
• Oversee and negotiate contracts for outsourced services, as needed.
• Supervise the Chief Operations Officer. Ensure the efficient running of all programs that fall under the COO, such as Auxiliary, Health Center, Dining Hall, and School Store.

Human Resources & Benefits Administration:

• Oversee Human Resources policies and procedures, including benefits administration.
• Supervise the Human Resources staff and ensure efficient day-to-day operations, including payroll processing and employee contracts, in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices.
• Assist in new initiatives involving compensation, benefits, and wellness.
• Partner with the trustee, Chair of the Human Resources Committee of the Board, to lead the work of that committee.
• Serve as a member of the Schools Retirement Plan Committee, along with the Director of Human Resources and Head of School.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration:

• Act as a key strategic advisor to the Head of School and Board of Trustees regarding the strategic and financial stability of the School.
• Collaborate with the Head of School to manage and execute the strategic long-range plan.
• Serve on the Head of Schools leadership team.
• Support the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees of the Board. Prepare reports for the appropriate school constituents.
• Collaborate with the Advancement Office to support donor stewardship and gift management. Help to manage all campaign-related expenses and cash flows, ensuring all planned activities from campaigns are incorporated into the school's planning for operations, endowment, and debt service.
• Provide financial guidance for campus planning, capital projects, and major initiatives

Community Engagement:

• Communicate clearly and effectively about the schools financial status and decisions to stakeholders who may not have financial backgrounds.
• Foster a culture of transparency, trust, and mission-aligned financial stewardship.
• Help support, manage, and drive the environmental sustainability efforts of the School.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; Masters degree preferred.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Minimum five years in senior leadership or a Chief Financial Officer role with proven managerial, problem-solving, and planning capabilities.
• Proven background managing multi-million dollar budgets, tuition revenue, endowments, and fundraising proceeds.
• Strong understanding of financial management, including financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, analysis, asset management, and reporting procedures.
• Expertise in financial compliance, audits, risk management, and federal and state tax regulations.
• Demonstrated experience with long-term financial planning, managing investments, debt, and cash flow.
• Experience overseeing the financial and operating particulars of capital projects and building renovations, along with contract negotiation.
• Experience overseeing business office functions: payroll, accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, and HR administration.
• Effective leadership and people management skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with a collaborative spirit.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with compassion and empathy when supporting students, parents, faculty, staff, and others.
• Ability to explain complex financial issues and their operational impacts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Positive attitude and a sense of humor to build rapport and maintain a supportive, enjoyable work environment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We are committed to transparency and supporting our employees' well-being. For this role, we offer a competitive pay range of $200,000 to $250,000 based on experience and qualifications.

In addition to the annual salary, Gilman School offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, critical illness and accident coverage, and both short- and long-term disability. We offer a 403 (b) retirement plan with employer match to help you plan for the future.

We also believe in the importance of work-life balance. Our time-off package includes two weeks of paid vacation, seven sick days, a winter break, and a spring break annually. At Gilman School, you'll find a supportive environment where your health, wellness, and professional development are valued.

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