Chief Financial and Operations Officer

OVERVIEW:

Thayer Academy is an independent, co-educational day school serving students in grades 5-12 in Braintree, Massachusetts. The School seeks an experienced leader and strategic thinker to serve as the Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO). The full-time, exempt position is open July 1, 2026.

The Chief Financial & Operations Officer is a senior member of the Thayer Academy leadership team reporting directly to the Head of School. The CFOO provides leadership and management of the school’s finances and is responsible for supervising, coordinating, and administering the Business Office, Human Resources, Facilities, Information Technology, and Dining Services. The CFOO provides vision and leadership for all capital projects, partnering with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees to deliver on the school’s strategy and mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement financial and operational strategies that support the School’s mission and goals, and are consistent with the organization’s fiscal policy and compliant with state and federal laws. This includes long-range financial and campus master planning
• Effectively manage the financial operation of the school, including endowment, investments, cash management, financial analysis, budget management, debt compliance, and all tax-exempt financing.
• Engage in cooperative decision-making with the Head of School and Board of Trustees; serve as liaison to the Finance/Audit Committee, the Investment Committee, and the Buildings & Grounds Committee, providing required information and reporting
• In partnership with the Head of School, the CFOO maintains all accounts and relationships with banks, professional accountants, legal counsel, and insurance companies.
• Supervise the preparation of the annual operating budget and present to the Trustees for approval. Prepare periodic financial reports for Trustees, Head of School, and members of the senior leadership team, and others as needed.
• Provide support to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees in setting the succeeding year’s tuition and financial aid budget to support the enrollment/reenrollment process.
• Administer the accounting system (Blackbaud) to prepare financial statements, cash flow reports, operating expense budgets, and any Capital Campaign Fund reports as needed.
• Control and manage the cash and all bank accounts of the school
• Manage the enterprise risk management program to ensure the best pricing and policy terms of the insurance program, as well as reduce risk exposure to the School.
• Working with the Investment Committee and outside advisors, effectively maintain the Endowment portfolio investment and reporting.
• Support establishing new auxiliary revenue opportunities consistent with the strategic plan.
• Pursue and analyze alternate sources of financing to provide the lowest cost of money to support programs and activities when needed.
• At the direction of the School’s Finance/Audit Committee of the Board, schedule the annual independent audit.
• Develop and oversee capital projects, existing and new construction, renovations, off-campus sites, and develop deferred maintenance schedules.
• Partner with the Head of School, Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer, Trustees, and the senior team in planning and executing a comprehensive fundraising campaign in furtherance of the school’s strategic plan.
• Actively oversee day-to-day and strategic school operations, directly supervising the business office, IT, and human resources, as well as closely supporting and managing external vendor partnerships, including in IT, Dining Services, and Facilities.
• Actively participate in professional organizations such as NAIS, AISNE, and NBOA
• Partners with the  Director of  Enrollment  Management in the development and implementation of the school’s financial aid program.
• Ensures the timely review, updating, and legal compliance of the employee handbook, other human resources policies and practices, and key institutional policies
• Represent Thayer Academy in community activities assigned by the Head of School

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

•  B.A., M.Ed., CPA, or related advanced degree required.
• Minimum of 10 years of senior financial and operations management and leadership experience required; experience at a not-for-profit organization, higher