The School - Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) is a progressive PreK–12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A coed, nonsectarian school, it serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students on two campuses – one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. 

ECFS (www.ecfs.org) is notable for its democratic approach to education and its overarching philosophy of creating an ethical school environment. Relationships among faculty, parents, and students are open and strong, and the school is renowned for its commitment to diversity, equity, and access. ECFS maintains the largest financial aid budget – nearly $16 million – of any independent school in New York City.

The Position - The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a key role in the development and execution of financial strategy for a school with more than 400 employees and an annual operating budget of more than $85 million. The successful candidate will join a team of committed and collaborative colleagues, all of whom are dedicated to advocating the ideals of ethical and progressive education. The CFO will partner with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and other school leaders to advance the mission, vision, and financial strategy.

To occupy this complex, challenging, and rewarding position, ECFS is seeking a financial professional with deep experience in nonprofit business and finance, ideally one with a broad background in education management and strategic planning.

The CFO is responsible for a wide range of services, programs, and projects within the institutional environment and provides guidance and counsel in executive and policy decision-making to the Head of School, the Administrative Council, and, as needed, the Board of Trustees. The CFO is directly involved in complex business transactions, negotiating contracts, developing important institutional policies, and leading efforts to plan, monitor, and report on the financial and business operations of the school. The CFO manages the business office, finance, and human resources staff. Included in the portfolio of responsibilities are fiscal services (accounts payable, accounts receivable, general accounting), human resources, (recruitment, benefits, on/off-boarding, personnel actions), commercial insurance, and outsourced legal services. The CFO reports to the Head of School and is a member of the Administrative Council.