Chief Financial Officer
Content + Source + Freshness • 15 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
This role presents high value for seasoned financial professionals looking to make a difference in an educational setting.
- Key position in educational financial management
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Opportunity to work within a reputable institution
- Requires deep knowledge in finance for education
Pros
- High influence in strategic planning and budgeting
- Engagement with community-driven financial support
- Established organization with a strong reputation
Cons
- Significant experience required (5+ years)
- High-pressure environment during budget cycles
- Dependency on institutional success for job satisfaction
Who it's for
Senior / Executive • On-site
Good fit
- Senior financial professionals
- Candidates with an interest in educational finance
- Individuals wanting impact in a community-focused role
Not recommended for
- Entry-level financial analysts
- Those hesitant about leadership roles
- Candidates desiring fully remote working conditions
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Santa Fe Prep’s next Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will partner with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees to lead and enhance the school's financial management, employee support, operational efficiency and strategic planning. Additionally, the CFO supports Santa Fe Prep’s community-based organizations, Breakthrough Santa Fe, and the Davis New Mexico Scholarship.
Key Areas of Responsibility I. Strategic & Financial Leadership- Strategic Planning: Serve as a strategic thought partner to school leadership. Develop and maintain short- and long-term strategic financial budgets and plans that align with institutional priorities.
- Budgeting & Reporting: Oversee the comprehensive annual budgeting process in collaboration with program leaders and division heads. Provide clear financial monitoring, budget updates, projections, and performance reports to the Head of School, Finance Committee, and the Board of Trustees.
- Community organizations: Provide financial and strategic support to Santa Fe Prep's community organizations, the Davis New Mexico Scholarship and Breakthrough Santa Fe.
- Board Liaison: Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board’s Audit, Finance, Endowment, and Buildings and Grounds Committees.
- Endowment Administration: Support the Endowment Committee in the administration of the School’s endowment by executing the investment policy and implementing Endowment Committee decisions.
- Supervision: Oversee school operations, including Facilities, Campus Safety, Food Service, and Technology.
- Employee Administration and HR: Administer all employee benefit programs (health insurance, retirement) and oversee employee onboarding, payroll, and related financial processes.
- Tuition Assistance: Analyze, review, and approve tuition assistance awards in collaboration with the Head of School and the Director of Tuition Assistance.
- Physical Campus: Coordinate closely with the director of facilities on buildings and grounds maintenance, capital planning, and construction projects.
- Risk Mitigation: Manage all insurance programs (property, casualty, workers’ compensation).
- Compliance: Coordinate and assist outside firm in annual financial audits (including 403b) and ensure compliance with all financial and reporting requirements.
- Leadership Team: Serve as an active member of Santa Fe Prep’s seven-person administrative leadership Team.
- Team Management: Lead, manage, mentor, and provide professional development for the business office and operations teams
- External Relations: Maintain relationships with banks, lenders, and external vendors.
| Category | Required Qualifications | Essential Skills & Attributes |
| Experience | 5 years of senior-level experience in financial planning and management. | Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, presentation) to translate complex subjects for varied audiences. |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, CPA, or equivalent advanced degree preferred. | Proven experience in strategic decision-making analysis and the ability to think and plan strategically and creatively. |
Preferred Experience includes independent schools, higher education, or other non-profit financial management; knowledge of endowment management; and experience with construction project planning and debt financing.
