About the role
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced financial and operational leader to play a critical role in shaping the long-term sustainability and success of a vibrant learning community.
The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking financial strategist and operational problem solver who thrives in a values-driven environment. They will bring deep expertise in financial management, budgeting, accounting, and compliance, along with strong oversight experience in key operational areas such as facilities, human resources, and risk management. A commitment to independent school education, and a genuine enthusiasm for supporting the daily life of a joyful, student-centered school, is essential.
They will also be an inspiring and empathetic leader who models integrity and professionalism, encourages excellence, and fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability. They will empower team members through clear communication, mentorship, and alignment with the school's mission and values. Skilled in managing and developing high-performing teams, the CFOO will set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and support continuous professional growth for a team of four senior managers and across the organization. This leader will also navigate conflict with fairness, promote open dialogue, and ensure resources and responsibilities are allocated effectively to support both staff well-being and organizational goals.
The CFOO will report to and collaborate closely with the Head of School, Assistant Heads of School, Board of Trustees, and senior administrators to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational excellence, enabling the school to fulfill its mission and vision for the future. This work includes leading the implementation of strategic plans, maintaining financial health, managing risk, and contributing to thoughtful hiring, retention, and succession planning to meet the school's evolving operational needs.
What you"ll do
Strategic Leadership & Governance
Collaborate with the Head of School and senior leadership to shape and execute the organization's strategic and operational vision. Oversee all aspects of the campus master plan building project, both building and finance related, interfacing with primary consultants, managing internal work plans, and internal and external communications for the project as needed. Participate in Board of Trustees meetings and provide staff support to Finance, Capital Campaign, and Master Use committees. Oversee creation and management of long-range financial planning and provide financial insights to appropriate teams to support institutional decision-making. Supervise HR operations and workforce planning initiatives, including salary structure, benefits administration, and employment policies and procedures. Evaluate recommended competitive and cost-effective benefit plans to attract and retain staff. Supervise the Safety & Health team to ensure safe, efficient, and well-maintained physical infrastructure, health and safety protocols, and emergency preparedness plans.
People Management
Serves as direct supervisor the Business Manager, Facilities Manager, HR Manager, and School Nurse. Set and communicate clear performance expectations, goals, and benchmarks. Conduct regular performance evaluations, offering constructive feedback and recognition. Identify growth opportunities for team members, support continued learning and training, and oversee employee retention efforts, helping plan for long-term staffing needs. Participate in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of new finance and operations staff. Allocate resources (time, talent, tools) effectively across departments. Guide teams through organizational and procedural changes with clarity and support, aligning team efforts with institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.
Financial, Contract, and Asset Management
Lead the School's annual budgeting process and long-range financial planning, ensuring transparency, consistency, and clarity, in close collaboration with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and leadership team. Oversee all business office functions including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, purchasing, and financial controls. Develop and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders. Lead the preparation of the annual operating budget and long-range financial forecasts. Ensure sufficient cash flow and liquidity to meet the organization's operational needs. Maintain the integrity of financial systems and ensure compliance with all audit and reporting requirements. Establish and monitor banking relationships and financial transactions. Review, negotiate, and manage all significant vendor and service contracts. Oversee prudent purchasing and maintenance of fixed assets, including property, plant, and equipment.
Audit, Risk, and Compliance
Ensure appropriate internal controls and accounting procedures are in place to protect assets and maintain transparency. Oversee the organization's annual independent audit and coordinate audit preparation and follow-up. Monitor legal, regulatory, and compliance matters relevant to the school's operations. Manage institutional risk, including insurance policies, liability coverage, physical plant and cyber security, and health & safety protocols.
Desired Skills & Attributes
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA or CPA preferred. Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in finance and operations, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting. Deep understanding of nonprofit or school-based financial systems and controls, GAAP, budgeting, capital management, and plant management. Strong knowledge of fund accounting principles, cash flow management, financial reporting standards, procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor management. Seasoned experience in budget preparation, long-range financial planning, financial forecasting models, and financial compliance, including financial particulars of capital projects and building renovations. Familiarity with audit preparation, compliance procedures, and risk management strategies. Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills, both written and verbal. Strategic thinking with the ability to link financial decisions to broader organizational goals. Strong team leadership and supervisory skills, including performance evaluation, coaching, conflict resolution, and team development. Outstanding oral, written, and presentational communication skills. Skilled at fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture. Project management skills to balance multiple priorities and initiatives across departments. Ability to collaborate closely with Executive Assistant and Administrative Team to organize complex projects, establish expected outcomes and timelines, delegate tasks, and follow through to timely completion. Proven ability to manage multiple departments and work collaboratively across an organization. Experience working with Boards and presenting complex financial information to non-financial audiences. Personal qualities including diplomacy, tact, discretion, flexibility, resourcefulness, initiative, dependability, organizational skills, friendliness, emotional maturity, punctuality, and professionalism.
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this role is between $200,000- $250,000 based on years of experience, education, skill, and internal equity in line with the school's Administrator pay scale.
Alongside salary, Epiphany School offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
Benefits stipend to put towards employee benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, voluntary employee, spousal, and child life and critical illness insurance, accident insurance, voluntary short-term disability, and flexible health savings accounts Employer-paid monthly premiums for employee assistance program and long-term disability coverage 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution 12 paid holidays 6 weeks of paid vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave Paid supplemental parental leave after 12 months of employment Professional development funding
How to Apply
Epiphany School has partnered with Educators Collaborative, a search firm specializing in recruiting roles within independent schools. Interested candidates should submit the following materials in a single merged document, in the following order, by August 1:
EC Candidate Summary Sheet (contact Tracy Bennett) Letter of Interest addressed to the Search Committee Current résumé Contact information for five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate's permission) EC Disclosure Form (contact Tracy Bennett)
We encourage candidates to reach out for a preliminary conversation before submitting their materials. The Search Committee expects to complete the search not later than September 2025 with a start date soon thereafter.
Please Address Inquiries to:
Tracy Bennett, Partner, Educators Collaborative
Email: tbennett@educatorscollaborative.com
Phone: (425) 466-4748
About Epiphany School
Epiphany School is a non-parochial, independent elementary school serving grades Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade and is a welcoming community that embraces its diversity, celebrates the joy of childhood, and ignites lifelong curiosity. At Epiphany School we envision a world where exploring together fosters courageous learners and compassionate leaders.
The guiding principles we hold dear:
Learn JoyfullyTry New ThingsAct ResponsiblyInvite Everyone InShine Together
With over 265 students, Epiphany School is large enough to offer a broad spectrum of educational opportunities and small enough to maintain a close-knit community. The beautiful, historic campus is located in a quiet setting in central Seattle"s Madrona neighborhood.
Epiphany School"s Commitment to Diversity
Epiphany School is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the principle of equal access and opportunity in education and employment and full participation for persons with disabilities in all of its programs and services. Epiphany School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, age, sex, marital status, political ideology, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law
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