Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations (CFO) - Sidwell Friends School at InsideHigherEd

Sidwell Friends School, a nationally recognized PK–12 Quaker day school in Washington, DC, invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations (AHOSF&O). This is a rare opportunity for a strategic and mission-driven executive to join a school of national distinction at a moment of bold transformation — one defined by campus unification, visionary capital planning, and a deepened commitment to equity, sustainability, and joyful learning.Rooted in Quaker values and guided by its strategic plan, Lead in the Light, Sidwell Friends is undertaking a generational investment in its future. With major construction projects underway and the integration of two campuses on the horizon, the AHOSF&O will play a central role in stewarding the school’s resources, shaping its operational strategy, and ensuring long-term financial strength.Reporting directly to the Head of School, the AHOSF&O oversees a broad portfolio of strategic functions, including finance, human resources, facilities, security, information technology, legal affairs, and auxiliary programs. The role provides direct supervision and leadership to six departmental administrators — the Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Business Operations, Director of Facilities, Director of Security, and Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs — each of whom manages their own teams and operational domains. Together, this group forms a high-performing leadership cohort responsible for the systems, services, and infrastructure that support the daily life and long-term vision of the school.The AHOSF&O also works in close partnership with the School’s Board of Trustees, serving as the primary administrative liaison to the Finance, Audit, Investment, Real Estate, and Facilities, Infrastructure & Security (FISC) committees. In this capacity, the AHOSF&O provides strategic guidance, prepares and presents financial reports, and contributes to key governance conversations that shape the school’s future.This role requires a leader who is both technically adept and mission-aligned — someone who can translate financial complexity into strategic clarity, foster a culture of transparency and excellence, and lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.The successful Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations at Sidwell Friends will be:A Systems Thinker, who understands how financial and operational decisions ripple across a complex institution, and who designs integrated solutions that support both day-to-day excellence and long-term vision.A Relationship Builder, who leads with humility and empathy, fostering trust and mutual respect across departments, divisions, and stakeholder groups — from trustees and senior leaders to faculty, staff, and families.A Service-Oriented Executive, who champions a responsive and transparent business office culture, ensuring that operational teams are empowered to support the school’s mission with professionalism, care, and accountability.An Institutional Partner, who collaborates closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees, contributing strategic insight and financial expertise to guide decision-making and advance the Schools strategic priorities.A Mission-Infused Leader, whose work is grounded in the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship — and who embraces the opportunity to lead with purpose in service to a transformative educational vision. Search ProcessSidwell Friends has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its next Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations. This search is being conducted in close partnership with Head of School, Bryan Garman, and his AHOSF&O Search Committee, and reflects the school’s commitment to identifying a strategic, mission-aligned financial leader who will help shape the future of Sidwell Friends.Download the Sidwell Friends AHOSF&O Search Position Profile athttps://www.nboaadvisoryservices.com/sidwell-friendsAll inquiries, nominations, and questions should be directed in confidence to:James Palmieri, CEO and Search [email protected] Please do not contact the school directly. Interested candidates should express interest by applying via the form at https://www.nboaadvisoryservices.com/sidwell-friendsYou will be asked to upload a cover letter expressing interest in the position and alignment with Sidwell Friends’ mission and Quaker values, and a current résumé. As the process proceeds, selected candidates may be asked to submit additional information, including responses to leadership and job-specific assessments, and a list of five professional references.Search TimelineApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basisPriority will be given to applications received by December 15, 2025. The position is open until filled, with a desired start date of July 2026.The salary range for this position is $290,000 – $340,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additionally, employees at Sidwell Friends enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees through all stages of life and career.Proven experience as a Chief Financial Officer at one or more independent schools is a preferred qualification for this position, but not a requirement. Additional qualifications are listed in the position profile.