Job Description

Charles Armstrong School, the leading elementary and middle school in the San Francisco Bay Area for students with dyslexia and related learning differences, is seeking a highly collaborative, proactive, and nimble leader to assume the role of Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO). For over 55 years, Armstrong has implemented a research-based, proven educational approach that meets students where they are, helps them understand their unique learning styles, leverages their strengths, and builds the confidence necessary to thrive in school and beyond. Armstrong embodies a joyful, uplifting, and transformational community that places students and their needs at the forefront of every level, division, and department. As a respected leader in dyslexia education, Armstrong has established significant partnerships with institutions such as the UCSF Dyslexia Center, contributing to groundbreaking advancements that benefit students throughout California and beyond. At its core, community is the heartbeat of this school.

Reporting to Head of School, Neil Tuch, the CFOO is a vital member of the Leadership Team and a key advisor to the Head of School. The CFOO also plays an active role on the Board of Trustees’ Finance, Audit, and Buildings and Grounds committees. At Armstrong, the Leadership Team functions as a highly cohesive unit, collaborating closely within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The school is making substantial progress on its current five-year strategic plan , and major initiatives for the 2025-2026 year include an accreditation renewal process followed by the next strategic planning process. The ideal CFOO will be an adept multi-tasker, an excellent communicator, and a skilled relationship builder. Strong connections with the staff, faculty, families, leadership team, Board of Trustees, and the Belmont community are crucial for driving these and other strategic initiatives forward.

The Position

The CFOO is a 12-month senior administrative role that will play a pivotal part in advancing Armstrong’s Strategic Plan. The CFOO will oversee all aspects of the school’s financial and operational health, including banking and investment activities, accounting, human resources, IT, facilities, capital projects, and security/safety. Armstrong seeks a leader with both a sharp analytical mind and a well-developed emotional intelligence—someone who is not just focused on numbers but is deeply engaged in the school community. This role calls for an individual with a strong belief in Armstrong’s mission and a genuine commitment to supporting students on their educational journey. Armstrong is financially strong with zero debt, fully-owned land and buildings, and a strong enrollment, setting a solid foundation for the CFOO to make a meaningful impact.

Strategic Priorities

Collaborating closely with the Head of School, the CFOO will play a crucial role in enhancing and promoting Armstrong’s vision and strategic plan for both the short and long term. By engaging with essential stakeholders, the CFOO will focus on the following priorities:

• Work collaboratively with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees to sustain and further strengthen the school's financial health and integrity.
• Play a pivotal role in driving the school’s strategic plan by providing financial guidance, in-depth analysis, and accurate projections.
• Effectively communicate with the Head of School, Leadership Team, Board of Trustees, and the broader school community on the school's financial status and all relevant Business Office matters.
• Collaborate with the Head of School to ensure and support the school’s current needs and any future growth.
• Partner with Leadership Team members on project management of our 15-year Campus Plan project.

Essential Functions 

• Supervise the work of the school business office, including accounting, HR, IT, and facilities.
• Lead the preparation of financial reports and materials. Provide analysis and insights into the school’s operations to guide strategic decision-making and board planning.  
• Communicate the true financial picture of the organization with appropriate projections to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee, and Armstrong’s Leadership Team.
• Ensure adherence to all appropriate FASB and GAAP accounting standards, and all relevant state and federal tax reporting requirements. Supervise and support the Controller and the HR and Tuition Specialist in all operational accounting issues, financial reporting, cash management, and internal controls.  
• Ensure the financial stability of the school by refining both short-term and long-term plans. 
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal financial reporting systems and financial controls.
• Oversee the Tuition Assistance process and program.
• Prepare a monthly operating statement for the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.
• Provide a monthly report of expenditures for use of each individual budget center within the school.  
• Establish a plan and schedule for the preparation of the annual budget that will permit the setting of the succeeding year’s tuition at a Board of Trustees meeting early in the calendar year.
• Oversee the annual audit of the school’s financial statements and 990 tax returns.
• Conduct benchmarking of Armstrong versus peer schools in the Bay Area and other national schools that specialize in educating students with Learning Differences (LD). 
• Oversee all school purchasing, financial investments, banking activities, payroll and benefits programs.  
• Manage risk to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of the facilities and to maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and cover the liability of the school.  
• Assist the Head of School with decisions regarding salaries and benefits for all employees, including the evaluation of support staff.  
• Support the school and its leadership, including advancement efforts.  
• Provide support, in conjunction with the Head of School, to multiple  Board of Trustees committees.
• Present successfully to a wide variety of audiences, including the Board of Trustees, Board sub-committees, faculty and staff, and families.

QUALITIES & ATTRIBUTES

• A collaborative, positive, team-oriented approach to work. 
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Skilled at problem-solving with a keen ability to assess financial and other risks, and to develop effective strategies for managing them.
• Strong knowledge, experience, and an insightful understanding of finance and administration with a solid grasp of accounting.
• Ability to interact with faculty and staff, as well as Board committees, architects, bankers, contractors, vendors, auditors, and insurance risk consultants. 
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, integrity, judgment, and competence. Reflect and model the school’s core values of kindness, respect, growth, and reflection. 
• Ability to understand the culture of the school and engender trust and confidence across constituencies.
• Ability to work independently and be a creative thinker. 
• An advocate for and participant in Armstrong’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion work. 
• Ability to cope successfully with stressful situations, schedules, and deadlines.
• Embraces a mindset of continuous learning, growth, and curiosity.
• Balances attention to detail with the ability to see the big picture.
• Active listener, valuing input from others.
• Understands the importance of urgency in decision-making—knowing when immediate action is needed and how decisions impact others.

• Exceptional communicator, navigating challenges with clarity and effectiveness.
• Resilient in the face of feedback and challenges.
• Self-assured and confident in their knowledge and expertise.
• Willing to engage with the community, participating in activities, programs, and events beyond CFOO responsibilities.
• Passionate about working with children, embodying a genuine love for students and their development.

Procedure to Apply 

Armstrong looks for colleagues who can inspire, lead, guide, and teach students with dyslexia and related learning differences. We value educators, specialists, and support staff who are collaborative, flexible, and positive in their mindsets about teaching and learning. Armstrong offers its faculty expert training and support in all of its curricula and particularly in literacy programs. Charles Armstrong School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested candidates are invited to submit via the following materials confidentially as a single PDF file: 

• A cover letter indicating the candidate’s particular interest in and qualifications for the position
• A current resume
• The names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five references, including at least two recent supervisors. It is important to state the nature of the working relationship with each reference as well. References should be able to speak to the applicant’s ability to be an effective CFOO, work collaboratively and collegially with adults, and supervise multiple departments and projects. References will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission.

The salary range for this position is $230,000-250,000.

Please address any questions by email to julie@strategenius.org or by phone at 415-881-7105.

Search Calendar

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority to those submitted by October 31, 2024. 
• Interviews will take place throughout October and into November, or until the position is filled.
• Start date: Late December 2024 / Early January 2025

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 5 years of senior financial leadership experience, with special consideration given to experience in education or with nonprofits.
• Strong financial acumen with a proven track record of financial management and strategic planning.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal, and listening), planning, monitoring, and delegating skills.
• Expertise in or understanding of the development of accurate, timely, and useful financial reporting. Ability to identify and employ appropriate technology across the responsibilities of the position.
• Extremely skilled with technology, including Microsoft Office, and deep comfort with learning new technologies and programs.
• Proven track record of follow-through and completion of tasks.

About Charles Armstrong School

Charles Armstrong School was founded in 1968 and enrollment has grown to approximately 240 students serving grades 2-8. Charles Armstrong serves high potential students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia, empowering them to strive as learners in school and life. Armstrong is recognized as the premier school for LD students in northern California.

Connections working at Charles Armstrong School

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, For contractors, Immediate start, Flexible hours,

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