The Mead School is an independent, progressive day school in Stamford, CT, serving children from infancy through Grade 8. Located on a 13-acre campus in North Stamford, the school is known for its philosophy, which emphasizes social-emotional development alongside Academic Challenges.

Position Overview

Mead is looking for a Part-Time CFO to serve as the school’s senior financial strategist and advisor to the Head of School

This role is ideal for a person who understands finances tailored towards the nonprofit sector and or the small school environment, understands tuition-driven nonprofit models, and enjoys partnering with a small, purpose-driven School.

The CFO will provide high-level financial leadership while ensuring sound fiscal operations, strong internal controls, and long-term planning aligned with the Mead School Mission.

The Mead School nurtures in each child the power to create a personally meaningful life by fostering deep learning and the social awareness necessary to thrive in an interconnected world.

-Mead School Mission Statement

Estimated Commitment: 20 - 25 hours per week (flexible; may vary seasonally during budget and audit cycles), 3 days a week in the school

Reports To: Head of School

Works Closely With: Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, Operations Team

Ideal Candidate

You are:

• Mission-aligned with progressive education principles
• Strategic yet detail-oriented
• Comfortable working both at the 30,000-foot strategy level and in day-to-day financial operations
• Collaborative, transparent, and solutions-oriented
• Skilled at building clarity and confidence around financial health

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the Head of School and Board on long-term financial sustainability
• Develop multi-year financial forecasts and scenario planning models
• Align financial strategy with enrollment goals and strategic priorities
• Advise on tuition modeling, financial aid strategy, and affordability

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process
• Monitor financial performance against the budget
• Provide monthly and quarterly financial reporting
• Oversee cash flow management and projections

Accounting & Compliance

• Bookkeeping and accounting functions (with internal support)
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting
• Oversee the annual audit or financial review process
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit, state, and federal regulations
• Manage Form 990 preparation (if applicable)

Governance & Board Engagement

• Prepare clear, accessible financial reports for Board meetings
• Support the Finance Committee
• Translate financial data into strategic insights for non-financial stakeholders

Operational Oversight

• Monitor tuition revenue tracking and receivables
• Support financial aid budgeting and modeling
• Review major contracts and vendor agreements
• Collaborate with development staff on grant budgets and reporting

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field
• 10+ years of financial leadership experience and 5+ years of experience in financial management within a school, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization strongly preferred
• Experience with Private School/nonprofit financial management
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling skills
• Experience presenting to boards or governing bodies
• Knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and G Suite
• Experience with accounting and payroll systems (QuickBooks, ADP, com, or similar platforms)
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• A collaborative mindset, sound judgment, and a sense of humor

Preferred

• CPA, MBA, or equivalent advanced credential
• Experience in independent schools or Montessori settings
• Familiarity with tuition-driven revenue models
• Experience supporting small or growing organizations

Compensation

• Competitive Salary
• Flexible scheduling (on-site presence 3 days a week)