Convent of the Sacred Heart - Chief Financial Officer

New York, NY 

Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York City invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned financial leader to join one of the city’s most respected independent schools at a moment of strategic opportunity and long‑term planning. 

The CFO is a key member of the senior leadership team and a trusted partner to the Head of School, Kate Adams, the Board of Trustees, the Senior Leadership Team, and Faculty and Staff. The CFO provides strategic financial leadership, stewardship, and analysis to ensure the school’s continued financial strength, sustainability, and alignment with mission. This role offers significant influence, visibility, and partnership at the highest levels of governance in a complex, mission‑driven independent school environment. 

About Convent of the Sacred Heart 

Founded in 1881, Convent of the Sacred Heart is the oldest independent all‑girls school in New York City and a member of a global Network of Sacred Heart Schools. The school educates approximately 730 students from Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12 and is rooted in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education, which guide the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical formation of students and adults alike. 

Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Sacred Heart is known for academic excellence, a deeply values‑centered culture, and a commitment to educating young women of courage, confidence, and compassion. The school benefits from engaged governance, a strong leadership team, dedicated faculty and staff, and a passionate alumnae and parent community. Sacred Heart’s financial enterprise reflects both its scale and sophistication, including a growing endowment, significant physical assets, and long‑range strategic priorities. 

The CFO Role at 91st Street 

The Chief Financial Officer serves as the school’s senior financial leader and strategist, responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial management and planning. The CFO balances high‑level financial leadership with thoughtful operational oversight, ensuring sound decision‑making, transparency, and fiscal discipline across the institution. 

Working in close partnership with the Head of School and Board committees, and the dedicated business office staff in place, the CFO plays a central role in shaping financial strategy, supporting institutional priorities, and aligning resources with Sacred Heart’s mission and long‑term goals. 
 

Primary Areas of Responsibility 

Financial Strategy and Leadership 

• Partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop and advance long‑term financial strategy and multi‑year planning. 
• Serve as a primary financial advisor to the Finance, Investment, and Audit & Risk Committees. 
• Provide financial modeling, scenario analysis, and decision support to inform strategic initiatives and institutional planning. 

Financial Management and Oversight 

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, treasury, financial reporting, and internal controls. 
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of clear, accurate, and timely financial reports and Board materials. 
• Ensure strong financial policies, controls, and compliance practices are in place and regularly reviewed. 

Endowment, Investments, and Debt Management 

• Work closely with the Investment Committee to steward the school’s endowment and board‑restricted investment assets. 
• Support investment, spending, and debt strategies that balance financial sustainability, mission priorities, and long‑term capital needs. 
• Provide financial analysis and guidance related to endowment performance, draw policies, and long‑range financial planning. 

Risk Management, Compliance, and Audit 

• Oversee enterprise‑wide risk management, including liability, property, and asset insurance programs. 
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to finance, employment, and nonprofit operations. 
• Supervise and partner closely with the Controller and external auditors to oversee a rigorous, timely annual audit process. 

Human Resources Leadership and Partnership 

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of human resources functions, including compensation strategy, payroll, benefits administration, and employment compliance. 
• Supervise and partner closely with the Human Resources Director to ensure alignment between financial planning, people strategy, and institutional priorities. 
• Ensure HR‑related systems and processes are well‑managed, compliant, and effectively integrated with financial operations. 

Institutional Partnership and Business Office Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and support the business office team, fostering a collaborative, service‑oriented, and high‑performing culture. 
• Provide clear direction, professional development, and accountability across finance, accounting, and administrative functions. 
• Collaborate with senior administrators on enrollment, tuition, financial aid, and long‑range planning. 
• Maintain strong, productive relationships with external partners, including banks, investment managers, auditors, and legal counsel. 

What Makes This Opportunity Compelling 

1. A mission‑aligned leadership role at one of New York City’s most distinguished independent schools. 
2. Direct partnership with the Head of School and Board, with meaningful influence on strategy and decision‑making. 
3. A sophisticated financial enterprise, including stewardship of a $90 million endowment and $45 million annual operating budget, long‑range planning, and capital considerations. 
4. A values‑driven community of approximately 210 full-time employees grounded in the Sacred Heart tradition and committed to excellence, access, and sustainability. 
5. A visible, impactful role ideal for a finance leader who values both strategic insight and thoughtful stewardship. 

What Success Looks Like 

In the first several years, the successful CFO will: 

• Serve as a trusted, strategic partner to the Head of School and Board, strengthening financial planning and communication. 
• Enhance financial modeling, forecasting, and reporting to support confident, forward‑looking decision‑making. 
• Steward the school’s financial resources with clarity, discipline, and transparency. 
• Build strong relationships across the institution, supporting collaboration and shared responsibility. 
• Help position Sacred Heart for long‑term financial health while advancing its mission and strategic priorities. 

Candidate Profile 

The ideal candidate will bring: 

• Significant senior‑level financial leadership experience, preferably within an independent school, nonprofit, or mission‑driven organization. 
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial planning, financial reporting, and fiscal stewardship. 
• Experience working closely with Boards and Board committees. 
• Knowledge of endowment management, investments, financial aid, and nonprofit compliance. 
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship‑building skills. 
• A leadership style that reflects integrity, discretion, collaboration, and service. 
• A bachelor’s degree, advanced degree, and/or professional credentials (CPA, MBA, or similar) are preferred. 
   

The Search Process 

Convent of the Sacred Heart has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its Chief Financial Officer. This search is being conducted in close partnership with Head of School Kate Adams and her CFO Search Committee.   

The salary range for this position is $350,000 – $425,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additionally, employees at Convent of the Sacred Heart enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees through all stages of life and career. 

All inquiries, nominations, and questions should be directed in confidence to: James Palmieri, CEO and Search Lead 

jpalmieri@nboaadvisoryservices.com     

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and letter of interest ASAP through the application link on this page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Please do not contact the school directly. Interested candidates should apply using the form on this page at their earliest convenience. 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

It is the policy of Sacred Heart to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. This means that all employees and applicants will be treated on an equal basis without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status,  national and ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, age, military or veteran status, marital and partnership status, citizenship status, caregiver status, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, height or weight, predisposing genetic characteristics, criminal history, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, federal or local law (collectively referred to herein as “Protected Classifications”). 

In addition to the Protected Classifications set forth in this EEO Policy, the School also prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment based on being a certified medical marijuana patient, pre-employment marijuana testing, unemployment status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, arrest or conviction, or domestic violence victim status in accordance with state law. 

This policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, including but not limited to: hiring, training, faculty development, transfers, promotion, compensation, benefits, educational assistance, employee facilities, termination, and retirement.  

Any employee who engages in conduct that violates this policy is subject to discipline, up to and including termination.