Pine Crest School - Assistant Vice President of Finance and Operations

Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, FL

Pine Crest School invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Vice President of Finance and Operations (AVP). This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned, mission‑driven financial leader to join one of the nation’s most respected independent schools and to work in close partnership with the Vice President (VP) of Finance and Operations and CFO, Nancy Greene, and Pine Crest’s business office team. 

Pine Crest enters this search from a position of strength—financially stable, operationally sophisticated, and deeply committed to educational excellence. The AVP will play a central role in stewarding the school’s financial operations, strengthening systems and teams, and supporting strategic decision‑making across a complex, multi‑campus enterprise. 

About Pine Crest School 

Founded in 1934, Pine Crest School is a premier, non‑sectarian, coeducational independent school serving more than 2,700 students from pre‑kindergarten through grade 12 across two campuses in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Florida. Widely recognized for academic excellence, outstanding arts and athletics programs, and a strong culture of innovation, Pine Crest is one of the largest and most comprehensive independent schools in the United States.  

Pine Crest’s mission is rooted in developing students of character, independence, and leadership—preparing graduates to thrive in a complex, global future. The school is led by President Dr. Dana Markham, a long‑tenured and deeply respected educational leader whose career reflects a profound commitment to students, faculty, and community.    

The Leadership Opportunity 

The AVP of Finance and Operations serves as a senior financial leader of Pine Crest School, reporting to the VP of Finance and Operations. The AVP is responsible for the stewardship, integrity, and continuous improvement of the school’s financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, and financial systems. 

This role is designed for a collaborative, high‑caliber leader who thrives in partnership—someone who brings both strategic perspective and operational rigor, and who values working within a strong executive structure. The AVP will be a trusted advisor to Nancy Greene and a key contributor to institutional planning and execution across both campuses.   

Scope of the Role 

The AVP provides leadership across the school’s internal financial functions, including: 

• Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and multi‑year financial modeling 
• Accounting operations, audit coordination, compliance, and internal controls 
• Financial reporting, data analysis, and decision support for senior leadership 
• Cash flow and treasury management, in partnership with the VP 
• Financial oversight and partnership with Facilities and Auxiliary Programs, including dining services and revenue‑generating operations 
• Leadership and development of a high‑performing finance team
• Support for select institutional initiatives and special projects, in partnership with the VP and senior leadership 

The AVP plays a critical role in ensuring that Pine Crest’s financial infrastructure, systems, and practices continue to support a complex institution with clarity, discipline, and foresight.   

What Makes This Opportunity Compelling 

A Role of Scale, Substance, and Real Responsibility 
Pine Crest operates with an approximately $130 million annual operating budget, a $120 million endowment, and $68 million in managed debt, supporting a complex enterprise that includes two campuses, 630 employees, and more than 2,700 students. The AVP will steward financial operations at a scale comparable to a small college, with significant responsibility, influence, and visibility. 

Stable, Inspiring, and Mission‑Driven Leadership 
Pine Crest’s steady and values‑driven leadership has guided the school through sustained excellence and thoughtful innovation. The AVP will join a stable leadership team, dedicated business office staff, and work in partnership with an engaged, forward‑thinking Board that values data, strategy, and transformative impact. 

An Institution Committed to Innovation and Future‑Ready Education 
Pine Crest’s strategic vision emphasizes preparing students for a rapidly changing world through innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning. Signature initiatives such as Pine Crest neXt and the school’s Future Ready strategic framework reflect an institution that invests boldly in people, programs, and infrastructure—creating a dynamic and intellectually engaging environment for senior leaders, faculty and staff, and students alike. 

An Exceptional Professional and Personal Setting 
Located in beautiful South Florida, Pine Crest offers an outstanding quality of life, with vibrant communities in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. The school provides a competitive compensation and benefits package, and an environment where senior leaders are valued, supported, and able to do their best work. 

The Opportunity to Be Led and Mentored by One of the Best in the Field 
This role offers the rare opportunity to work closely with an NBOA Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award recipient and nationally respected leader in independent school finance and operations. The AVP will benefit from Nancy’s mentorship, trust, and partnership while playing a meaningful leadership role within a highly sophisticated finance and operations structure. 

The Ideal Candidate 

Pine Crest seeks an AVP of Finance and Operations who is: 

1. An experienced financial leader with strong technical expertise and sound judgment 

2. A collaborative partner who values transparency, service, and shared leadership 

3. Skilled at translating complex financial information into clear, actionable insights 

4. Comfortable operating in a sophisticated, high‑expectations environment 

5. Motivated by mission and energized by contributing to a thriving school community 

6. CFO experience in complex PK-12 independent schools is highly desirable 
    

What Success Looks Like in the Assistant Vice President of Finance and Operations role at Pine Crest: 

• A Trusted, High‑Impact Partner to the VP and President 
  The AVP earns the trust of the Vice President for Finance and Operations and the President quickly, operating as a reliable second‑in‑command within Finance & Operations. This partnership allows senior leadership to focus on strategy, governance, and external priorities with confidence in the school’s financial execution. 
   
• Flawless Stewardship of a Large, Complex Independent School Enterprise 
  The AVP ensures Pine Crest’s financial operations are accurate, disciplined, and predictable. Audits are clean, controls are strong, and financial reporting and student billing operate smoothly without disruption or surprise. 
   
• A Confident Leader Who Commands Immediate Credibility 
  The AVP brings the experience, presence, and judgment to be effective from day one in a fast‑moving, high‑performing school environment. This leader communicates clearly, partners well with division heads, and contributes meaningfully to budgeting and resource decisions. 
   
• A Strategic Financial Thinker Who Strengthens Decision‑Making 
  The AVP elevates financial insight across the organization through strong modeling, forecasting, and analysis. Leadership relies on the AVP not just for data, but for clear interpretation and sound financial perspective to inform decisions. 
   
• A Builder of Strong Teams, Systems, and Sustainable Capacity 
  The AVP further develops a high‑performing finance team and strengthens systems, processes, and workflows. Over time, the school benefits from durable financial infrastructure that supports consistency, scalability, and continuity. 

About the Search 

Pine Crest School has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its AVP of Finance and Operations. This search is being conducted in close partnership with the VP of Finance and Operations and CFO, Nancy Greene, and her AVP Search Committee.  

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 through the application link on this page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. 

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

Pine Crest School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, gender, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, physical disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local laws. We are committed to hiring the best and brightest talent in support of our mission and values.