Kingswood Oxford School - Chief Financial and Operating Officer 

This search has proceeded to the semifinalist round interviews. Any interested parties should email James Palmieri directly jpalmieri@nboaadvisoryservices.com

West Hartford, CT

Kingswood Oxford School invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO). This is a compelling opportunity for a strategic, collaborative, and mission‑driven financial and operational leader to join the senior leadership team of a well‑established independent school that is financially stable, academically strong, and thoughtfully positioned for its next chapter. 

The salary range for this position is $215,000–$230,000, commensurate with experience, and the School offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

About Kingswood Oxford School 

Founded in 1909, Kingswood Oxford School is a coeducational independent day school serving students in grades 6–12 on a beautiful campus in West Hartford, Connecticut. Kingswood Oxford is known for its rigorous academic program, close student‑faculty relationships, and a community culture that values curiosity, integrity, kindness, and leadership. 

The School’s mission emphasizes developing students of strong character and intellectual engagement, preparing graduates to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to the world. Kingswood Oxford’s commitment to academic excellence is complemented by robust programs in athletics, the arts, and experiential learning, creating a vibrant and balanced educational environment. 

The Leadership Opportunity 

The Chief Financial and Operating Officer is a senior administrative leader at Kingswood Oxford School and a key partner to the Head of School and Board of Trustees. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the CFOO provides strategic financial leadership and operational oversight across the School’s business, finance, facilities, campus operations, and administrative functions.  

This role offers the opportunity to work within a highly collaborative leadership structure that values partnership, transparency, and thoughtful decision‑making. The CFOO will play a central role in aligning long‑range financial strategy, operational planning, and resource allocation with Kingswood Oxford’s mission and strategic priorities, while supporting a strong culture of service and stewardship.  

Kingswood Oxford enters this search from a position of strength, including stable senior leadership, engaged and financially sophisticated governance, and a capable administrative team.  

The role supervises the Controller; Accounts Payable Coordinator; Accounts Receivable Coordinator; Payroll & Benefits Coordinator; Director of Facilities; Campus Safety and Security; Auxiliary Programs; Reception; Transportation; and key operational vendors. 

Primary Areas of Responsibility 

The CFOO is responsible for overseeing all financial and business operations of the School, including: 

• Long‑range financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and reporting 
• Treasury, investments, banking relationships, and financial sustainability 
• Tuition and financial aid strategy, modeling, and policy oversight 
• Facilities management, capital improvements, and construction projects 
• Campus Safety and Security and Auxiliary Programs 
• Risk management, insurance, compliance, and internal controls 
• Leadership of finance, operations, facilities, and administrative staff 
   

Institutional Strengths and Context 

Candidates may be particularly drawn to the following aspects of the School and the role: 

• Financial Position: Kingswood Oxford is debt‑free and maintains a $28 million endowment.  
   
• Recent Successes: The School recently completed a $22 million capital campaign, including $17 million dedicated to a new Community Commons that was completed in Fall 2025.
   
• Audit History: Kingswood Oxford has a record of clean audits, with no management letter comments. 
   
• Enrollment and Net Tuition Revenue: Net Tuition Revenue has increased the past two years. Enrollment remains competitive, with particular grown in the Middle School pipeline in recent years.
   
• Leadership and Governance: The Head of School remains committed to the School, and the incoming Board Chair currently serves as Finance Chair, bringing deep financial expertise and continuity. 
   
• Team Strength: The CFOO will inherit a strong group of direct reports and administration peers, including an Enrollment Director who is highly proficient with data analysis and financial modeling tools. 
   

What Success Looks Like in the Role 

The successful Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Kingswood Oxford will be: 

1. A Strategic Financial Leader: Able to guide long‑term financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting in support of the School’s mission, enrollment goals, and strategic direction. 

2. A Trusted Partner and Advisor: Skilled at working collaboratively with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and senior administrators—translating complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. 

3. An Operational Steward: Experienced in overseeing facilities, capital projects, vendor relationships, and risk management, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement. 

4. A Mission‑Aligned Leader: Deeply committed to Kingswood Oxford’s values and culture, modeling integrity, sound judgment, and service in all aspects of leadership. 

5. A Team‑Centered Manager: Dedicated to leading and developing high‑performing finance, operations, and human resources teams within a collaborative school environment. 
    

Candidate Profile 

The ideal candidate will bring significant senior‑level experience in financial and operational leadership, preferably within an independent school, nonprofit, or mission‑driven organization. Strong financial acumen, operational judgment, and the ability to lead collaboratively are essential. Experience with facilities oversight, capital projects, financial aid, and board partnership is highly valued. 

Equally important, the CFOO will be a thoughtful communicator and relationship‑builder who appreciates the unique culture of an independent school and is motivated by advancing the mission of Kingswood Oxford.   
 

Search Process 

Kingswood Oxford School has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its next Chief Financial and Operating Officer. This search is being conducted in close partnership with Head of School, Tom Dillow, and his CFOO 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.