Chief Financial and Operating Officer,

Located in Oakville, Ontario, just west of Toronto, St. Mildred’s Lightbourn School (SMLS) has a rich history rooted in the Anglican tradition since its establishment in 1891. As a leading independent (not-for-profit with charitable status) university-preparatory institution for girls from junior kindergarten through Grade 12, SMLS serves approximately 500 students, supported by a dedicated team of around 110 faculty and staff. For more than 135 years, SMLS has empowered young women to transcend academic boundaries, build confidence in their abilities, remain open to learning experiences beyond the classroom, and emerge as leaders within their communities. Students at SMLS are encouraged to embrace risks and develop the future-ready skills, resilience, and determination necessary to excel in various fields.

The Role: An exceptional opportunity has arisen within SMLS’s Senior Leadership Team. The Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO), reporting directly to the Head of School, is a vital member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for providing strategic and operational direction, fostering business excellence and revenue growth, ensuring effective financial management, enhancing operational efficiencies, and promoting the institution's sustainability. This position is designed for a visionary and collaborative leader.

Key responsibilities and focus areas include:

• Financial and risk management
• Facilities management
• Information Technology
• Business development
• Auxiliary Services (including student transportation and food services)

Key Responsibilities: The CFOO will oversee Finance, Business Development, Facilities, Auxiliary Services, and Information Technology while serving as a thought leader to provide executive vision and facilitate successful implementation. The ideal candidate will manage the school’s business operations, present innovative business strategies to the Head of School and the Board of Governors, develop and refine financial models for sustainable growth, optimize school operations, support tuition strategies and enrollment planning in conjunction with relevant Senior Leadership Team members, and execute additional strategic initiatives set forth by the Head of School. This individual will further the School’s strategic objectives while ensuring that the institution's infrastructure and financial health align with its long-term vision. This role presents a unique opportunity that combines entrepreneurial innovation with financial sustainability.

a) Strategic Leadership, Planning & Oversight

• Participate actively on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and contribute to the governance of the school, including operational decision-making, policy formulation, and strategic planning.
• Develop a compelling operational strategy that aligns with the School’s strategic vision and priorities.
• Identify and mitigate operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks.
• Prepare and present financial and administrative updates and budgets to the Board of Governors.
• Advise the Head of School and Board on institutional risk management, legal matters, and compliance with non-academic regulations to ensure a safe and sustainable campus.
• Establish benchmarks and metrics for the School-wide Scorecard.

b) Finance & Financial Management

• Oversee the school's financial performance, including the creation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of operating and capital budgets.
• Manage the annual budgeting process, addressing multi-year financial requirements and identifying cost management opportunities and investment areas.
• Ensure that the school’s investment portfolio is managed according to Board policies and procedures.
• Provide financial and administrative services in a responsible and efficient manner.
• Balance financial sustainability with educational excellence and accessibility, ensuring that the institution's goals are met.

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.