The Storm King School
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Founded in 1867
Coed boarding and day school
Grades 8-PG, 170 students
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520
https://sks.org/
Educators Collaborative is pleased to assist The Storm King School in its search for a Chief Financial and Operations Officer to begin July 1, 2025.
About the School
For more than a century and a half, The Storm King School (“SKS”) has stood on the shoulder of Storm King Mountain overlooking the scenic Hudson River in one of the most beautiful and dynamic places in America. Today, The Storm King School ranks among the top boarding schools in New York, serving 170 students in grades 8-12, 114 boarders and 56 day students.
The Storm King School is a place where students create their own path, explore their dreams, and discover their potential in areas they may have never thought possible. As a college preparatory boarding and day school dedicated to a student’s individual success, the school provides a challenging and supportive environment where students discover skills, aptitudes, and talents that prepare them for college and beyond.
The student body, purposefully international and diverse, prepares students from over twenty nations for a multicultural and multi-dimensional world. The exposure to these many different cultures enhances the learning environment and deepens each student’s educational experience. As one student said, “I have lifelong friends who live all over the world. What could be more exciting than that?”
Beginning in 2010 the school has moved forward and grown: larger student body; larger campus; improved curb appeal; more organization systems in place; more alumni involvement – but there remains an opportunity for continued innovation and expansion. The next Chief Financial and Operations Officer will partner closely with Lisa Shambaugh, who began her service as Head of School of SKS in July of 2024, to build on the school’s strong foundation and plan for the future. The School has recently embarked on a strategic planning process, and the next CFOO will be closely involved in the refinement and execution of the plan’s priorities.
Mission and Values
Mission:
The Storm King School, a global community, prepares students by inspiring them toward academic success and confidence in an inclusive and diverse learning environment that embraces character, balance, and trust.
Motto: Esse Quam Videri – To be, rather than to seem
Core Values: Truth, Respect, Responsibility
The Area
The Storm King mountain area is on the west bank of the Hudson River just south of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. Together with Breakneck Ridge on the opposite bank of the river it forms “Wey-Gat” or Wind Gate, the picturesque northern narrows of the Hudson Highlands. The area proved a popular subject for early artists of the Hudson River School. Hiking, artist communities, skiing and close proximity to New York City provides year round recreational and cultural opportunities. The Storm King Arts Center offers many events throughout the year and the autumn colors are a must-see event.
The Campus
Set above the Hudson River and overlooking the town of Beacon, The Storm King School’s bucolic campus instantly embraces you. Spread out over the fifty-five acre campus are dormitories, a full size gym with weight room and athletic training room, a theater, an arts building including digital and ceramic art studios, a learning center and student commons, a dining hall with sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley, two academic classroom buildings, administration building, and an admission and development building, as well as faculty and staff housing. Tennis courts and athletic fields, sculpture installations, an outdoor telescope, a fire pit and multiple seating areas dot the beautiful grounds.
The school has a unique relationship with the neighboring Black Rock Forest, a 3,870 acre forest and biological field station that borders the campus. Though idyllically rural, the School is conveniently located close to rail access to New York City only an hour away. Students and faculty often travel to the City to experience the art museums and theaters and all that one of the world’s great cities has to offer.
Finance & Advancement
The school’s current operating budget is $9.9 million, and it carries $4.4 million in long-term debt. The school typically runs a budget surplus as a result of its responsible budgeting process and tight control of costs. SKS, like many schools, is quite tuition-dependent. The endowment stands at $3.3 million, and the school raises on average $250,000 each year for the annual fund. SKS is committed to economic diversity and awards approximately $3 million in need based aid each year.
Over the past three years, the school raised just under $800,000 from fundraising efforts. In 2019, Storm King embarked on a capital campaign to fund a new academic center, which was then put on hold through the pandemic. $1.7 million has been raised to date toward this goal and the school is committed to a reenergized fundraising effort to support its endowment, current operations, and capital improvements.
The Opportunity to Become Storm King School’s Next Chief Financial and Operations Officer
The Storm King School has launched the search to succeed the current Assistant Head of School for Finance, Ray Hecht, who will retire in 2025 at the end of a successful fourteen years at the school. Ray is eager to support new leadership and help his successor understand the school’s financial systems and operations. As described in greater detail below, the Chief Financial and Operations Officer is a key member of the leadership team of the school, partnering with the Head of School and Board of Trustees on strategic decisions that will shape the future of SKS. Additionally, the CFOO oversees the school’s finance office, the facilities and maintenance team, dining services, school security, and its outsourced technology support service. This is a highly visible role at SKS, and the new CFOO will become an integral part of the school community.
George Sanderson of Educators Collaborative, LLC is assisting the School in this search. Based on a visit designed to learn about the School and interview many of its key stakeholders, George offers the descriptors below that represent community-wide sentiments about Storm King’s strengths, the challenges and opportunities lying ahead, and the skills and attributes desired in the next Chief Financial and Operations Officer.
Strengths of the School
- The international community of the School – the most appreciated aspect of SKS. The diversity of perspectives enhances the depth of discussion in classrooms, club meetings and activities. The annual events focused on multicultural topics underscores the deep appreciation for this aspect of Storm King’s community.
- Location and beauty of the campus with its sweeping views of the Hudson River, nestled at the foot of Storm King Mountain but only an hour from New York City. It is hard to be anywhere on campus and not be inspired by the sweeping panoramic views and natural beauty.
- Deep love for the school. Alumni are proud and grateful for their SKS experiences; students feel heard and known by the faculty; faculty and staff love working with the students and each other. They appreciate what they have at SKS. Comments we have heard included,
“The best place I’ve ever worked – the kids are good kids, and every teacher has the interest of the students at heart.”
“Every teacher has complete agency – if it’s working, it will be supported; if not, the person will be supported.” - Dedicated and skilled faculty and staff. This is a good learning environment for students to find themselves and their strengths–particularly students who are self-motivated. Teachers enjoy the autonomy and freedom to design their own curricula in an environment open to creativity and to seeing what works.
- A strong, respected, and collaborative administrative team, eager to support the Head of School and guide the school into its next era.
- An impressive array of electives, particularly in the arts program and curricula. Arts options at SKS are considerable, ranging from a broad array of visual arts to fashion design and graphic design. Digital design choices range from digital photography to broadcasting and film/video production. Students may also study and perform at high levels in music, dance and theater classes.
An optimistic culture that looks to the future with energy and enthusiasm, under the leadership of an outstanding new Head of School.
Responsibilities, Opportunities, and Challenges for the Next Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Partner with the Head of School
Working closely with the Head of School to develop a strategic financial vision for the future of SKS is a vital component of the responsibilities of the CFOO, who is responsible for managing and executing the strategy that is devised.
Risk analysis and financing of construction process
SKS hopes to commence construction on a renovated academic building in the near future, and the CFOO will be called upon to develop a range of financing options for this important project. With this responsibility, the CFOO will be called upon to think strategically, taking into account the viability and risk associated with a range of options, and work closely with both the Board and Head of School.
Manage the Facilities and Maintenance Team as well as Future Construction Projects
The CFOO oversees the school’s experienced and well-regarded Facilities and Maintenance team, which is responsible for routine maintenance, repair, and campus upkeep. When SKS undertakes future construction projects, the CFOO will lead the project management team that provides guidance and oversight of these important projects.
Lead Strategic Long-Term Financial Planning and the Budget Process
The CFOO leads the school’s annual budgeting process and has the opportunity to further refine this process in a manner that is transparent, consistent, and clear. In addition to constructing the annual budget, the CFOO will work closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop long-term financial scenarios for SKS.
Further Refine the Long-Term Maintenance and Replacement Budget
Much has been done to address deferred maintenance – an investment of approximately $11 million has been made over the past few years – but there is more to do. SKS has reserved funds each year for the ongoing projects. Planning this work in a financially sustainable and strategic manner will be the responsibility of the CFOO, working in concert with the Head of School.
Work Closely with the Board of Trustees
The CFOO will present regularly to the Board of Trustees on budget and long-range planning issues and will work closely with the Finance Committee, Buildings & Grounds, and Audit Committee on strategic issues associated with the financial future of the school.
Help Execute the Strategic Plan
As noted above, the School is in the process of launching a strategic planning process. Plans for such a process were postponed by the pandemic, and now the Board and new Head of School are in the process of taking up this exercise. Creating a clear campus master plan, reviewing the overall curriculum and course offerings, exploring options for additional revenue streams, assessing the school’s branding and marketing approaches, and taking a deep dive into demographics and potential geographic funnels for admission are some of the questions and issues to be explored. The Chief Financial and Operations Officer will have a major role in bringing to fruition the Plan’s priorities.
Oversee Risk Management and School Security
The CFOO will collaborate with the school’s counsel and insurance agents regarding all legal and risk management matters, and will establish policies to ensure risks are minimized. In addition, the CFOO leads the campus security force, which provides 24/7 campus-wide coverage.
Lead the Business Office
The CFOO will lead, and partner with, an experienced team of three finance professionals. In this role, the CFOO will help further develop the team’s skills and maintain the office’s positive, collegial atmosphere.
Partner with the Assistant Head of School for Admissions and Marketing
The CFOO works closely with the Assistant Head of School for Admissions and Marketing, regularly discussing enrollment trends and their impact on financial aid allocation and the budget.
Oversee Relationships with Lessees and Vendors
The Chief Financial and Operations Officer will oversee and approve all rentals of school facilities and ensure that renters abide by the terms of rental agreements. In addition, the Chief Financial and Operations Officer will execute all contracts and maintain and perform review of all school leases and vendor contracts.
Skills and Attributes of the Next Chief Financial and Operations Officer
The Storm King School seeks an experienced finance and operations professional to step into the Chief Financial and Operations Officer role. The school takes great pride in nurturing an environment that is compassionate, rigorous, joyful, progressive, highly collaborative, and innovative. An individual who brings experience, a strategic mindset, energy, integrity, and intellect will thrive in the SKS community.
The ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications, skills, and attributes:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting; CPA or Masters in Accounting designation preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in Finance Administration, preferably in an educational or nonprofit institution.
- Strong understanding of financial systems and controls, GAAP, budgeting, and capital management, and plant management.
- Demonstrated experience with long-range financial planning and overseeing the financial and operating particulars of capital projects and building renovations.
- Experience with project management and oversight of building maintenance strongly preferred.
- Experience with financial and operations management in a boarding school environment is a plus.
- Ability to think critically and creatively.
- Proven success in a senior administrative role.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities.
- The ability to work collaboratively with other school community members in this highly visible role. The CFOO must be collegial and approachable, interacting with all members in a positive, supportive manner.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively tell the story of the school and demonstrate the values of the school.
- Proficient knowledge of a variety of MAC/PC computer software applications including word processing (preferably MS Word), spreadsheets (preferably MS Excel), database, and presentation software.
- Working knowledge of the school’s enterprise software system, Blackbaud, is a plus.
- Working knowledge of, and experience with, independent school operations is strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of financial sustainability best practices, trends in independent school finance and operations.
- Personal qualities, including diplomacy, tact, discretion, flexibility, resourcefulness, initiative, dependability, organizational skills, friendliness, emotional maturity, punctuality, and professionalism.
- The ability to balance and prioritize multiple requests.
- The ability to complete assigned project tasks on time and with minimal supervision.
To Apply
Applications will be reviewed when they are received.
Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following materials in a Single Merged Document, in the order listed:
- EC Candidate Summary Sheet (Contact George Sanderson for this document)
- Letter of Interest, addressed to the Head of School
- Current résumé
- A list of five or more references with contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses)
- Disclosure Form (Contact George Sanderson for this document)
Please send any inquiries, nominations, referrals, or expressions of interest electronically and in confidence to:
George Sanderson, Partner
Listing Date: November 8, 2024
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Storm King School is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis [“protected class”] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
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