Chief Financial Officer

Hopkins School, a day school for 715 boys and girls in grades 7–12 located on a hill-top campus in New Haven, seeks a new Chief Financial Officer. A community of civility and learning, the school employs a distinguished faculty who work with curious, talented, and diverse students. To learn more about Hopkins School, please visit: www.hopkins.edu

The new Chief Financial Officer will serve as a senior leader, systems thinker, and strategic partner to the Head of School and Committee of Trustees. The CFO oversees the complex financial operation of the school, including a $40 million operating budget, a 108-acre campus with 25 buildings and 265,000 square feet under roof, $20 million in debt, and 181 regular employees. Combining financial acumen, analytical capability, and a data-oriented mindset with exceptional interpersonal skills, the CFO uses strong controls and processes to ensure long-term sustainability and alignment with the school’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. As a collaborative change leader, the CFO fosters cross-departmental coordination and models a culture of service that directly supports the student, family, and employee experience.

The CFO works closely with Head of School Matt Glendinning (M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D.), now in his fifth year at Hopkins. During Glendinning’s tenure, Hopkins has developed a forward-looking strategic plan, its implementation fueled by more than $65M in fundraising. The current Chief Financial & Operating Officer, David Baxter, will retire on June 30, 2027 after 20 years at Hopkins. During his tenure, Hopkins’ total assets have grown from $116M to $368M, and the school’s investments have increased from $65M to $235M. Across two decades, Baxter helped transform the physical campus, overseeing more than $73M of capital projects, including academic buildings, athletic facilities, residential housing, and security infrastructure. The new CFO partners closely with, but does not directly oversee, related operational functions. 

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of strategic financial leadership and an ability to apply critical, creative thinking to the complex operations of a nonprofit school. Hopkins’ next CFO will be a person of impeccable integrity, sound judgment, and an extraordinary work ethic. They will be a collaborative team player who models empathy, listens actively, solicits feedback, and builds trust across all constituent groups. The CFO will possess superior communication skills, patience, versatility, and a deep dedication to Hopkins' educational mission in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 10+ years’ work experience in a financial and business leadership position is required.  Experience in an independent secondary school, college or university setting preferred, although individuals with strong financial and leadership skills in a related field are encouraged to explore this opportunity. Bachelor’s degree required, M.B.A. and/or a master’s degree in a related field and/or a CPA is strongly preferred. 
 

For a comprehensive search description including the challenges and opportunities, required academic credentials, work experiences and professional qualifications, please visit: https://deerfieldassociates.com/hopkins-school-chief-financial-officer/

The new CFO will assume duties coinciding with the new fiscal year on July 1, 2027. Candidates interested in being considered for an earlier start date are encouraged to explore. Target hiring base compensation is $250,000 – $300,000 (commensurate with experience, qualifications, and benchmarked against peer institutions). Hopkins offers a highly competitive package of employee benefits. For the candidate of choice, a thorough background check including a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment. EOE Employer. 

To explore this high visibility opportunity on a highly confidential basis, please contact: Doug Cooney, Executive Search Consultant, DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES Executive Search, Inc. 572 Washington Street, Suite 15, Wellesley, MA  02482   Telephone: 781-237-2800. Email: jobs@deerfieldassociates.com

For a comprehensive search description including the challenges and opportunities, required academic credentials, work experiences and professional qualifications, please visit: https://deerfieldassociates.com/hopkins-school-chief-financial-officer/