Chief Financial Officer

DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES has been retained by Riverdale Country School, located in the Bronx, New York, to conduct a national search for a Chief Financial Officer. This high-profile opportunity reports directly to Kari Ostrem, Head of School. This opportunity is available immediately and will be completed following a national search and the candidate of choice is selected.  

Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect that belonging is the foundational core of community building in how we work collaboratively and support the school’s mission and empower all community members to thrive in mind, character, and community. Riverdale enrolls about 1,300 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes. The school is located on 27.5 acres and includes two campuses. The Pre-K through grade 5 campus is located on 8 acres along the Hudson River with the middle and high school campus located on a historic and spacious campus of 19.5 acres with sweeping views of Van Cortlandt Park. The total campus physical plant includes 19 buildings not counting residences. The school is entering the phase of starting several new significant building projects. As a result of disciplined fiscal management, prudent endowment oversight, Riverdale Country School is on sound financial footing.  The endowment stands at approximately $100M, and the school consistently balances its budget. Riverdale’s revenue sources include tuition, endowment income, and the Annual Fund which brings in approximately $8M. The school awards financial aid of approximately $12M to support socio-economic diversity, assisting approximately 20% of the student body.

Riverdale Country School is seeking an experienced, energetic, collaborative professional with exceptional financial and analytical skills and deep-rooted experience in business and finance matters for the position of Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer reports directly to the Head of School to support the mission and values of the school by providing direction for long-range strategic planning and financial leadership within the Riverdale community. The CFO will lead the Business Office staff in day-to-day functions, which include responsibility for all aspects of accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and benefits, and an annual audit, while also ensuring the implementation and maintenance of internal control systems, including fiscal policies and procedures to comply with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. This senior leadership position also manages and oversees Human Resources, Auxiliary Programs and Technology. This role also works closely with and supports the Board of Trustees and senior leadership team in issues pertaining to the financial governance of the School and is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and submitting the annual budget. The Chief Financial Officer will serve as a staff liaison to board committee meetings and provide timely and accurate analysis and reporting when requested. The position requires interaction and teamwork with the head of school, senior administrators, local community members, faculty members, staff, vendors and the Board of Trustees. The successful candidate will manage and lead a team of professionals and support staff of 8 – 10.  For more information visit: www.riverdale.edu

For a full search description of the opportunities and challenges including required academic credentials, work experiences and skill sets necessary, please visit: https://deerfieldassociates.com/riverdale-country-school-chief-financial-officer

This position is expected to pay an annual salary in the range of $400,000 - $500,000. The final compensation offered to the candidate of choice will be determined based on work experiences, qualifications, and leadership skill sets.   

Riverdale Country School has retained the executive search firm of DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES to conduct this search. 

To explore this career opportunity on a confidential basis, please send your resume, a letter of interest articulating your interest, skill sets and work experiences for this opportunity, and a list of five (5) references (which will only be contacted if mutual interest is determined) to: 

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

View the Full opportunity statement here