Chief Financial and Operating Officer

The Spence School announces a search for a Chief Financial and Operating Officer CFO/COO, a key leadership position responsible for the stewardship of the School’s financial resources and the oversight of the strategic priorities that maintain fiscal discipline and focus on sustainable financial strength. The CFO/COO reports to Felicia Wilks, the Head of School, and serves on the Senior Administrative team and leads highly experienced Business and Operations teams. The opportunity is available in July 2026 and will be filled following a comprehensive national search and the identification of the candidate of choice. 

The Spence School, founded in 1892, is an all-girls K-12 independent school in New York City with 804 students and 244 employees. Renowned for its dynamic, deep, and broad liberal arts education, outstanding instruction and vibrant student culture. The School’s urban campus includes the flagship 91st Street building, home to the Middle and Upper Schools; 93rd Street building, home to the Lower School; and its newest building, 412 Athletic and Educational Facility, which opened in fall 2021. In 2013, Spence completed a capital campaign of over $100 MM, resulting in an expansion—the 91st Street townhouse—and a renovation of its flagship 91st Street building. The 2021 completion of the 412 East 91st Street building caps a 10-year, $200MM investment in the School’s physical plant. Spence is fortunate to operate from a position of financial strength due to its substantial endowment ($162,187,572 as of 6/30/2025). 

For a full search description of the required academic credentials, work experiences and skills sets, and for highlights of the challenges and opportunities, please visit: https://deerfieldassociates.com/the-spence-school-cfo-coo/

Please visit The Spence School website at www.spenceschool.org for additional information.

The Spence School offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries and a generous benefits package including a retirement plan, paid vacations and a full complement of health benefits. Spence is committed to an equitable and inclusive program and a diverse faculty, staff and student body. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are therefore especially encouraged to apply. The Spence School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For the candidate of choice, a thorough background check including a criminal and financial background check is required as a condition of employment.

This position is expected to pay an annual salary in the range of $450,000 - $500,000. The final compensation offered to the candidate of choice will be determined based on work experiences, qualifications, and leadership skill sets. 

To explore 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

https://deerfieldassociates.com/the-spence-school-cfo-coo/