THE COMPANY
The mission of our client, a Detroit-based nonprofit organization, is to promote excellence in public and private education, support the transformation of teaching and learning, expand the use of volunteers and tutors, develop funding sources, and foster character in the Jesuit tradition of holiness. The mission supports students across six schools and raises funds for these students in the areas of mission, reading, athletics, facilities, and career preparation. Current funding for the schools also comes through per pupil State funds, and grants, both State and Federal.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Our client is seeking a mission-aligned, strategic, hands‑on finance and operations leader to serve as Chief Financial Officer | Chief Operating Officer (CFO/COO) to provide executive leadership for the Foundation’s financial stewardship, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. This senior leader will play a critical role in advancing vital partnerships with multiple groups and first among such groups is the charter management company which runs the schools. This is an exceptional opportunity for a faith‑based mission‑driven executive to help shape the financial and operational future of the Foundation that is deeply invested in educational excellence and faith‑informed character development at the schools. Subject to satisfactory performance, and other factors, the long‑term goal is for the CFO/COO to assume the role of President of the Foundation and continue advancing the Foundation’s mission, partnerships, and service to the schools. This leader will strengthen the organization’s financial foundation, operational infrastructure, and long‑term sustainability while partnering closely with the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the charter management senior leadership team, and the Board of Directors of both organizations. This position reports to the President of the Foundation, Chair and CEO of the Education Group with up to five direct reports. JOB DEFINITION
The ideal candidate will be passionate about the mission at hand, bring a balance of financial discipline, operational excellence, maximizing use of facilities and properties, and collaborative leadership. This role is an opportunity for a hands‑on executive who can manage complexity, build scalable systems, while help to ensure that resources are aligned with mission, growth priorities, and long‑term sustainability. The CFO/COO is responsible for all financial matters and for leading the Foundation’s day‑to‑day operations, programs, and facilities oversight. The role includes direct responsibility for financial reporting, banking, cashflow, accounts payable/ receivable, annual audit coordination, tax / regulatory filings, financial oversight of related entities, operational management, process improvement, risk management, and stakeholder relations. This executive will help translate the President & CEO’s strategic vision into operational plans and measurable outcomes while building the organizational capacity needed to sustain and expand the Foundation’s impact. This person is responsible for developing and maintaining close working partnerships with two related entities to strengthen organizational performance and position the Foundation for its next chapter. SKILLS
The CFO/COO is a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for overseeing finance, operations, compliance, administrative functions, and facilities. The position provides both strategic and visible hands‑on operational leadership, ensuring accurate reporting, strong controls, efficient processes, and sound stewardship of organizational resources. This role requires a leader who can craft a business plan paramount to the future of the organization and its mission while being comfortable operating in a dynamic nonprofit environment, working across functions, supporting both strategic planning and day‑to‑day performance. Characteristics associated with success in this position include a commitment to mission‑driven service, high integrity, strong analytical ability, sound judgment and adaptability. Lead all financial matters; including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury, and overall fiscal stewardship. Partner with the President / CEO and senior leaders to align financial strategy with organizational goals and program priorities. Contribute to organizational business planning, board reporting, and cross‑functional leadership efforts. Provide financial oversight for various groups and the six schools, ensuring alignment, visibility, and sound financial practices across related entities. Manage daily banking activity, liquidity, and cashflow to ensure the Foundation’s ongoing financial stability. Lead, coach, and develop finance and operations staff to strengthen team performance and accountability. Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes and maintain strong internal controls. Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, analyses, budgets, forecasts, and reports for leadership and the Board. Coordinate and lead the annual audit and ensure audit readiness throughout the year. Oversee preparation and filing of the IRS Form 990 and Form 5500 while supporting compliance with all applicable federal, state, and regulatory requirements. Monitor restricted and unrestricted funds and help ensure that fundraising proceeds are deployed in accordance with donor intent and organizational priorities. Support grant management, contract tracking, reporting, and funding compliance, including public funding streams where applicable. Support long‑range financial planning, scenario analysis, and resource allocation to strengthen sustainability and mission impact. Develop and maintain strong banking and investment relationships with auditors, bankers, investment managers, and other external advisors. Leadership and Management Strategic thinking and the ability to connect financial decisions to mission and growth. Manage the day‑to‑day operations across finance, development, and facilities. There are many facilities and properties under this role’s oversight; the education group and six schools. The CFO/COO will help to ensure sound business practices are followed, facilities are managed appropriately, and financial stability are achieved. Translate the President & CEO’s strategic vision into actionable operational plans, policies, priorities, and measurable performance indicators. Plan and implement the re‑development of the several mix‑use locations and open spaces. Process and systems optimization; review current processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements to reduce costs, increase revenue, and improve communication across departments. Ensure compliance with organizational policies and applicable state and federal regulations while proactively identifying and managing operational risks. Review budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure resources are allocated effectively to support organizational objectives. Serve as the primary point of contact for key suppliers, partners, and stakeholders while maintaining strong business relationships that support the Foundation’s work and growth. Strong communication skills, including the ability to present clearly to executives, boards, and staff. Collaborative leadership and the ability to build trust across teams and stakeholders. Oversee maintenance, use, and operational planning for Foundation‑owned facilities and properties. Management of key partnerships; This person is responsible for developing a close working partnership with and between multiple groups. BACKGROUND EXPERIENCEMinimum of 15 years of leadership experience in finance and operations, in real estate development, facilities management, nonprofit, education, or similarly complex mission‑driven organizations. Proven experience leading budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and operational systems. Demonstrated success managing large or complex budgets and cross‑functional teams. Experience with nonprofit accounting standards, compliance, and board‑level financial reporting. Mission alignment: making decisions that balance financial prudence with advancing the foundation’s mission, rather than focusing solely on cost cutting or asset growth. Stellar communication skills; translating complex financial and operational information into clear, non‑technical language for boards, program staff and donors. Prior experience supporting grants, contracts, public funding, or donor reporting is desirable. Proven track record of process improvement, organizational planning, and executive partnership. Ethical integrity and transparency. Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive financial and operational matters. Collaborative relationship builder; partnering with internal and external partners. Strategic thinking and planning; translating mission and strategy into financial and operational plans. Talent development skills, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management. Strong operations management discipline improving processes for finance, HR, IT, facilities and grant management. Data‑driven mindset; Analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy. Change management experience with the ability to improve systems and processes in evolving environments. Ability to operate with urgency, flexibility, and resilience in a complex nonprofit setting. Strong technical fluency with financial systems, ERP tools, Microsoft Office or similar platforms. Education Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Master’s degree in business administration, Finance, Accounting, or related discipline is not required, but preferred. CPA, CFA, or similar professional certification is a plus. Additional training or experience in nonprofit finance, education operations, or public funding compliance is a plus.
