Washington, D.C.
Posted: 18-Nov-25
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Full Time
Salary: $290,000 - $340,000
Salary Details:
Sidwell Friends School, a nationally recognized PK–12 Quaker day school in Washington, DC, invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations (AHOSF&O). This is a rare opportunity for a strategic and mission-driven executive to join a school of national distinction at a moment of bold transformation — one defined by campus unification, visionary capital planning, and a deepened commitment to equity, sustainability, and joyful learning.
Rooted in Quaker values and guided by its strategic plan, Lead in the Light, Sidwell Friends is undertaking a generational investment in its future. With major construction projects underway and the integration of two campuses on the horizon, the AHOSF&O will play a central role in stewarding the school’s resources, shaping its operational strategy, and ensuring long-term financial strength.
Reporting directly to the Head of School, the AHOSF&O oversees a broad portfolio of strategic functions, including finance, human resources, facilities, security, information technology, legal affairs, and auxiliary programs. The role provides direct supervision and leadership to six departmental administrators — the Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Business Operations, Director of Facilities, Director of Security, and Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs — each of whom manages their own teams and operational domains. Together, this group forms a high-performing leadership cohort responsible for the systems, services, and infrastructure that support the daily life and long-term vision of the school.
The AHOSF&O also works in close partnership with the School’s Board of Trustees, serving as the primary administrative liaison to the Finance, Audit, Investment, Real Estate, and Facilities, Infrastructure & Security (FISC) committees. In this capacity, the AHOSF&O provides strategic guidance, prepares and presents financial reports, and contributes to key governance conversations that shape the school’s future.
This role requires a leader who is both technically adept and mission-aligned — someone who can translate financial complexity into strategic clarity, foster a culture of transparency and excellence, and lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
The successful Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations at Sidwell Friends will be:
- A Systems Thinker, who understands how financial and operational decisions ripple across a complex institution, and who designs integrated solutions that support both day-to-day excellence and long-term vision.
- A Relationship Builder, who leads with humility and empathy, fostering trust and mutual respect across departments, divisions, and stakeholder groups — from trustees and senior leaders to faculty, staff, and families.
- A Service-Oriented Executive, who champions a responsive and transparent business office culture, ensuring that operational teams are empowered to support the school’s mission with professionalism, care, and accountability.
- An Institutional Partner, who collaborates closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees, contributing strategic insight and financial expertise to guide decision-making and advance the Schools strategic priorities.
- A Mission-Infused Leader, whose work is grounded in the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship — and who embraces the opportunity to lead with purpose in service to a transformative educational vision.
Sidwell Friends has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its next Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations. This search is being conducted in close partnership with Head of School, Bryan Garman, and his AHOSF&O Search Committee, and reflects the school’s commitment to identifying a strategic, mission-aligned financial leader who will help shape the future of Sidwell Friends.
Download the Sidwell Friends AHOSF&O Search Position Profile at https://www.nboaadvisoryservices.com/sidwell-friends
All inquiries, nominations, and questions should be directed in confidence to:
James Palmieri, CEO and Search Lead
jpalmieri@nboaadvisoryservices.com
Please do not contact the school directly. Interested candidates should express interest by applying via the form at https://www.nboaadvisoryservices.com/sidwell-friends
You will be asked to upload a cover letter expressing interest in the position and alignment with Sidwell Friends’ mission and Quaker values, and a current résumé. As the process proceeds, selected candidates may be asked to submit additional information, including responses to leadership and job-specific assessments, and a list of five professional references.
Search Timeline
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
- Priority will be given to applications received by December 15, 2025.
- The position is open until filled, with a desired start date of July 2026.
- The salary range for this position is $290,000 – $340,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additionally, employees at Sidwell Friends enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees through all stages of life and career.
Proven experience as a Chief Financial Officer at one or more independent schools is a preferred qualification for this position, but not a requirement. Additional qualifications are listed in the position profile.