Position Summary
The Chief Business Officer (CBO) serves as the senior executive responsible for the financial stewardship, operational management, and long-term financial sustainability of The Colorado Springs School (CSS). Reporting to and working in partnership with the Head of School, the CBO ensures that the financial and operational resources of the school are managed responsibly and aligned with the institution’s mission and strategic priorities.
The CBO oversees the school’s financial planning, budgeting, facilities management, operational contracts, risk management, and administrative services. The role is responsible for providing direct and transparent financial reporting and analysis to school leadership, the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees.
Leadership Structure and Reporting
Operational Reporting
The CBO will report to the Head of School for day-to-day operational coordination and institutional management.
Governance Reporting
The Chief Business Officer will work in coordination with the Board Finance Committee and provide regular financial reporting and analysis directly to the Board of Trustees.
The CBO attends Finance Committee meetings and Board meetings and serves as the primary financial advisor to the Board on matters related to budgeting, financial planning, and institutional sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Leadership and Stewardship
· Create and implement transformational plans including cash management, scenario planning,
and strategic cost realignment.
· Lead change management and results-based communication with
extended stakeholders.
· Develop and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Head of School and
leadership team.
· Provide timely, accurate and transparent financial reporting to the Head of School, Finance
Committee, and Board of Trustees.
· Oversee financial forecasting, including multi-year financial modeling (3–5 year projections).
· Monitor cash flow, debt obligations, and financial reserves.
· Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial management standards and independent school best
practices including coordinating annual audits and financial reporting.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
· Align the school’s operating budget with enrollment projections and net tuition revenue.
· Provide continuous identification of opportunities for cost efficiencies and operational
improvements.
· Evaluate major financial commitments and provide financial risk analysis including
demonstrated experience in scenario-based planning, enrollment volatility
management, and dynamic reforecasting.
· Ensure adherence to board-approved spending authority limits and financial policies.
· Oversee financial aspects of capital improvement projects.
Operations and Administrative Oversight
Oversee the operational infrastructure required to support the school community, including:
· Process improvement, systems implementation, and operational scalability across finance, HR,
and administrative functions
· Business Office operations
· Facilities and campus operations
· Vendor and service contracts
· Risk management and insurance
· Technology infrastructure (in coordination with IT leadership)
· Food service and auxiliary services including transportation and campus services
· Leading an internal team including finance, facilities, operations coordination and business
office staff
The CBO ensures that these functions operate efficiently and within approved budgets.
This reporting structure ensures transparency, accountability, and informed governance decision-making.
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
· Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field (MBA or
CPA preferred)
· Demonstrated success in building scalable financial and operational infrastructures
· Significant experience in financial management, operations, or business leadership
· Experience in nonprofit organizations or independent schools preferred
· Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and financial planning
· Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
· Strong financial judgment and integrity including strategic thinking and problem-solving
ability
· Collaborative leadership style
· Clear communication with both administrators and trustees
· Commitment to the mission and values of independent school education
Salary: $120,000 - 140,000
To Apply: Email Resume and Cover Letter to: hr@css.org
