Sidwell Friends

Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations

Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC

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.

Search Process

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Sidwell Friends School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, sex (including pregnancy), personal appearance, genetic information, economic background, political affiliation, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Sidwell Friends School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the School operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Sidwell Friends School expressly prohibits any unlawful form of employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, sex (including pregnancy), personal appearance, genetic information, economic background, political affiliation, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Improper interference with the ability of Sidwell Friends School employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

About Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School (SFS) is a PK-12, co-educational Quaker day school with campuses in Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, Maryland. Founded in 1883, the School is a nonprofit, tax-exempt institution governed by an independent Board of Trustees. A Sidwell Friends education aims to help students become the leaders of the future. To that end, the School seeks qualified individuals with the knowledge, skills, and ability to enhance the student experience and strengthen our community. Sidwell Friends maintains a generous salary and benefits package that supports and rewards our employees while helping them to deepen their professional expertise and grow as individuals. For teaching positions, a master’s degree and teaching experience in the field are preferred; a bachelor’s degree is required. For staff positions, we seek candidates with relevant experience, a commitment to excellence, and an enthusiasm for being a member of our vibrant and diverse community.

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