Chief Finanical Officer | Chief Operating Officer

Harvey Hohauser & Associates - Retained Executive Search; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvey Hohauser & Associates – Retained Executive Search is seeking a mission-aligned CFO/COO for a Detroit-based nonprofit that advances educational excellence and faith-informed character across six schools.

The senior leader will oversee finance, operations, and partnerships, report to the President/CEO, and guide long‑term sustainability while working with a charter management partner and a dedicated board.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years leadership experience in finance and operations in mission-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for financial stewardship and operational excellence.
• Partner with CEO, charter management leadership, and boards to advance sustainability.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, and internal controls.
• Strengthen financial infrastructure including HR, IT, facilities, and grant management.
• Build strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Nonprofit accounting

Board reporting

Grants management

Strategic planning

Communication

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/related field

MBA/advanced degree preferred

CPA/CFA or similar certification a plus

Job description

• This is a mission driven NONPROFIT organization
• MUST have experience in real estate development, facilities management, nonprofit, education, or complex mission driven organizations.

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.

The Requirements:

• Minimum 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.
• Strong operations management discipline improving processes for finance, HR, IT, facilities and grant management.

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.

To view the full position profile visit www.hohauser.com