Chief Financial Officer - Duchesne

Job Posting:

Chief Financial Officer

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Houston, TX

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Financial Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and mission-driven financial leader to join one of Houston's premier independent schools during a transformative period of growth and opportunity. Reporting directly to the Head of School and serving as a key member of the administration leadership team, the CFO will help guide the financial and operational future of a thriving institution known for its academic excellence, strong enrollment, and deep commitment to Sacred Heart education.

Duchesne enters this search from a position of considerable strength. The school benefits from a vibrant and engaged community, a history of sound stewardship, and a clear vision for the future. At the same time, the institution is entering an exciting new chapter marked by strategic investments and long-range planning initiatives, highlighted by the acquisition of adjacent property and a significant capital campaign already underway with early success.

The next CFO will build upon the remarkable work of a respected leader who will retire after fourteen years of service. Working closely in partnership with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and senior administrators, the successful candidate will help the school navigate complex financial and operational opportunities while ensuring that resources remain aligned with mission and strategic priorities.

Duchesne seeks a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who combines strong financial acumen with exceptional relationship-building skills, strategic vision, and an appreciation for the mission and values of Sacred Heart education.

About Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Founded in Houston in 1960, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, college-preparatory school for girls from Pre-K3 through Grade 12. Serving approximately 860 students and employing more than 180 faculty and staff members, Duchesne is part of a global network of Sacred Heart schools that traces its origins to Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat and the Society of the Sacred Heart. Rooted in a more than 200-year educational tradition, the school is committed to developing young women who lead lives of purpose, faith, intellectual curiosity, and service.

Guided by the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, Duchesne seeks to cultivate a personal and active faith in God, a deep respect for intellectual values, a commitment to social awareness and action, an appreciation for community, and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. These principles shape every aspect of school life and create an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, lead courageously, and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.

Duchesne is widely recognized as one of Houston's premier schools for girls. The school's distinctive educational model allows students to grow within a single community from early childhood through graduation, benefiting from a comprehensive and intentionally designed academic experience that supports each stage of a girl's development.

The Successful CFO Will Be:

• A forward-thinking executive who can align financial strategy, resource allocation, and long-range planning with the school's mission and future aspirations.

• A valued thought partner to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team who brings sound judgment, credibility, and clarity to complex decisions.

• A disciplined and analytical leader capable of guiding the financial and operational stewardship of a growing institution during a period of strategic investment and organizational complexity.

• An approachable and service-oriented leader who fosters trust, builds strong partnerships, and works effectively across all areas of the school community.

• A professional who embraces the values of Sacred Heart education and is committed to supporting an environment that forms young women of courage, confidence, and compassion.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; MBA, CPA, CFA, or other advanced professional credential preferred.

• Seven to fifteen or more years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, including significant responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis, audit oversight, risk management, and organizational strategy.
• Demonstrated success overseeing complex financial and operational functions within a mission-driven organization, preferably an independent school, higher education institution, nonprofit organization, or similarly complex service-oriented environment.
• Experience partnering with a governing board, finance committee, or other senior-level leadership group on strategic planning, financial reporting, capital projects, and institutional decision-making.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, internal controls, cash management, debt financing, investments, endowment management, and financial compliance.
• Experience providing oversight or strategic partnership in one or more related operational areas, including human resources, facilities, technology, risk management, auxiliary services, or campus operations.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing professional teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Experience supporting capital projects, campus planning initiatives, major fundraising efforts, or other complex institutional investments is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with enrollment-driven business models, tuition assistance programs, and the financial dynamics of independent schools or similarly market-driven educational organizations is desirable.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities with sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail while maintaining a strategic perspective.
• A leader with a genuine affinity for working with children, families, faculty, staff, and trustees in an educational setting.

Search Process

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its Chief Financial Officer. This search is being conducted in close partnership with the Head of School and her CFO Search Committee.  

Download the Duchesne Academy CFO Search Position Profile at: https://www.nboaadvisoryservices.com/duchesne-academy

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/duchesne-academy

You will be asked to upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the position and alignment with Duchesne’s mission and values, as well as 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 August 21, 2026
• The position is open until filled, with a desired start date of January 2027
• The salary range for this position will be highly competitive with peer schools regionally and commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications
• Duchesne offers a comprehensive compensation benefits package designed to support the personal and professional well-being of its employees

Commitment to Mission and Equal Opportunity

All faculty and staff members at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart are expected to support and act in accordance with the Goals and Criteria of the Society of the Sacred Heart, foster a safe and supportive environment, interact respectfully with colleagues, maintain confidentiality, and engage authentically in the school’s self-reflection process. Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is committed to equal opportunity in employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to protected status under applicable law.