Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Please download the opportunity statement, which contains information on The Bush School and the position, as well as required application materials to prepare in advance.  All applications must be submitted online. Please review the How to Apply section below for further application instructions.

SUMMARY

In the historic Washington Park neighborhood in east central Seattle sits the city’s only independent K-12 school. Founded in 1924 and inspired by John Dewey’s philosophy of progressive education, The Bush School began with modest roots in the home of Helen Taylor Bush to serve six young girls. During the past decades, the school has evolved in many exciting ways: substantially growing its student population; adding a boarding program which it eventually phased out in the late 60s; broadening its reach with a co-educational program; and most recently acquiring a spectacular second campus in the Methow Valley on the eastern slopes of the North Cascades, to further integrate wilderness, cultural, and academic experiential learning. Although much has changed since 1924, Bush’s fundamental approach to teaching students remains as relevant now as ever. Bush students engage with challenging and robust academic programs and solve complex problems in the classroom and beyond through a variety of experiential opportunities on campus, in Seattle, and throughout the world. As a result of these experiences, students learn how to make an impact on their community that is meaningful and enduring.

Bush now seeks a chief financial and operating officer (CFOO) who will likewise have a meaningful and enduring impact on the school itself. In June 2022, the current finance and operations leader will be retiring after a successful 22-year tenure at Bush. Because of her tireless service, the school is in excellent financial health, has maintained great relationships with neighbors during multiple construction periods, and has developed a proactive approach to budgeting and resource management. The next CFOO will encounter a dynamic board ready for a strategic thought partner, as well as a visionary head of school who is now in his eighth year and has helped to grow the school via its program, campus, and endowment. The next CFOO will oversee all financial operations and major campus construction, as well as several operational departments: HR, facilities, and dining services. Bush hopes its next CFOO can start this spring, to not only facilitate a graceful transition from the outgoing leader, but also set both the school and the next CFOO up for long-term success.

SCHEDULE

• Applications Accepted Starting: January 5, 2022
• Application Deadline: February 5, 2022
• Semifinal Round: Week of February 14 (remote)
• Final Round: Two-day, on-site visits in early March
• Decision Announced: March 25, 2022
• Start Date: No later than July 1, 2022

Please note: This position requires applicants to be, at the time of application, legally authorized to work in the United States. The Bush School does not offer visa sponsorship for this position and will not consider applicants who require visa sponsorship.