NBOA Advisory Services
Chief Financial and Operations Officer - Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, FL
NBOA Advisory Services, Tampa, Florida, us, 33646
Berkeley Preparatory School invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO).
This is an exceptional leadership opportunity at one of Florida’s most respected independent schools - a vibrant, coeducational Episcopal day school dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical development of every student. Established in 1960, Berkeley has approximately 1,460 students across three divisions and offers a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for higher education and lifelong success.
Set on a stunning 86-acre campus featuring world-class facilities, lush green spaces, and state-of-the-art academic, arts, and athletic centers, Berkeley provides an environment where students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. The school’s location in Tampa means beautiful weather year-round, allowing for robust outdoor learning, athletics, and community events. Guided by its motto, Disciplina, Diligentia, Integritas (Discipline, Diligence, Integrity), Berkeley is committed to putting people in the world who make a positive difference.
The CFOO is a senior leader at Berkeley, providing strategic direction and oversight across all financial and operational domains. Reporting to the Head of School and collaborating closely with the Board of Trustees, the CFOO’s portfolio includes finance and accounting, campus operations, risk management, human resources, auxiliary programs, and retail operations. Each area is supported by a team of direct reports accountable for day-to-day management and compliance. In addition, the CFOO plays a key role in supporting special projects and strategic initiatives that advance Berkeley’s mission and priorities.
This is a pivotal moment for Berkeley. With an Interim Head of School currently in place and a national search underway for permanent leadership, the next CFOO will join a community committed to sustaining its positive momentum and deepening its impact. The CFOO will have the unique opportunity to partner with new leadership and a dedicated Board of Trustees to help shape Berkeley's future, ensuring that the school’s resources and operations reflect its highest aspirations.
The successful Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Berkeley will be:
A Trusted Partner and Thought Leader:
Serves as a strategic advisor to the Head of School, providing expert guidance on personnel, institutional risk, financial strategy, and organizational structure, while fostering trust and clarity in decision-making.
An Empowering Team Builder:
Leads, supports, and develops a high-performing business office and operations team, ensuring each member is properly resourced, motivated, and able to step into any role as needed to maintain operational continuity and excellence.
A Systems Innovator and Risk Manager:
Implements robust enterprise risk management and modern budgeting systems, driving continuous improvement in financial processes, compliance, and operational efficiency to safeguard Berkeley’s mission and reputation.
A Community-Focused Integrator:
Builds strong cross-departmental relationships, supports the development of new auxiliary programs, and champions a culture of service, transparency, and collaboration across the school.
A Mission-Driven Problem Solver:
Demonstrates integrity, critical thinking, and deep knowledge of independent school operations - including law, contracts, vendor relations, and tax rules - while managing complex challenges with respect, attention to detail, and a willingness to have hard conversations when necessary.
Search Process Berkeley Preparatory School has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its next Chief Financial and Operations Officer.
This search is being conducted in close partnership with Interim Head of School Kim Graham Lawless and her CFOO Search Committee. It reflects the school’s commitment to identifying a strategic, mission-aligned financial and operations leader to help shape Berkeley's future.
Download the Berkeley CFOO Search Position Profile at https://www.nboaadvisoryservices.com/berkeley-prep
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/berkeley-prep
You will be asked to upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the position and alignment with Berkeley’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 January 20, 2026
The position is open until filled, with a
desired start date of July 2026 or sooner.
The salary range for this position will be highly competitive with peer schools nationally and commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Berkeley offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term success.
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This is an exceptional leadership opportunity at one of Florida’s most respected independent schools - a vibrant, coeducational Episcopal day school dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical development of every student. Established in 1960, Berkeley has approximately 1,460 students across three divisions and offers a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for higher education and lifelong success.
Set on a stunning 86-acre campus featuring world-class facilities, lush green spaces, and state-of-the-art academic, arts, and athletic centers, Berkeley provides an environment where students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. The school’s location in Tampa means beautiful weather year-round, allowing for robust outdoor learning, athletics, and community events. Guided by its motto, Disciplina, Diligentia, Integritas (Discipline, Diligence, Integrity), Berkeley is committed to putting people in the world who make a positive difference.
The CFOO is a senior leader at Berkeley, providing strategic direction and oversight across all financial and operational domains. Reporting to the Head of School and collaborating closely with the Board of Trustees, the CFOO’s portfolio includes finance and accounting, campus operations, risk management, human resources, auxiliary programs, and retail operations. Each area is supported by a team of direct reports accountable for day-to-day management and compliance. In addition, the CFOO plays a key role in supporting special projects and strategic initiatives that advance Berkeley’s mission and priorities.
This is a pivotal moment for Berkeley. With an Interim Head of School currently in place and a national search underway for permanent leadership, the next CFOO will join a community committed to sustaining its positive momentum and deepening its impact. The CFOO will have the unique opportunity to partner with new leadership and a dedicated Board of Trustees to help shape Berkeley's future, ensuring that the school’s resources and operations reflect its highest aspirations.
The successful Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Berkeley will be:
A Trusted Partner and Thought Leader:
Serves as a strategic advisor to the Head of School, providing expert guidance on personnel, institutional risk, financial strategy, and organizational structure, while fostering trust and clarity in decision-making.
An Empowering Team Builder:
Leads, supports, and develops a high-performing business office and operations team, ensuring each member is properly resourced, motivated, and able to step into any role as needed to maintain operational continuity and excellence.
A Systems Innovator and Risk Manager:
Implements robust enterprise risk management and modern budgeting systems, driving continuous improvement in financial processes, compliance, and operational efficiency to safeguard Berkeley’s mission and reputation.
A Community-Focused Integrator:
Builds strong cross-departmental relationships, supports the development of new auxiliary programs, and champions a culture of service, transparency, and collaboration across the school.
A Mission-Driven Problem Solver:
Demonstrates integrity, critical thinking, and deep knowledge of independent school operations - including law, contracts, vendor relations, and tax rules - while managing complex challenges with respect, attention to detail, and a willingness to have hard conversations when necessary.
Search Process Berkeley Preparatory School has engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead the search for its next Chief Financial and Operations Officer.
This search is being conducted in close partnership with Interim Head of School Kim Graham Lawless and her CFOO Search Committee. It reflects the school’s commitment to identifying a strategic, mission-aligned financial and operations leader to help shape Berkeley's future.
Download the Berkeley CFOO Search Position Profile at https://www.nboaadvisoryservices.com/berkeley-prep
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/berkeley-prep
You will be asked to upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the position and alignment with Berkeley’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 January 20, 2026
The position is open until filled, with a
desired start date of July 2026 or sooner.
The salary range for this position will be highly competitive with peer schools nationally and commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Berkeley offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term success.
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