Western Reserve Academy Hudson, Ohio Chief Financial Officer July 2014 wra.net Mission Statement The Position or nearly 200 years, Western Reserve Academy “A Western Reserve Fhas sparked the intellects and nurtured the spirits Academy education of students in Hudson, Ohio. This top-rated board- offers a transforma- ing school (the ninth-oldest boarding school in the tional experience country) enrolls 387 students and embraces the val- where students strive ues of “light and truth,” aiming to produce students for excellence, live who strive for excellence, live with integrity, and act with integrity and act with compassion. A combination of rigorous aca - with compassion.” demics, competitive athletics, varied arts, and sup - portive residential life draws students from across the globe to WRA.

With roughly 7,000 constituents, an endowment of $102 million, a successful Annual Fund that most re- cently raised $2.2 million, and a recent capital cam- Students paign that raised $54.2 million, WRA enjoys finan- cial stability. At this time, the school seeks a Chief Financial Officer who will be able to direct and man- 387 students in grades age the financial and business aspects of running this 9-12 comprise WRA’s special, high-quality institution. student body. 65% of these students board Effective July 2014, the new CFO will be a dynamic on-campus, while 35% and capable leader who will work closely with se- are day students. 20% nior administrators to advance WRA’s mission and of students self-identi- assure its longevity. fy as people of color. The Chief Financial Officer Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Chief Faculty Financial Officer works closely with the Treasurer and Board members to protect the Academy’s finan- cial integrity and to ensure its long-term sustain- WRA’s strong faculty ability. S/he bears direct responsibility for planning, consists of 54 teach - implementing, managing and controlling financial- ers with, on average, related activities of the School. This will include di- 17 years of teaching rect oversight of accounting, finance, controls, the experience. 88% have operating budget, capital budgets, long-term finan- an advanced degree. cial planning, cash management, debt management, Teachers instruct stu- risk management, legal compliance, human resource dents in ratios of 1:7, policies, and compensation and benefits manage- in a range of 155 high- ment. The CFO serves as a member of the senior level classes, including administrative staff and is expected to contribute to 20 AP courses. the smooth running of the School and embrace its mission and culture.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 1 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com School History Finances

In 1803, David Hudson and other pioneers of the WRA enjoys a stable Western Reserve of Connecticut settled the town of financial profile, with Hudson, Ohio. They were soon empowered to estab- a $102 million endow- lish a New England-style college that would serve as ment. In its most re- a beacon of excellence and enlightenment amid the cent Annual Fund, the Ohio wilderness, and Western Reserve College and school raised $2.2 mil- Academy was born. lion. This year, WRA awarded $4.6 million Incorporated in 1826, the school first enrolled 11 stu- in financial aid. dents at the college level and eight in the preparatory school. Over the next several decades, the institu- tions, which were founded in the spirit of forward- thinking, enacted the values of their founder. In 1854, for example, Frederick Douglass delivered the commencement address, and in 1888 Margaret Ann Arts Brown became the first African-American woman to graduate from the college. WRA offers a compre- In the late 19th century , Western Reserve Academy hensive art program moved to Cleveland and became Case Western Re- that enriches the lives serve University. In 1925, James Ellsworth donated of everyone on cam - generously to the school, and WRA became a well- pus. Students can gain endowed private institution. instruction in dance, music, theater, and the Today, WRA’s community continues to embody the visual arts with over principles that influenced its founding. Graduates 20 courses a variety of pursue light and truth in the same setting as their pre- extracurricular offer- decessors. One of the earliest examples of campus ings. planning in the Midwest, WRA has been named an Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places. Athletics WRA’s 120-year-old athletic program sup- ports more than 45 separate interscholas- tic teams in more than 20 sports. In 2012, WRA’s boys’ soc- cer team ranked first in Ohio’s Division III ranking, and the school was named the top soccer boarding school in the country.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 2 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. In liberal arts and The School Today science-based courses, students engage in intellectual debates, analyze and synthesize data in support of an Today, WRA is a non-sectarian, independent col- argument, express themselves with lucidity and con- lege preparatory boarding and day school for grades viction, and pursue independent research using both 9-12. Beyond educational excellence, WRA main- primary and secondary sources. tains its focus on fostering and nurturing its students’ high personal standards of conduct, a commitment to A number of special programs at WRA allow students community, and an appreciation for lifelong learning. to identify and develop their academic passions. Certain traditions and standards such as the dress Partnership opportunities with corporations and orga- code, Saturday classes, regular sit-down meals, and nizations allow students to apply their research and an emphasis on values are part of the fabric of school studies practically. For example, several students are life. selected each year to participate in the WRA Cleve- land Clinic Molecular Research Internship. Both traditional and innovative, the academic pro- gram at WRA affords students the opportunity to Other programs include TEAMS (Tests of Engineer- pursue areas of interest in depth while gaining solid ing, Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science), which is grounding in English, mathematics, sciences, history, top-ranked in both Ohio and in the nation; a senior foreign languages, and fine arts. In addition, WRA thesis opportunity that prepares students for the rig - offers independent study options, numerous elective ors and intellectual depth of college coursework; and courses, master classes with visiting guest lecturers ELISA, a fully-funded summer study abroad program and artists, study abroad programs, and state-of-the- in countries such as Costa Rica, France, Italy, and art learning facilities. The language department of- Germany. Through it all, WRA’s Student Advisory fers courses in five languages: French, German, Latin, Program supports students, offering a tailored educa-

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 3 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com tional approach for each student according to his or long-held principle of “Athletics for All” recognizes her individual needs and goals. Upon entering WRA, athletics as an integral part of a total educational ex- each new student is matched with a teacher who will perience. All students are expected to participate in become his or her faculty advisor for the next four WRA’s diverse, well-rounded program, whether on years. Through one-on-one meetings and weekly its sports teams or its recreational and fitness oppor- group lunches, advisors provide personalized support tunities, including weight training, yoga, and tai chi. for students. WRA’s well-established Saturday Academy distin- Physical Campus guishes the school from other boarding institutions and provides students with an immersive learning WRA’s 190-acre campus is expansive and spectacu- experience centered around topical points of inter - lar, featuring many of the original buildings from its est. Students enroll in Echo Modules, which provide early years. From the central quad and sculptured opportunities to discover a new passion or pursue an landscaping to the unique architecture of the corner- area of academic aptitude in depth, and Class Semi - stone Chapel, the welcoming surroundings at WRA nars, which are organized by grade level. In seminars, exceed expectations of a classic academic environ- freshmen study the ideas of the self, sophomores ex - ment. Brick Row is one of the most well-preserved amine their responsibilities as community members, brick rows in the nation, earning the Reserve campus juniors focus on the college application process, and a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. seniors explore global issues. In many ways, the campus resembles a college more than a secondary school, with its traditional brick Outside the classroom, students can pursue passions Greek Revival buildings, picturesque courtyards, for visual and performing arts, music, and athlet- and acres of rolling land. Today, while preserving ics, among other extracurricular offerings. WRA’s the school’s historic sense of place, the modern cam-

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 4 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com new outdoor track, and 10 tennis College Placement courts complement the academic facilities at WRA. The following is a partial list of col- leges and universities into which the WRA Class of 2013 matriculated: Hudson, • University of Akron hio • American University O • Amherst College WRA’s campus is within walking • Babson College distance of the historic Hudson • Berklee College of Music village green. City and school • Brown University enjoy a friendly , respectful re - • Bucknell University lationship. While some things • UC Berkeley have changed since it was set - • Carnegie Mellon University tled in 1803, the safe, small city • Case Western Reserve Univer- of Hudson retains the character sity pus offers the finest facilities for of a pleasant 19th century New • Claremont McKenna College students and faculty, from state- England-style village. Modeled • Clemson University of-the-art technology to spacious, on a traditio nal New England • Colby College comfortable dormitories. 12 aca- square, Hudson’s town center is • Colorado College demic buildings and nine dormi - a welcoming area featuring colo- • Columbia University tories comprise the campus. The nial, federal, Greek Revival, and • Connecticut College Knights Fine Arts Center house a Victorian architecture. Down the • Cornell University comprehensive, high-quality fine road from campus is the Blos- • Denison University arts program including facilities som Music Center , an outdoor • Emory University for two- and three-dimen sional performing arts center that is • Furman University art, photography, video editing, home to both classical and popu- • George Washington University dance, architectural design, and lar music concerts. The First & • Hamilton College engineering drawing. In 2004, Main area blends the charisma of • Kent State University renovated dormitories and a new specialty shops and restaurants • Loyola University of Chicago administrative and classroom with some of the nation’s most • Miami University building opened. A number of recognized retailers. The school • University of Michigan faculty live in campus housing. community enjoys free concerts, • New York University family festivals, and a gourmet • Northwestern University The 80,000 square-foot Mur - market within walking distance • The Ohio State University dough Athletic Center opened in of campus. • Ohio Wesleyan University 2004 and includes a competition • Rhodes College gymnasium, field house, medi- With a population of 22,000, Hud- • Smith College cal trainer’s facilities, indoor son is an affluent, well-educated • Stanford University track, precision shooting range, community; more than a quarter • Syracuse University aerobic exercise room, and 4,600 of residents over 25 years of age • Tufts University square-foot fitness center. Other hold graduate or professional de- • Vanderbilt University athletic facilities include 12 ath- grees. Hudson’ s deep sense of • Washington University in St. community and Midwestern pace Louis letic fields, a 3.1-mile cross coun- try course, and an Olympic-sized makes it an attractive place for • Wellesley College swimming pool with diving well. family and residential life. • Wesleyan University An AstroPlay turf playing field, a • The College of Wooster

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 5 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com Just 15 miles north of Akron and 30 miles southeast accounting, budgeting and planning, investments, hu- of Cleveland, Hudson provides easy access to the man resources, and information technology. conveniences and cultural attractions of these cities. Chief responsibilities include directing and oversee- Residents and visitors enjoy the Rock and Roll Hall ing all aspects of the School’s finance and accounting of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, and open-air functions, to include: West Side Market in Cleveland. Cleveland’s Uni- versity Circle contains the greatest concentration of • Operating and capital budgets; museums, cultural resources, and educational insti- • Accounting, auditing and tax; tutions in the country, including the Cleveland Mu- • Purchasing and accounts payable; seum of Art, the Museum of National History, and the • Accounts receivable; Cleveland Orchestra. • Management and compliance of long-term debt; • Contract review and management; With over 1,000 acres of parkland within Hudson, rec- • Long-term financial planning; reational opportunities abound. The Cuyahoga Val- • Payroll and benefits administration; ley Recreational Area, just west of Hudson, includes • Evaluating and advising on the impact of long- over 33,000 acres of rural land and open space along range plans and new programs/strategies; 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River. Miles of biking and • Establishing and maintaining strong relationships hiking trails, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, within the School to help identify needs and pro- and the Brandywine Ski Resort are all popular des- vide solutions; tinations. Additionally, the Cedar Point amusement • Managing and overseeing the human resources park is nearby and home to the largest collection of function, including legal compliance, employee roller coasters and rides in the world. policies, compensation and benefits administra- tion; • Overseeing facilities, the health center and book- Core store operations; • Ensuring that effective internal controls are in Responsibilities place and that the School is in compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state and local laws The CFO must be a high-ener gy, strategically ori- and regulations; ented, creative and proactive professional with ex - • Providing financial and planning information to ceptional management and inspirational leadership the Head of School, Board of Trustees, adminis- skills who possesses excellent knowledge of finance, trators, faculty, staff and donors that exhibits full

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 6 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com transparency and builds trust; at all levels of the organization; • Managing and directing the annual operating • High level of integrity, a strong work ethic, a budget; sense of urgency, and a results orientation; • Serving as the liaison to the Buildings & Grounds, • A change agent who fosters teamwork and Audit, Finance and Investment committees of the customer service and embraces technological Board of Trustees. advancement; • An open and collaborative management style; someone who is available to all administrators, Desired Experience faculty, and staff; • Ability; & Characteristics • PC proficiency is essential; a strong working knowledge of Excel is required; • Bachelor’s degree in finance or similar discipline • Effective contract negotiation skills with outside required; an MBA preferred; vendors; • Demonstrated experience and exceptional abili- • Strong problem solving and creative skills; ties in financial modeling and analysis; • The ability to exercise sound judgment and make • Ten years of progressively responsible profes- informed and timely decisions; sional experience, preferably with an educational • A self-starter and multi-tasker who attends to institution or other non-profits; details and meets deadlines; • Broad-based and fully developed management • A positive frame of mind and a sense of humor; experience, with a demonstrated record of direct- ing financial operations; Compensation package will be highly competitive • Excellent managerial and interpersonal skills; and commensurate with experience. ability to inspire, communicate and manage well

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 7 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com To Apply Interested candidates should submit the following materials confidentially as separate PDF attachments in one email:

• Cover letter expressing interest in the Western Reserve Academy position; • Current resume; • Statement of leadership practice with an understanding of finance; • List of five references with name, phone number, and email address of each (references will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission). Please send all materials to John G. Clark of Carney, Sandoe & Associates

John G. Clark Senior Search Consultant Carney, Sandoe & Associates [email protected] | 802-380-4406

Carney, Sandoe & Associates 44 Bromfield Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 8 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com