Chief Financial Officer

Georgetown Day School (GDS) – one of the nation’s most respected independent schools, recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and progressive education – seeks an experienced and sophisticated finance and administrative leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The School’s financial position is strong and steady, and the new CFO will inherit a team dedicated to building on this foundational strength to ensure best-in-class financial stewardship and clear, efficient systems across the institution. The new CFO will also have the exciting opportunity to partner with a new Head of School, slated to begin in fall 2026, to help lead GDS into its next chapter. 

Founded in 1945 as the first racially integrated school in Washington, D.C., GDS was established as a school where children from across the Washington area could learn together in diverse groups, be joyful in their learning, and aspire to have a meaningful impact locally, nationally, and globally. This founding vision remains at the heart of the School’s identity and purpose today. The School has a strong foundation and is well-positioned for the future, with a robust demand for admission and strong student retention, a recently completed AIMS accreditation (2024), a newly unified campus, and a strong financial position with a growing endowment. The current strategic plan, Audacious Beginnings, Bold Futures, was completed in 2024 and outlines four guiding priorities for GDS’s next chapter: (i) purposeful, joyful, and integrated education; (ii) thriving educators; (iii) equitable access and long-term sustainability; and (iv) innovation and reinvention. GDS offers a rigorous, inquiry-based program led by 230 full-time educators with an average tenure of 15 years. Students experience small classes, extensive co-curricular opportunities, and an ethos that values self-reflection, respectful dialogue, high academic standards, and ethical leadership. With over 1,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade, GDS draws from all eight wards of D.C., as well as surrounding communities in Maryland and Virginia. The School’s newly unified campus in Northwest Washington, D.C. fosters a joyful and inclusive learning environment that pairs academic excellence and rigor with social impact, empowering students to ask hard questions, solve complex problems, and lead with purpose.

With consistent enrollment demand, significant strategic real estate assets, and a dedicated alumni base, GDS’s financial position is strong. The CFO will be a critical partner to the new Head of School, the senior leadership team, and the Board of Trustees, as well as an important resource to all faculty, staff, students, and families, providing leadership and expertise for all short- and long-term financial planning and decision-making. The CFO manages an annual budget exceeding $63 million and currently leads a team of 8 direct reports across the business office, operations, human resources, food services, student health, and data management. The CFO will be a change leader and systems thinker, overseeing complex operational units with a strong Director of Operations and Innovation; advancing strategies for campus maintenance and improvement; playing a key role in translating GDS’s strategic plan into actionable financial, operational, and master plans; and progressing the School’s financial model to prioritize long-term sustainability. As a vital member of the GDS community, the CFO will possess the interpersonal skills to successfully connect and collaborate with a wide range of highly engaged stakeholders. As the leader of a large team, the CFO will be a strong and supportive manager, modeling a culture of accountability, transparency, and high-quality service. Finally, they will bring a deep appreciation of GDS’s mission and its commitment to academic excellence and will uphold GDS’s culture of integrity, community, engagement, and inclusivity.   

Georgetown Day School has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this important recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the search process is completed. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be sent in confidence below.

Katie Rockman is leading this search with Elizabeth Dorr Weithman and Maria Connor. 

Georgetown Day School does not discriminate in its educational, admissions, and personnel programs and policies or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.