Help Launch an Innovative New School — Join Our Board

Founding Board Member - Treasurer

About Cardo Academies

Cardo Academies is developing an innovative preK–12 education model designed around a simple premise: children learn best when academic challenge, purposeful movement, real-world application, and personal development are integrated rather than treated as separate parts of the school day. The Cardo Method combines rigorous project-based learning, mixed-grade learning environments, and movement throughout the day for students of all ages. Beginning in middle school, the model adds high-level sports training—initially centered on soccer—within the academic day, allowing serious student-athletes to pursue their sport without sacrificing educational quality or requiring families to choose between school and intensive outside training.

Cardo is being built as more than a new school; it is an opportunity to demonstrate a different way of educating students. The goal is to create a financially sustainable, replicable model that challenges many of the traditional assumptions about how schools organize students, classrooms, schedules, academics, and athletics. Cardo is currently in its development and launch phase in Portland, bringing together leaders from education, business, finance, philanthropy, and the sports community to help turn that vision into a successful school and, ultimately, a model with impact well beyond a single campus. For board members, this is an opportunity to help shape an organization at its formative stage rather than simply govern an established institution.

Board Member – Treasurer

Position Overview Cardo is seeking an experienced business and accounting leader to serve on its Board of Directors and provide strategic guidance as the organization develops and grows its educational and athletic programs.

The Treasurer serves as an officer of the Board of Directors and provides financial oversight, guidance, and leadership to ensure the organization’s fiscal health, transparency, and compliance. This Board member will bring broad experience in finance, nonprofit accounting and financial practices, IRS compliance, and relationship development. The Treasurer will assist the Cardo board in evaluating major financial decisions, identifying potential sources of capital and philanthropic support, and developing relationships with lenders, donors, investors, foundations, and business and community leaders. The Treasurer will oversee the financial operations of the schools, liaise with school leadership and assist the school accounting staff in managing the daily fiscal responsibilities as needed.

The Treasurer will play an active role in supporting fundraising efforts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization’s mission. Key Responsibilities • Serve as Treasurer and an officer of the Board of Directors to develop and support Cardo Academies’ mission and strategies. • Provide strategic financial advice and oversight to ensure the organization maintains strong fiscal health and sustainability. • Review financial statements and regularly report on Cardo’s financial condition to the Board. • Provide oversight and guidance in the development of annual operating and capital budgets. • Review financial policies, procedures, and internal controls and recommend improvements as appropriate. • Oversee the Board’s responsibilities related to financial reporting, tax filings, audits or financial reviews, and other financial compliance matters. • Serve as the primary Board liaison with Cardo’s accounting staff or outside accountants and auditors. • Assist Cardo in identifying and developing relationships with banks, lenders, investors, and other potential sources of capital. • Assist the Board in understanding financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and key financial indicators. • Partner with Board leadership and staff to support fundraising strategies and revenue growth and assist in capital raising and financing. • Make introductions and help develop relationships with individuals and organizations that may support Cardo financially or strategically. • Serve as an ambassador for Cardo and help communicate its mission and long-term vision to external stakeholders. • Help the Board evaluate opportunities and risks as Cardo develops from a startup organization into an established educational institution. • Fulfill the fiduciary and governance responsibilities expected of all members of the Board of Directors.

Cardo is particularly interested in candidates with substantial senior-level experience in one or more of the following areas: • Nonprofit accounting, financial management, budgeting, and internal controls. • CPA, CFO, controller, audit, or comparable financial experience preferred. • Ability to interpret and communicate financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences.

As a start-up entity with a new approach to education and athletics in education, the initial time commitment required will vary as the project evolves. After opening of the school, projected for September 2027, it is anticipated that your time commitment will be reduced to monthly board meetings and ad hoc projects.

Prior nonprofit or educational board experience is helpful but not required. Must be based in or near Portland, Oregon. This is a volunteer position on Cardo’s Board of Directors. The Treasurer is not expected to perform bookkeeping, prepare financial statements, manage accounting functions, or serve as Cardo’s day-to-day financial manager, but to oversee systems and provide guidance to staff as needed.

The strongest candidates will combine financial sophistication with a well-developed professional network and a willingness to use those relationships to help advance Cardo’s mission. If you feel your qualifications would significantly contribute to our work, we’d love to hear from you.  You can write to us with your questions or inquiries at suzanne@cardoeducationpartners.com