Founding Board Member - Finance & Strategic Development

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, Oregon, 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 – Finance & Strategic Development

Position Overview

Cardo is seeking an experienced business and finance leader to serve on its Board of Directors and provide strategic guidance as the organization develops and grows its educational and athletic programs. The Finance Board member will bring broad experience in finance, capital formation, fundraising, and relationship development. The ideal candidate will have the experience and professional network to help Cardo evaluate major financial decisions, identify potential sources of capital and philanthropic support, and develop relationships with lenders, donors, investors, foundations, and business and community leaders. Key Responsibilities

• Advise the Board on major financial decisions and long-term financial strategy. • Help evaluate and provide strategic input on major transactions, financing alternatives for facilities, leases, real estate opportunities, and other significant financial commitments. • Assist Cardo in identifying and developing relationships with banks, lenders, investors, and other potential sources of capital. • Make introductions and help develop relationships with individuals and organizations that may support Cardo financially or strategically. • Participate, as appropriate, in meetings with prospective major donors, lenders, foundations, and other funding partners. 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:

• Commercial or investment banking, corporate finance • Private equity, venture capital, or investment management • Real estate finance and development • Business ownership or executive leadership • Foundation, philanthropic, or major-donor development • Capital raising and financing • Strategic partnerships and business development

Prior nonprofit or educational board experience is helpful but not required. This is a volunteer position on Cardo’s Board of Directors. The Finance & Strategic Development Board member is not expected to perform bookkeeping, prepare financial statements, manage accounting functions, or serve as Cardo’s day-to-day financial manager.

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