Director of Finance & Support

Job Summary

Discovery lab is looking for a mission-oriented, strategic leader with experience managing finance and operations in a high-growth organization.

 The Director of Finance & Support is a strategic thought-partner and will lead and develop an internal team to support the following areas: finance, facilities, and information technology (IT).

 The Director of Finance & Support plays a critical role in partnering with the museum’s senior leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as Discovery Lab continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity. They will maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization. 

What you’ll do 

Primary functions:

• Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Executive Director/CEO; monitor progress and keep senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status. 
• Manage and oversee monthly accounting processes, including bookkeeping, payroll management, invoicing, and financial tracking of restricted grants.  
• Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and the financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
• Be an advisor from the financial perspective on any contracts into which the corporation may enter.
• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
• Monitor and assure Discovery Lab’s tax-exempt 501(c)3 compliance, including submission of annual IRS Form 990.
• Coordination of Discovery Lab’s annual financial statement audit. 
• Oversee risk management and legal activities, including: business insurance; service agreements; contracts; leases, and other legal documents and agreements.
• Oversee Discovery Lab’s outsourced, IT partner to ensure ongoing maintenance and quality of IT systems and infrastructure and to monitor performance against contract.
• Oversee facility management including: internal facilities staff; external contractors (electricians, plumbers, excavators, roofers, painters, landscapers, etc.); maintenance workers—engaged in building and grounds upkeep and repair; responsibility for safety and security; utilities; and custodial crew
• Work in partnership with ED and leadership team to develop and implement new strategic initiatives and business plans in response to an increasing demand for Discovery Lab services.

Secondary functions:

• Establish credibility throughout the organization and with the Board as an effective developer of solutions to business challenges.
• Encourage communication and enhance team support/spirit among Discovery Lab staff.
• Other tasks assigned by the Executive Director/CEO

What you’ll need 

Knowledge and skills:

• Commitment to Discovery Lab’s mission to inspire children, connect families, and build community through exploration, exhibits, programs, and play. 
• Financial management—proven track record in organizational budgeting and financial management. Experience with and understanding of general accounting, grant tracking, payroll management, and general business systems and functions. Demonstrated success in developing and monitoring financial systems. 
• Operational skills—proven track record in developing and managing operational systems in a high growth organization; strong project management skills. 
• Attention to detail—tireless attention to detail and ability to complete work with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. 
• Action oriented—ability to work in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment. Strong work ethic, flexible, and able to multi-task. Ability to synthesize data, make decisions, and communicate priorities to staff. Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, executing multiple tasks, and achieving objectives. 
• Results oriented—unwavering focus on delivering high quality, data driven results. Committed to innovation, excellence, and entrepreneurship. 
• Strategic vision—ability to think strategically and connect strong execution to broader strategic priorities and objectives. 
• Leadership—exceptional capacity for managing and leading people from diverse backgrounds. Committed to investing in and developing staff and positioning them to succeed. Self-directed, positive, energetic, flexible, compassionate, collaborative, and team oriented individual. 
• Personal qualities—integrity, compassion, sense of humor, mission-oriented, and commitment to excellence. 

 Education and work experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing finance and operations in a high growth organization

 Preferences:

• Advanced degree (e.g. business or public policy)
• CPA certification
• Non-Profit experience 
• Fluency in language other than English 
• Experience working with volunteers

How you'll work

This job is a regular, full-time, exempt, salaried position. The typical work schedule for this job is Monday-Friday between 9 am – 5:30 pm. Occasional after hours and weekends may be required. Private office environment. 

Physical requirements

90% Sitting, 7% Standing, 3% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling no more than 10-30 lbs.  

Additional requirements

Pre-employment and/or pre-duty checks, such as criminal background check, alcohol and drug test, and reference checks

Direct reports

Staff Accountant 

Facilities Manager 

This position description is representative of the major position requirements and is not intended to be all-inclusive.