Job Details
Job Location
Corporate HeadQuarters - Milwaukee, WI
Description
Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Organization: Discovery World Board
Reports To: Discovery World President & CEO / Board of Directors
At Discovery World, located on Milwaukee's Lakefront, you'll join a dynamic team dedicated to inspiring a love of lifelong learning. As a top 10 science center featuring an aquarium and a comprehensive education program, we offer hands-on labs, extensive outreach initiatives, and evolving experiences that explore a wide range of themes. Our dynamic and collaborative work culture thrives on innovation, inclusivity, and a shared passion for science, technology, and the world around us. Every role at Discovery World plays a part in making science learning accessible and exciting for all ages, inspiring generations to explore their curiosities and discover new possibilities.
Position Overview:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a key leader within Discovery World responsible for ensuring the organization's financial health and sustainability while overseeing the human resources (HR) department. The CFO will develop financial strategies, manage financial operations, and implement HR policies that support organizational goals. This role requires excellent presentation skills to effectively communicate financial insights and HR initiatives to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Leadership:

• Develop and implement financial strategies and financial plan aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Lead the finance team in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Oversee all financial reporting, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.

Budget Management:

• Prepare, monitor, and manage annual budgets.
• Analyze variances between budgeted and actual performance, recommending corrective actions as needed.

Accounting Oversight:

• Ensure accurate and timely accounting records and financial statements.
• Manage cash flow, investments, and financial reserves.

Human Resources Management:

• Oversee the HR department, ensuring effective recruitment, retention, and development of staff.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that promote a positive organizational culture.
• Support leadership in performance management, employee engagement, and professional development initiatives.
• Lead staffing recommendations to senior leadership team to optimize expense allocation and drive revenue.

Fundraising Support:

• Collaborate with the development team to create financial models and projections for grant proposals and fundraising initiatives.
• Provide financial analysis to support fundraising efforts and donor communications.

Risk Management:

• Identify financial and operational risks, developing strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure adequate internal controls are in place to protect the organization's assets.

Board Collaboration:

• Serve as a trusted partner to the Board and Committees, presenting financial insights and HR initiatives that guide strategic decision-making and long-term planning
• Present financial and HR updates to the Board of Directors, utilizing strong presentation skills to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• Support the Finance and HR Committees in their oversight responsibilities, preparing detailed reports and presentations for meetings.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Communicate financial and HR strategies to key stakeholders, building relationships and fostering transparency.
• Prepare materials for stakeholder meetings, ensuring alignment and understanding of organizational priorities.

Staff Development:

• Mentor and develop finance and HR staff, fostering accountability, professional growth, and organizational culture.

Qualifications
Qualifications:

• Degree in Accounting (required)
• CPA designation or equivalent financial certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of financial management experience and oversight of HR and non-profit experience, a plus.
• Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting principles, financial regulations, and HR best practices.
• Proven experience in budgeting, financial analysis, strategic financial planning, and HR strategy development.
• Exceptional presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial and HR information to diverse audiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of fostering collaboration among team members and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and a commitment to teamwork.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong ethical standards and integrity.
• Passion for the mission and values of Discovery World.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary based on experience and fit.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance with HRA.
• 401(k) with company matching contribution.
• Employer Sponsored Life Insurance.
• Full Flex and Dependent Care FSA.
• Free employee membership, reciprocal museum admissions deals, and special summer camp enrollment rates for those curious littles in your life!

Application Process:
If you are a visionary financial leader who is passionate about education and community impact, we invite you to apply!