Western Reserve Historical Society

Western Reserve Historical Society seeks a Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the organization’s chief administrative and financial officer, responsible for directing and coordinating vital systems underpinning the Western Reserve Historical Society’s organizational functions: financial systems and management, information systems and technology, and human resources. Reporting to the President & CEO, the CFO will be a key member of the leadership team by providing both strategic and operational leadership, balancing vision and planning with hands‑on operational excellence. Founded in 1867, Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) is the oldest cultural institution in Cleveland. WRHS is an American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Accredited (2025) American history organization with seven sites across a four‑county area of Northeast Ohio and the trusted steward of Northeast Ohio’s documented and material history. WRHS safeguards and shares Cleveland, Northeast Ohio and American history through experiential programming and groundbreaking exhibitions. WRHS engages the community through its Library and Museum collections that together represent one of the country’s finest collections relating to the American experience. WRHS is regularly open to the public at two locations: the Cleveland History Center (CHC), home to the Library and Archives, the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing, the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, the historic Bingham‑Hanna and Hay‑McKinney Mansions, and Museum Galleries for permanent and rotating exhibits. WRHS’s nearly eight acres in the heart of University Circle is known for its architectural, artifact, and archival treasures. Hale Farm & Village (HFV), located in Bath, Ohio (Summit County) in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, is a 90+-acre outdoor living history museum with 34 historic structures. WRHS’s other properties are available by appointment. The CFO will have leadership responsibility for critical areas of the organization that provide the foundation for programs and services and the realization of its mission. They will be responsible for WRHS financial reporting, budget and oversight, annual audit, human resources management and facilities and security at the Cleveland History Center. The CFO is the chief liaison to the Board finance, audit and investment committees. Organizational Reporting Arrangements: The CFO reports to, and works closely with, the President & CEO of WRHS regarding overall and strategic fiscal matters, human resources, IS/IT, and other matters as deemed necessary by the President & CEO. He/she will serve on the Senior Management Team of WRHS and will serve as staff liaison to Board of Directors’ committees focused on financial management and WRHS’s fixed assets, including the audit committee and investment committee, and works closely with the Board Treasurer. The CFO is expected to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Duties & Responsibilities Financial Reporting, Budget, & Oversight Provide leadership in the development of short and long‑range financial plans, goals, and projections. With input from the Management Team, develop the annual budget and oversee systems to ensure that the budget reflects the institution’s strategic goals. Work collaboratively with the President and CEO and Chief Historic Preservation Officer on the accounting of and accurate, complete and timely financial reporting for all WRHS capital projects. Oversee fiscal staff, manage annual audit with staff and audit partners, strengthen and enhance fiscal functions and reporting systems, fulfilling all deliverables. Ensure financial reports are accurate and timely; reports to both public and private funders are completed on schedule, and timely and accurate financial analysis is provided to the President & CEO, senior management, relevant board committees, and the Board of Directors. Ensure all tax filings are accurate and timely. Ensure best practices in nonprofit management are implemented and consistently applied. Responsible for risk assessment and management. Human Resources Management Provide leadership to and supervision of human resources in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and tax requirements; provide leadership to achieve and maintain a highly functioning and creative staff that is passionate about the organization’s work. Help enhance recruitment, progressive staff development, and effective performance management and evaluation in accordance with best practices. Oversee the performance of the Director of Human Resources, a direct report. Information Technology / Information Systems Leadership & Management Oversee the performance of the IS/IT Manager. Identify, analyze and report to Senior Management the current and emerging IS/IT issues and needs, and their fiscal implications. Ensure regular, consistent, high‑quality input and output of information essential to the organization’s function and accountability. Oversee management of WRHS’s IT infrastructure and data security. Cleveland History Center and Macedonia Warehouse Facilities & Security Provide leadership to and supervision of the facilities and security functions of the Cleveland History Center and the Macedonia warehouse. Oversee the performance of the security manager and the facilities manager. Assess the operational facility and security systems readiness of the Cleveland History Center and Macedonia warehouse and communicate to Senior Management the assessment and recommendations for action. Qualifications & Experience Required Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related subjects; Master’s and/or CPA preferred. A record of success in financial management, including reporting, managing audits and reporting to private and governmental funders; experience in a not‑for‑profit environment and/or accounting required. Demonstrated success as a manager motivating talented staff and building a strong infrastructure within a complex organization. Demonstrated skill at working in close and effective partnership with organizational leadership. #J-18808-Ljbffr