Director for Finance and Administration, Concord Museum

Description:
Mission Statement:

“The Concord Museum educates visitors of all ages about the history of Concord and its continuing influence on American political, literary and cultural life. The Museum’s nationally significant collection serves as a catalyst for changing exhibitions, extended classroom learning, dynamic programs, and publications relevant to an ever-changing world. Founded in 1886, the Museum is a center of cultural enjoyment for the region and a gateway to the town of Concord for visitors from around the world.”
Background:

Concord, Massachusetts, occupies a special place in American history and is central to many ideals that we share as Americans. With its outstanding collections, high quality educational programs, and professional staff, the Concord Museum is uniquely positioned to tell the story of the American experience from the pre-Revolutionary War era to the Literary Renaissance and beyond.
Founded in 1886, the Museum serves diverse local, regional, and national audiences interested in learning how Concord helped shape our nation. The Museum’s nationally significant collection of 35,000 objects includes icons of American history, such as Paul Revere’s lantern; exceptional Revolutionary War artifacts; the contents of Henry David Thoreau’s house at Walden Pond; Ralph Waldo Emerson’s study; and superior Native American holdings. It also includes exceptional holdings in American decorative arts and material culture, including furniture, clocks, silver, ceramics, and textiles.
The Museum is a vital educational resource that provides object-based learning programs to more than 10,000 students each year. These unique programs connect real artifacts with people, places, and ideas. Students explore the world of Henry David Thoreau, analyze objects and documents as primary sources, and solve dilemmas as 18th-century citizens. Historical detective work and role-playing are combined with problem-solving, tactile learning, and critical thinking. Lectures, tours, family programs, and community events further life-long learning and enjoyment.

The Director of Finance and Administration will join the Museum at an exciting point in its history. Incorporating the goals of its Strategic Plan, a new Campus Master Plan positions the Museum for significant growth in key areas, including educational programs, outreach, and audience engagement. The Museum is completing Schematic Design to renovate and expand its facilities and is in the quiet phase of a $13M capital and endowment campaign to implement these plans.

The Museum operates with a budget of approximately $1.8 million; has a staff of 11 FT and 40 PT individuals; and reaches approximately 45,000 visitors annually. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Overview of the Position:

Reporting to the Executive Director, theDirector of Finance and Administrationis responsible for the financial management of the Concord Museum as well as related business affairs of the organization, including human resources, buildings and grounds, and the Museum Shop. The position serves as a key member of the staff senior management team.
The position oversees three part-time positions: the Bookkeeper, the Manager of Buildings and Grounds, and the Shop Manager. The position works closely with the Museum’s Treasurer and is as a liaison with the Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and Technology and Physical Plant Committee of the Board of Governors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Finance

  • Ensures that the Board and Executive Director have clear, accurate, and timely information on the operating and financial performance of the Museum.
  • Works with the Treasurer on budgeting and performance management.
  • Prepares operating and capital budgets for submission to Executive Director and Board of Governors.
  • Monitors budgets, including collection, custody, investment, disbursement, and accounting for all Museum funds.
  • Oversees all general ledger transactions and generates financial statements.
  • Manages cash flow.
  • Prepares documentation and works with accountant to facilitate annual independent audit.
  • Develops appropriate financial control systems.
  • Provides financial data for grant applications and surveys, as requested.
  • Oversees risk management, including insurances and occupational safety.
  • Attends and provides staff support for Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and Technology and Physical Plant Committee of the Board of Governors.
  • Supervises part-time Bookkeeper, who oversees accounts payable and other bookkeeping functions as needed.

Human Resources

  • Serves as director of human resources.
  • Maintains personnel records and personnel manual, negotiates with vendors regarding benefit offerings, enrolls all new employees, and keeps employees informed about benefit eligibility.
  • Prepares and submits payroll.

Facilities/Operations

  • Oversees all aspects of the Museum’s physical plant and 2 ½ acre campus, ensuring their current and future viability.
  • Supervises part-time Manager of Buildings and Grounds and assumes his responsibilities in his absence.
  • Works with Manager of Buildings and Grounds to develop and maintain schedules for regular maintenance of buildings and equipment; to ensure that required inspections are performed for fire, elevator, and occupancy, and that permits are current; and negotiates and oversees service contracts for cleaning, landscape, and HVAC systems maintenance.
  • Oversees capital projects.
  • Oversees rental property, negotiates lease, and collects rent.

Other

  • Oversees Museum Shop manager, financial systems, accounting and annual inventory.
  • Serves as a key member of the Emergency Response Team.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Passion for the Concord Museum’s mission;
  • Solid experience in finance and human resources;
  • Excellent strategic leadership skills;
  • Team-building skills with a collaborative management style;
  • Creative and innovative problem-solver;
  • Superior organizational and time-management skills;
  • Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written;
  • A professional and resourceful style;
  • High integrity and sound judgment;
  • Excellent computer skills;

This is a full-time salaried position with benefits, including vacation and sick leave, health plan, disability insurance, and 403(b) plan. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Qualifications:

  • College degree required; MBA/CPA preferred. Three to six years related experience.
  • Must be comfortable with computers and able to work efficiently with accounting, spreadsheet, and word processing software.
How To Apply:
Please send a letter of interest, resume, and the names of three references to: cm1@concordmuseum.org. No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Apply by:
December 20, 2015