Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library comprises an outstanding naturalistic garden, the premier collection of American decorative and fine arts, and a nationally renowned research library, all in a historic Brandywine Valley landscape of nearly 1,000 acres. Winterthur’s mission is “to inspire, enlighten and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing its buildings and landscape, its' collections and programs, and its' history as a country place."

Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and provides them with the chance to develop their love of the arts and horticulture while contributing to the mission of the institution.

Working at Winterthur is a unique and rewarding opportunity, offering a variety of career paths in a beautiful setting. At Winterthur employment is more than just work. Employees enjoy an environment that is rich in culture and natural beauty while contributing specific skills and upholding the core values of the organization.

Position Description:

The Director of Finance full-time, exempt position operating under the general supervision of the Charles F. Montgomery Director and CEO of Winterthur. He/She serves as the Treasurer of the Corporation, reports to the CEO, and is a member of Winterthur’s senior leadership, working closely with senior staff, the CEO, and the Board of Trustees to advance strategic goals. A strong complement to the CEO, the Director is relied upon for proven leadership capabilities, good business judgment, an analytical mindset, and sound decision-making abilities.

He/she works closely with the CEO in shaping a positive and collaborative internal culture that will address financial and financial management opportunities and challenges as Winterthur executes the 2020-2029 Strategic Plan. He/she is a strategic partner to the CEO, conceptualizing and analyzing problems and solutions in a proactive, constructive, creative manner that results in improved performance across the organization. The Director has full financial, strategic, and operational accountability for Winterthur’s Finance Department, managing and directing all activities involving finance, investment management, accounting, and budgeting for the institution.

The Director oversees a full-time staff of eight, including the Controller and Assistant Treasurer. The Director works closely with Cambridge Associates on the investment management of the approximately $325 million endowment upon which Winterthur depends for 75% of the institution’s operating costs. He/she also works closely with the senior leadership team to forecast earned and contributed income from events, programs, gate admission, retail, food and beverage, and philanthropic activities.

Responsibilities:

Works closely with the CEO and senior leadership to envision and to execute the 2020- 2029 strategic plan, leading the institutional goal to secure Winterthur’s financial sustainability and to develop and implement infrastructure systems needed to support and grow Winterthur over the next decade.
Plays a critical role in both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy development and implementation, requiring maintaining flexibility and addressing multiple shifting priorities.
Manages the treasury, controller, and insurance functions of Winterthur and oversees the day-to-day analysis and oversight of the institution’s endowments.
Oversees compliance with many regulations and guidelines, playing a key role in continuing a culture of organizational ethics.
Provides strategic leadership to create an effective and efficient accounting and finance operation which develops annual and long-term operating and capital budgets, financial analyses, and forecasts required for institutional operation and growth.
Develops and maintains effective internal control procedures, tax compliance and filing; other areas of responsibility include insurance, contracts, interface with legal counsel and actuaries.
Provides financial counsel and participates in Board Committees including Executive, Finance, Audit, and Investment.

Requirements and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. Either Bachelor’s or Master’s degree must be in Business, Management, Accounting, or Finance.
Experience running a finance department and the ability and confidence to ensure that Winterthur’s financial oversight is of the highest caliber;
Minimum of 10 years professional business experience in financial management, strategic and financial planning, budgeting, cost control, cost estimating, cash management, and systems management capacity.
Experience serving as a member of the executive team, acting as a thought partner to lead significant growth, driving the analytic framework for planning and organizational change in a highly entrepreneurial organization, and managing the finance and administration of a high-growth $20 million organization.
A high level of intellectual horsepower with a collaborative, creative, and service-oriented mindset; ability to bring innovative ideas to the CEO around identifying and implementing new processes and systems that enhance financial operations and management.
Proven experience in budgeting, strategic forecasting and planning, and in overseeing financial, accounting, compliance and risk management of a complex organization.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on day-to-day operations.
Demonstrated skill at presenting financial information in a clear, confident fashion to a range of constituents with varying levels of expertise; a highly articulate and deft communicator.
Ability to foster trust and collaboration among team members and across departmental lines as well as the ability to manage through change with flexibility and poise.
The curiosity and drive to stay ahead of trends in the museum world in order to identify new and unique opportunities to serve Winterthur’s mission and to identifying creative and strategic solutions that will help Winterthur achieve financial sustainability.
Strong oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to communicate professionally and well with all levels of staff and supporters.
Sound independent judgment, excellent diplomatic skills, and a demonstrated attention to detail and quality; a consummate professional with unquestioned integrity, ethics and values—someone who can be trusted with highly confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to work beyond a 35-hour week, on evenings and on weekends as required.