Director of Finance and Administration

About this Position

Founded in 1974 and located outside Philadelphia in Malvern, Pa., People’s Light seeks an exceptional Director of Finance and Administration to serve as a key member of the senior leadership team at an exciting moment of evolution for the company. Reporting to the Managing Director, this position will lead the organization’s financial management and implementation of personnel systems and administration, oversee and streamline its information technology function, and co-lead day-to-day facilities management and oversight. This position plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal discipline, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, experienced financial manager, and collaborative leader with a passion for supporting mission-driven work. 

About People’s Light

Founded in 1974, People’s Light is a nationally recognized and award-winning LORT D theatre company located in Malvern, Pa. (Chester County), just outside Philadelphia. It is known for producing classics, contemporary plays and musicals, including an annual signature holiday “panto,” and commissioning and producing new work: over one-third of its productions in its 50-year history have been world or regional premieres. These include MUD ROW by Dominique Morisseau; PERSONALITY: THE LLOYD PRICE MUSICAL by B. Jeffrey Madoff with Lloyd Price, and LIGHTS OUT: NAT “KING” COLE by Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor. 

In addition, People's Light offers a robust array of education and community programs, including the New Voices Ensemble, a multi-decade program serving young people from the City of Chester; and New Play Frontiers, a long-term initiative to develop and produce new plays that explore the American identity through stories of deep meaning to the diversity of populations rooted in Chester County. 

People's Light has always called Chester County “home.” In 1979, the theatre moved to its current Malvern location, which includes two black box theatres with 330 and 140 seats respectively; offices; scenic shops; rehearsal halls; classrooms; a restored 18th-century farmhouse that includes housing for guest artists; the Fern & Fable restaurant; and The Farmhouse banquet and catering facility that can be rented for special events, and which is owned and operated as a for-profit entity.

People’s Light has an annual operating budget of $7.7M and annually employs 40 full-time staff, with an additional 60 part-time artists and staff members, many of whom live within 15 miles of campus. Each season it welcomes almost 200 guest artists from Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., and beyond. With a resident company of artists and serving 80,000 patrons, guests, students, and community members each year, People’s Light is a community beacon and cultural hub that champions innovation, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Finance and Accounting
• Oversee and manage finance department staff and all day-to-day financial operations for People’s Light and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Farmhouse, including general accounting, budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and cash management
• Consulting closely with the Managing Director, lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with senior staff and budget managers, liaising with the Board as appropriate
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and narrative reports as necessary and requested by the Managing Director
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal controls; serve as primary liaison to external auditors
• Manage the annual audit and preparation of IRS Form 990
• Monitor grant and restricted fund accounting; support financial reporting for government and foundation grants
• Oversee relationships with banks, investment managers, and insurance providers
• Ensure monthly close no later than 10 business days after the end of the period.

Leadership and Strategy

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organization-wide strategy and planning as led by the Producing Artistic Director and Managing Director
• Provide financial analyses as requested by the Managing Director including, but not limited to, new initiatives, capital projects, earned revenue, and other growth opportunities
• Partner with artistic, production, education, marketing, development, Farmhouse, and general management teams to ensure alignment of budget and strategic goals, facilitating regular reporting thereof
• Develop and manage annual facilities operating and capital budgets; maintain multi-year capital plans and deferred maintenance schedules Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations across administrative functions
• Oversee enterprise risk management program and serve as primary staff liaison to external counsel
• Present financial information clearly and effectively to leadership, staff, Board members, and donors

Facility Operations and Personnel Administration

• As a co-leader with the Director of Production, and supported as appropriate by the General Manager, provide executive oversight for all facilities operations across campus, including maintenance, improvements, information technology, equipment, custodial, landscaping, parking, utilities, security, and life-safety systems
• Oversee and manage facilities staff, and relevant vendor and contractor relationships (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, janitorial, landscaping, snow removal, waste, security) and negotiate service agreements and SLAs
• Establish and track KPIs for facilities performance, work-order completion, preventive maintenance, energy usage, and cost controls
• Oversee information systems and infrastructure in partnership with vendors and staff
• Support the Director of Farmhouse Operations in managing lease administration and shared-services arrangements; coordinate facilities maintenance and capital needs affecting the Farmhouse; and review financial and operational reporting related to cost-sharing, utilities, and the campus-wide patron experience
• Oversee benefits administration and implementation of personnel policies with staff, liaising closely with General Management to mirror implementation with artists and creatives
• Ensure close coordination and communication with all front line and guest services staff to ensure a welcoming environment and seamless event and program setup.

Organizational Safety and Compliance

• In close consultation with General Management:
• Ensure compliance with building codes, OSHA and other safety requirements, ADA accessibility, fire and life-safety inspections, and environmental regulations
• Lead incident response and business continuity planning for facilities-related disruptions
• Maintain policies for emergency preparedness and staff training
• Maintain up-to-date licenses, registrations, and certifications (e.g., charity registrations, liquor license, tax exemption, etc.).
• Secure the annual bank Letter of Credit for AEA bonding, to support seamless season bonding with AEA and SDC;
• Oversee insurance coverage and claims processes; prepare for and support insurance audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit financial management
• Deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting, GAAP, and audit processes
• Experience managing budgets of $5-10 million or more
• Demonstrated ability to manage finance and administrative staff
• Demonstrated understanding of HR policies, risk management, and employee benefits administration
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences
• CPA or MBA preferred
• Experience in the arts or cultural sector preferred
• Experience with facilities-based businesses preferred

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $92,000 annually, with flexibility for exceptional candidates based on experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive benefits package including generous vacation policy and WFH flexibility.