CFO/COO

OverviewWHO WE AREThe New Children’s Museum (the Museum) is a dynamic arts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit in downtown San Diego, dedicated to sparking creativity, exploration, and a sense of belonging through interactive contemporary art experiences for children and their families. Since reopening in 2008 in a striking 50,000-square-foot, environmentally sustainable building designed by Rob Wellington Quigley, the Museum has pioneered a unique model of commissioning living artists to create immersive, hands-on installations that invite deep engagement with the creative process.Each year, the Museum welcomes over 230,000 visitors—80% of whom are San Diego County residents—and one-third of whom participate through one of our many access programs, designed to remove barriers and ensure the Museum is open and welcoming to all. Our robust suite of programs includes early childhood education, school field trips, teen art studios, community events, and arts-based camps, all grounded in our mission to inspire a more creative and connected 2024, we launched Artopia: NCM Creative Studios, a new 5,000-square-foot hub within the Museum that offers hands-on workshops for all ages, from skill-building in ceramics, woodworking, and painting to playful, process-based artmaking for young children. This bold expansion reflects our commitment to providing meaningful creative learning experiences for every age and skill level.To learn more, please visit: & CultureThe Museum is led by Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Yang-Hellewell. Elizabeth joined the Museum in 2022 and has 20 years of non-profit leadership and development experience within the art and education sectors. She has a passion for creating organizational structures that foster the development of diverse audiences, partnerships, and creative programming. Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer (CFO/COO) will be a key member of our Executive Team, participating in every major decision across the organization and serving as a key thought partner and sounding board to the CEO in all areas of finance and operations. The Museum operates with an annual budget of approximately $6 million and a dedicated team of 65 employees. We are proud to be a union museum, with staff represented by the IBEW Local 465, and we are committed to fostering a workplace rooted in equity, collaboration, and creative joy.Benefits & FeaturesSalary – $170,000 – $180,000 DOEMedical, dental, and vision InsuranceFlexible Spending Account and AD&D insurance available403(b) and 403(b) Roth, with 3% employer match after one year10 paid days off, 2 paid sick days upon hire (10 max), 12 paid holidays, plus 3 floating holidaysLocationThis role will primarily be in-person, with some flexibility to work remotely. The New Children’s Museum is located at 200 W. Island Ave. in San Diego.Position SummaryReporting to the CEO, the recently combined role of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (CFO/COO) will serve as a key leader, steering the Museum’s financial strategy and overseeing all operational functions, including earned revenue initiatives. This pivotal role will manage a $6M operating budget and 3 direct reports: Director of Facilities, Accounting Manager, Accounting and HR Assistant, as well as external consultants.As a central figure in our organization, the CFO/COO will foster a collaborative environment, driving strategic initiatives and maintaining strong relationships and communication with both internal teams and external partners. This high-profile leader will be instrumental in guiding our continued growth and infrastructure partnership with the Executive Team, the CFO/COO will also lead earned revenue growth and diversification. This includes the direct oversight and optimization of key revenue streams such as event rentals, retail, and food and beverage sales, as well as developing new, innovative point-of-sale opportunities to enhance visitor engagement and drive profitability.First Year PrioritiesImmerse yourself in the Museum’s culture, building strong relationships with the team and becoming familiar with our programs and partners.Provide financial oversight of programs, operations, and investments.Work with the Executive Team on strategies to diversify funding and earned revenue.Develop financial strategies, business plans, and cash-flow partnership with the Executive Team and Board of Directors, develop a 10+ year Master Plan, ensuring long-term viability of the Museum building and infrastructure.Time AllocationFinance and Accounting – 50%Building Facilities and Operations – 30%Staff Management – 10%Human Resources – 10%Key Areas of ResponsibilityStrategic Leadership & PlanningCollaborate with the Executive Team on high-level strategy, proactive problem-solving, and the development of comprehensive organizational systems and policies.Drive short and long-term strategic planning by engaging the board and its committees to develop financial plans and projections.Serve as the primary staff liaison to the board and its key committees, including Finance, Investment, Audit, and Building.Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability to support continuous improvement across the organization.Supervise, coach, and mentor staff to achieve departmental goals and contribute to the overall success of the Museum.Financial Management & ComplianceDirect all financial operations, including the management of a $6M budget, financial forecasting, cash flow, and year-end reporting.Oversee the accounting department to ensure the proper maintenance of all systems, including fund accounting and grant management.Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all financial reporting for funders, management, and the board.Manage the annual audit process, tax return filings, and the continuous improvement of internal controls and financial procedures.Guarantee legal and regulatory compliance by staying current on all relevant state and federal laws for nonprofit operations.Operations & AdministrationOversee all core operational departments, including facilities, security, IT, and human resources, to ensure a safe and efficient environment.Lead capital improvement projects by preparing capital budgets and managing projects from inception to completion.Direct IT infrastructure and cybersecurity investments to protect museum assets and streamline internal processes.Manage the human relations function, ensuring compliance with the employee manual, employment laws, and union regulations.Promote effective communication and customer service between the accounting department, staff, vendors, and clients.Earned RevenueLead the development and execution of strategies to diversify and grow earned revenue streams, including external event rentals, retail operations, food and beverage sales, and visitor engagement initiatives.Optimize pricing, explore new business opportunities, and enhance the overall visitor experience to maximize revenue.Background ProfileA deep commitment to the Museum’s mission of fostering creativity, exploration, and belonging for children and families.Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; an MBA and/or CPA is preferred.Demonstrated expertise in strategic, hands-on financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and business planning, preferably within a nonprofit organization.Proven experience managing audits, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining strong internal controls.Strong knowledge of organizational development, HR management principles, and experience with a unionized and seasonal workforce.Background in facilities management, with direct oversight of large-scale spaces, maintenance, and security operations.Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial data to senior management, the board, and external partners.Proficiency with financial software (QuickBooks desirable) and an aptitude for leveraging technology and AI to enhance productivity.How to ApplyFOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY, PLEASE CONTACT:Sarah Thompson, Senior Director, Blair Search Partners1855 1st Ave., Suite 300, San Diego, CA #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-25