Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer
New Yesterday
Overview The 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 participate through access programs designed to remove barriers and ensure the Museum is open and welcoming to all. Our programs include 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 world. In 2024, we launched Artopia: NCM Creative Studios, a 5,000-square-foot hub offering hands-on workshops for all ages. For more information, visit: https://thinkplaycreate.org/
Location : This 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 Summary Reporting 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. The CFO/COO will foster a collaborative environment, driving strategic initiatives and maintaining strong relationships with internal teams and external partners. This high-profile leader will guide continued growth and infrastructure investments, and lead earned revenue growth and diversification, including oversight of key revenue streams such as event rentals, retail, and food and beverage sales, as well as developing new point-of-sale opportunities to enhance visitor engagement and profitability.
First Year Priorities:
Immerse yourself in the Museum's culture, build strong relationships with the team, and become familiar with 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 forecasts.
With the Executive Team and Board of Directors, develop a 10+ year Master Plan for long-term viability of the Museum building and infrastructure.
Time Allocation:
Finance and Accounting – 50%
Building Facilities and Operations – 30%
Staff Management – 10%
Human Resources – 10%
Key Areas of Responsibility Strategic Leadership & Planning Collaborate with the Executive Team on high-level strategy, problem-solving, and the development of organizational systems and policies.
Drive short and long-term strategic planning with the board and its committees to develop financial plans and projections.
Serve as the primary staff liaison to the board and its committees, including Finance, Investment, Audit, and Building.
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability to support continuous improvement.
Supervise, coach, and mentor staff to achieve departmental goals.
Direct all financial operations, including the management of a $6M budget, financial forecasting, cash flow, and year-end reporting.
Oversee the accounting department to ensure proper maintenance of all systems, including fund accounting and grant management.
Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting for funders, management, and the board.
Manage the annual audit process, tax return filings, and continuous improvement of internal controls and procedures.
Ensure legal and regulatory compliance by staying current on relevant nonprofit laws.
Operations & Administration Oversee all core operational departments, including facilities, security, IT, and human resources, to ensure a safe and efficient environment.
Lead capital improvement projects by preparing budgets and managing projects from inception to completion.
Direct IT infrastructure and cybersecurity investments to protect museum assets and streamline processes.
Manage the human resources 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 Revenue Lead 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 Profile / Qualifications A deep commitment to the Museum's mission of fostering creativity, exploration, and belonging for children and families.
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field; MBA and/or CPA preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic, hands-on financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and business planning, preferably in a nonprofit.
Experience managing audits, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining strong internal controls.
Strong knowledge of organizational development, HR management, and union workforce experience.
Background in facilities management with oversight of large-scale spaces, maintenance, and security operations.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills 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.
Requirements & Employment Details Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Finance, Accounting/Auditing, and Management
Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, Non-profit Organizations, Civic and Social Organizations
Note: Some boilerplate job-related notices and external referrals messaging have been omitted to focus on the core responsibilities and qualifications of the CFO/COO role.
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- Location:
- San Diego, CA, United States
- Salary:
- $250,000 +
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Finance, Management & Operations