Overview

The Massachusetts Historical Society is seeking a full-time Chief Financial Officer. The CFO will oversee an annual operating budget of $10MM (including payroll and benefits of $7.0 million), with revenue sourced 70% from endowments and 30% from grants and institutional fundraising. The Society, founded in 1791 and located in the Back Bay of Boston, is America’s oldest historical society. Its mission is to promote understanding of Massachusetts and national history by providing access to collections, research opportunities, exhibits, programs, teacher workshops, and more. The CFO ensures that business operations are managed efficiently in support of the mission, covering finance and accounting, information technology, and facilities/safety. This position reports to the President and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, with direct management of the Controller, Chief Technology Officer, and the Director of Facilities and Safety (total staff of 8).

Work Site and Schedule: This job is eligible for hybrid work, but regular on-site presence at 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, is required, along with in-person attendance for staff meetings, board and committee meetings, occasional events, and other programming as needed. This is a salaried position with a 35-hour week; evenings, weekends, and hours outside regular business hours may be required. Minimal travel required.

Major Responsibilities

• Oversees all finance and accounting activities, including grant accounting; develops and maintains internal controls to protect assets and ensure accurate reports to management, the Board of Trustees, and external entities; develops and manages the annual operating and capital budgets; presents to the finance committee and board for approval; and generates reports including quarterly internal financial statements, financial projections, and actual vs. budget results.
• Manages the Society’s endowment accounting, investment transactions, valuations, and investment-advisor relationships to protect endowment assets and support the Society’s viability.
• Manages cash flow and operating and capital expenditures within budget.
• Leads the annual audit process, including preparation of financial statements and footnotes, and ensures records are complete for the audit. Manages annual tax filings and required non-tax filings.
• Manages risk and protects assets by negotiating contracts (insurance, security, real estate, legal services) and oversees lease administration for Society-owned property.
• Analyzes financial and legal aspects of major bequests and donor contracts to align with the Society’s mission and practical implementation.
• With the Director of Human Resources, oversees annual audits/statements/filings related to employee benefit plans, including budgeting/quoting renewals, plan changes, and pension revisions as required by law.
• Oversees Finance functions including payroll, retirement plan compliance, and required financial/human resource filings requiring financial review or audit support.
• Oversees Information Technology Systems, supervising the CTO and IT contractors.
• Oversees Facilities and Safety, including the Director of Facilities & Safety.

Requirements

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
• Certified Public Accountant required
• Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years’ experience in finance and operations
• Minimum of 7 years’ progressive nonprofit experience as a second-level financial manager or finance executive
• Experience collaborating with senior executives and board members from diverse backgrounds and with board committees
• IT leadership experience and ability to support internal users’ needs
• Knowledge of endowment management issues
• Understanding of how HR issues intersect with finance operations
• Knowledge of facilities and environmental systems in sophisticated work environments (preferred)
• Knowledge of security systems operations and management (preferred)
• Significant experience leading budgeting processes and coaching managers through budget design and strategy

Skills

• Strong planning and organization, with the ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and financial systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics/Business Central), and experience updating, migrating, or implementing software and hardware to support finance, IT, and HR functions
• Analytical ability to translate technical information for audiences with varying financial acumen
• Collegial and persuasive communication; ability to drive change and sustain financial and administrative health
• Management skills to direct a broad operational portfolio through functional managers and to provide professional development for staff
• Strong internal services orientation

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range is $155,000.00-$170,000.00/year. Benefits include health and vision coverage, 100% employer-funded dental, life, and disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with Roth options and Safe Harbor employer contribution; a 457(b) plan for eligible employees; unlimited sick time, 13 paid holidays per year, and generous vacation and personal time off.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The MHS is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants of all backgrounds are welcome. For accommodation needs during the application process, contact our Director of Human Resources, Erika Barrie, at erikabarrie@masshist.org or 617-646-0581.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to the Director of Human Resources, Erika Barrie, as a single PDF to cfosearch@masshist.org. A full copy of the job description is available upon request. Applicants who do not apply to cfosearch@masshist.org will not be considered. Finalists may be asked to provide three professional references and to undergo a background check and CORI/SORI verification.

Note: This description focuses on the Chief Financial Officer role at the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston, MA.