Do you believe every child deserves the best start in life? Want to shape the financial strategy and systems that power an organization to do that work? At the Bay Area Discovery Museum, we’re seeking a strategic and collaborative Chief Financial and Operations Officer to ensure our long-term sustainability and impact. This role blends big-picture thinking with hands-on leadership across finance, facilities, food service, and more—supporting a mission that serves over 380,000 children and caregivers each year.
Position Summary
The CFOO is a strategic leader responsible for ensuring the financial health, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of the Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM). Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Leadership Team, the CFOO oversees Finance, Human Resources, IT, Facilities, Exhibition Production, Food & Beverage, and overall museum operations. This role blends vision and hands-on leadership to support BADM’s mission to ignite curiosity and foster development in young children, serving more than 380,000 visitors annually.
The CFOO is responsible for multi-year strategic financial planning, aligning resources with institutional goals, and driving business models that support organizational growth. They serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Board, a collaborative partner across departments, and the primary liaison to the National Park Service’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area business office.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial & Business Leadership
- Lead multi-year strategic financial and operational planning.
- Align annual and long-term budgets with institutional priorities and sustainable growth strategies.
- Partner with the CEO and Leadership Team on financial forecasting, business modeling, and performance metrics (e.g., attendance, enrollment).
- Evaluate and improve financial and operational systems, policies, and practices.
- Use internal and external data to inform strategic decisions and resource allocation.
Financial Oversight
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, financial reporting, investments, and risk management.
- Manage audits, tax filings, and financial compliance with support from the Controller.
- Deliver clear financial reporting to the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Board Committees.
- Build financial literacy and planning capacity across departments.
Operational & Risk Management
- Supervise leaders across Finance, HR, Facilities, Exhibit Production, and Operations.
- Oversee IT infrastructure and vendor relationships, including food service and technology.
- Manage legal, insurance, and risk mitigation in partnership with the CEO and outside counsel.
- Ensure effective planning, safety, and execution of the museum’s physical infrastructure and exhibit production.
- Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Ideal Candidate
- At least 5 years of senior nonprofit finance and operations leadership experience in a complex, multi-revenue organization.
- Proven ability to lead strategic financial planning and support organizational growth.
- Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Skilled in nonprofit accounting, audits, compliance, and financial systems.
- Experience overseeing HR, IT, legal, facilities, or food services a plus.