JOB TITLE: Chief Financial Officer
DEPARTMENT: Finance
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
HOURS PER WEEK: 40
PAY RANGE: $135,000 to $145,000
Organization Overview
The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is dedicated to making Oregon’s long, rich history visible and accessible to all. For more than a century, OHS has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.
Position Summary
OHS is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide high-level financial leadership, strategy, and oversight for the organization. The CFO will be responsible for directing all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and financial planning, while ensuring strong internal controls and financial transparency.
As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will work closely with the Executive Director, Board Finance & Investment Committees, and senior leadership to develop and implement financial strategies that align with the organization's mission and long-term sustainability.
The ideal CFO will bring:
• Strategic Financial Leadership: Proven ability to oversee and optimize financial strategy, ensuring the long-term financial health of a nonprofit organization.
• Expertise in Nonprofit Finance: Deep knowledge of nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, compliance, and restricted funds management.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze financial trends, assess risk, and develop strategic financial solutions.
• Collaborative Leadership: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with the Executive Director, Board, and leadership team.
• Commitment to Transparency & Compliance: Ensures compliance with GAAP, financial best practices, and nonprofit regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Strategy & Leadership (40%)
• Develop and implement long-term financial plans, including scenario planning for revenue fluctuations.
• Oversee financial risk management, including compliance with grant funding, government regulations, and audit requirements.
• Provide financial insight and strategy to the Executive Director and Board to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead financial modeling and forecasting to assess the impact of various funding and expense scenarios.
• Ensure OHS maintains strong financial reserves and investment strategies in coordination with the Board Investment Committee.
Budgeting & Financial Oversight (30%)
• Oversee the annual budget process, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Implement improved budgeting processes to enhance coordination across departments and provide structured guidance to managers.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including cash flow management, revenue forecasting, and fund balance tracking.
• Supervise internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to ensure fiscal integrity.
• Ensure seamless financial reporting for grant compliance and restricted fund management.
Board & External Financial Management (15%)
• Serve as the financial liaison to the Board of Trustees, presenting financial reports and advising on fiscal strategy.
• Support the Finance and Investment Committees with accurate financial insights and reports.
• Work with auditors to ensure compliance and implementation of current financial management best practices.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks, investment firms, and financial institutions.
Supervision & Team Leadership (15%)
• Lead and support the Finance team, including the Assistant Controller, Senior Accountant, Accounts Payable/Payroll Administrator, and Accounting Specialist.
• Oversee daily accounting and financial operations.
• Ensure financial staff have the training and support needed to maintain strong financial operations.
• Oversee the implementation of financial software systems and process improvements.
Skills and Experience
Education, Experience, and Knowledge
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in financial management, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Proven experience managing complex budgets, restricted funds, and endowments in a nonprofit environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting standards, nonprofit fund accounting, and restricted funds management.
• Experience working with Board Finance and Investment Committees.
• Familiarity with nonprofit budgeting software and financial management systems (Financial Edge, PowerPlan, Questica), preferred.
Key Competencies
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work across departments and at multiple levels.
• High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills, capable of fostering collaboration within the team and across departments.
• Experience managing unionized employees and navigating a unionized environment, preferred.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to solving operational challenges.
• A track record of building and leading high-performing finance teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present financial data clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience managing external financial audits and compliance processes.
Core Work Hours/Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The role is primarily in-person, at the OHS facility in downtown Portland, with the ability to work remotely, if residing in Oregon, as needed. Occasional off-site meetings may be required. Some meetings, including Board and Committee meetings, may occur outside of normal office hours.
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
The OHS has adopted a policy where all employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Employees may request an exception from vaccination because of a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs from the HR Department.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Health insurance (medical, vision, alternative care, prescription)
• Dental insurance
• Generous paid time off
• 4% matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Museum admission and lectures, programs and gift shop discounts
• On-site parking provided
The Oregon Historical Society practices and promotes inclusiveness. We honor the diverse strengths, needs, voices, and backgrounds of all members of our community and are committed to the equitable treatment of all people and the elimination of discrimination in all its forms. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates.
How to Apply
Nonprofit Professionals Now is supporting the Oregon Historical Society in filling this essential leadership role. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the CFO position.
Application deadline: March 19th, 2025
Apply at: https://apptrkr.com/6038462