Chief Financial Officer

The Curtis Institute of Music seeks an accomplished strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure its financial health. Reporting to the President and CEO, the CFO will oversee a $27 million operating budget, a related annual audit, the investment of Curtis’s $300 million endowment fund, salary and benefits administration, retirement plans, student financial aid (in terms of impact on the budget), and the assessment of both plans and financial resources needed to maintain and upgrade Curtis’s physical facilities. Functions reporting to the CFO include finance and facilities. The CFO will manage legal affairs and contracts with outside providers (foodservice, maintenance, and housekeeping), and acts as liaison to the Finance, Investment, Audit, and Facilities committees of the Board of Trustees

The CFO serves as a critical strategic partner and trusted adviser to the President and CEO, his senior leadership team, and the Board of Trustees. The CFO is the chief financial and business and administrative officer and provides guidance and leadership to ensure the efficient and effective stewardship of Curtis’s financial and physical resources. They will play a vital role in executing the strategic plan, supporting the development of future strategic priorities, and ensuring a collaborative, productive relationship with the rest of the administrative functions.

As a key institutional leader, the CFO will encourage bold thinking, bring wise counsel, and be attracted to the opportunity to join an organization with a clear, compelling mission. With high EQ and strong analytical and problem-solving skills, they will be committed to the continuous evolution of a first-class finance function, and the institution as a whole.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

Finance

Provide leadership to the finance team and serve as trusted advisor to senior leadership and the board. Collaborate in providing strategic direction and the necessary analysis of information to allow for accurate planning, organization, and decision-making as it relates to the finances of the school. Communicate financial information effectively, persuasively, and transparently to a broad variety of internal and external constituencies, including Curtis trustees and Bok Foundation directors, and staff. Oversee the following important areas: Implementation of annual operating and capital budgets, instilling a disciplined approach to the planning process; Accounting and reporting policies to monitor budgetary compliance and to determine the cause(s) of significant variances; Internal accounting controls to record and report financial transactions accurately and to protect Curtis’s considerable assets; Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to Curtis as an employer, utilizing legal counsel as required; and The annual independent audit. Work with investment brokers and retirement plan consultants. Identify and mitigate financial risks through proactive risk management practices.

Facilities

Update and manage the Campus Facilities Master Plan, including renovation projects, preventative maintenance, and due diligence and purchase of any new buildings. Manage facility-related outside vendor contracts, competitive bids, and relationships (including, but not limited to foodservice, maintenance, security, housekeeping, hotels, emergency services, etc.). Plan, project, track, and grow revenue from outside rentals.

Board-Related Activities

Serve as Treasurer on the Curtis Board of Trustees. Serve as the primary staff resource for the Audit, Finance, Investment, and Facilities Committees, and as appropriate for Ad Hoc Committees appointed by the Board Chair. Work closely with the Director, Operations and Board Relations on other Board-related matters as needed.

Other Administrative Duties

Manage outside legal resources and other non-facility related vendor relationships. Manage the business side of relationships with other cultural arts organizations (including but not limited to The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center) and serve as Curtis’s liaison for contracts and business issues.