Chief Financial Officer

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), internationally renowned for the excellence and breadth of its conservatory programs, seeks a Chief Financial Officer to join a vibrant leadership team at one of the world’s preeminent, independent conservatories. The Chief Financial Officer will have a passion for classical music, deep experience in higher education, and an intellect and instinct for the art of strategic financial planning, analysis, and oversight. He or she will be a proactive and collaborative leader, a superb communicator with a commitment to transparency, have a substantial record of strategic financial leadership., and will be dedicated to continuing to move The Cleveland Institute of Music forward as a center of excellence in classical music.

As a senior member of CIM’s President’s Council and designated by the President as an administrative and executive officer, the CFO will be a thought-partner alongside a strategically driven and innovative President and Provost – as well as an equally driven and supportive Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and student body – in overseeing and enhancing the financial management of the Institute, which includes: resource allocation, financial strategy, capital planning, debt management, external financial reporting, cash flow optimization, and financial information systems. The CFO’s business responsibilities encompass treasury, investment, budgets, accounting systems, financial audits, insurances, legal & compliance, and accounting oversight of the endowment. She or he will manage a team that includes a Controller, Staff Accountants and Mailroom & Copy Center Coordinator.

The ideal CFO candidate will have, as a minimum, 10 years of relevant experience in a financial leadership role, preferably with both external audit and in-house financial management experience. Experience with, and knowledge of, higher education finance is preferred. She or he will hold a business, finance, or accounting degree, with a master’s or graduate degree in related field highly desirable. A CPA designation, while not required, is desirable. The preferred candidate would also have significant senior level administrative experience in financial and business operations of higher education or not-for-profit arenas, and demonstrated success in working with all levels of staff (board, executive, administrative, faculty, students, etc.) The CFO role requires broad knowledge of various aspects of operations and finance including contract negotiations, public bond financing and lease vs. purchase analysis.

The Cleveland Institute of Music, founded in 1920 with composer Ernest Bloch as the founding director, is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States, one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance and the only one nestled in America’s heartland. CIM’s campus – in the world-class center of innovation in healthcare, education and arts & culture known as University Circle – offers an incomparable environment for learning, study and artistic development. CIM’s graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, chamber musicians and ensemble members; compose meaningful, award-winning new repertoire; and are highly sought-after teaching artists, administrators and thought leaders. More than half of the members of The Cleveland Orchestra are connected to CIM as members of the faculty, alumni or both. The Institute’s diverse talent tapestry uniquely positions CIM as the future of classical music.

All CIM students benefit from access to world-renowned visiting artists and conductors, intensive study with CIM’s stellar faculty and the rich curriculum offered by CIM’s partner Case Western Reserve University. CIM’s Center for Innovative Musicianship (known as CIM²) embraces the school’s mission to empower the world’s most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential by offering extensive experiential opportunities for students to foster the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition into a professional career.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will remain open until December 15, 2021. Candidates should provide, as two separate documents, a resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the detailed leadership profile, which will be provided to interested applicants. These materials and informational requests should be directed to:

Larry S. Imely

CEO
Lawrence Stephen Partners, Inc.
limely@lawsteptnrs.com

The Cleveland Institute of Music is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to diversity. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. CIM’s policies, programs, and activities comply with federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity and/or expression or sexual orientation.