Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the Principal/Head of Schools and Board of Directors. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability, and strengthening organizational infrastructure.

The CFO will oversee all financial operations across two affiliated nonprofit entities and play a critical role in aligning financial stewardship with institutional growth, innovation, and mission delivery.

This role is ideally suited for a forward-thinking financial executive who brings both technical excellence and strategic insight within complex, mission-driven environments.

• →Provide enterprise-wide financial leadership and strategic direction
• →Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board Finance Committee
• →Lead long-range financial planning, scenario modeling, and capital strategy
• →Oversee financial reporting, audits, tax compliance, and investment oversight
• →Direct the annual budgeting process and multi-year forecasting
• →Strengthen internal controls, financial systems, and risk management frameworks
• →Ensure compliance with all nonprofit regulatory and reporting requirements
• →Partner cross-functionally to support programmatic and fundraising initiatives
• →Lead and develop a high-performing finance function

The ideal candidate is a seasoned financial executive with a strong track record of leadership in nonprofit, education, or similarly complex organizations. The CFO must be both strategic and hands-on, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.

• Executive presence and ability to influence at the Board level
• Deep expertise in nonprofit finance, compliance, and governance
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills
• Collaborative leader with a commitment to mission-driven work
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment

• 12–15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including executive-level roles
• CPA strongly preferred (or equivalent advanced financial credential)
• Demonstrated experience working with Boards and Finance Committees
• Expertise in financial planning & analysis, audit oversight, and internal controls
• Experience managing complex budgets and multiple funding streams
• Familiarity with nonprofit accounting systems (Financial Edge preferred)

This search is being conducted to identify a transformational financial leader capable of supporting the next phase of organizational growth and sustainability. Candidates should be prepared to engage in a multi-stage interview process, including interaction with executive leadership and members of the Board.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their leadership experience and alignment with the mission.

Duke Ellington School of the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.