Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the organization’s chief administrative and financial officer, responsible for directing and coordinating vital systems underpinning the Western Reserve Historical Society’s organizational functions : financial systems and management, information systems and technology, and human resources. Reporting to the President & CEO, the CFO will be a key member of the leadership team by providing both strategic and operational leadership, balancing vision and planning with hands‑on operational excellence.

Founded in 1867, Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) is the oldest cultural institution in Cleveland. WRHS is an American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Accredited (2025) American history organization with seven sites across a four-county area of Northeast Ohio and the trusted steward of Northeast Ohio’s documented and material history. WRHS safeguards and shares Cleveland, Northeast Ohio and American history through experiential programming and groundbreaking exhibitions. WRHS engages the community through its Library and Museum collections that together represent one of the country’s finest collections relating to the American experience.

WRHS is regularly open to the public at two locations : the Cleveland History Center (CHC), home to the Library and Archives, the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, the Chisholm Hale Costume Wing, the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, the historic Bingham‑Hanna and Hay‑McKinney Mansions, and Museum Galleries for permanent and rotating exhibits. WRHS’s nearly eight acres in the heart of University Circle is known for its architectural, artifact, and archival treasures. Hale Farm & Village (HFV), located in Bath, Ohio (Summit County) in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, is a 90‑plus‑acre outdoor living history museum with 34 historic structures. WRHS’s other properties are available by appointment.

The CFO will have leadership responsibility for critical areas of the organization that provide the foundation for programs and services and the realization of its mission. They will be responsible for WRHS financial reporting, budget and oversight, annual audit, human resources management and facilities and security at the Cleveland History Center. The CFO is the chief liaison to the Board finance, audit and investment committees.

ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The CFO reports to, and works closely with, the President & CEO of WRHS regarding overall and strategic fiscal matters, human resources, IS / IT, and other matters as deemed necessary by the President & CEO. He / she will serve on the Senior Management Team of WRHS and will serve as staff liaison to Board of Directors’ committees focused on financial management and WRHS’s fixed assets, including the audit committee and investment committee, and works closely with the Board Treasurer. The CFO is expected to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting, Budget, & Oversight

• Provide leadership in the development of short and long‑range financial plans and goals and projections;
• With input and advice from the other members of the Management Team, develop the annual budget and oversee systems to ensure that the budget reflects the strategic goals of the institution;
• Work collaboratively with the President and CEO and Chief Historic Preservation Officer on the accounting of and accurate, complete and timely financial reporting for all WRHS capital projects;
• Oversee fiscal staff, manage annual audit with staff and audit partners, strengthen and enhance fiscal functions and reporting systems, fulfilling all deliverables;
• Manage the financial function so that financial reports are accurate and timely, reports to both public and private funders are completed on schedule; and timely and accurate financial analysis is provided to the President & CEO, senior management, relevant board committees, and the Board of Directors;
• Ensure all tax filings are accurate and timely;
• Ensure best practices in nonprofit management are implemented and consistently applied;
• Responsible for risk assessment and management.

Human Resources Management

Cleveland History Center and Macedonia Warehouse Facilities & Security

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The critical success factors for the WRHS CFO require someone who :

This is a full time, salaried, exempt position per the Department of Labor guidelines. The salary range is $125,000-$140,000. Agreed upon salary will be dependent upon experience and skillset of the candidate.

Deadline to apply is December 15, 2025.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume to Jennifer Dukes, HR Manager at jdukes@wrhs.org.

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