Senior director of financial planning

Position: Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Finance and Accounting

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis will serve as a strategic financial leader, responsible for driving comprehensive financial planning, analysis, and reporting processes that support organizational decision-making and mission advancement. A critical component of this role involves leading the implementation and optimization of integrated reporting and budgeting software systems to modernize our financial infrastructure. This position also oversees pricing strategy development and analytics to optimize revenue generation and program effectiveness. This role requires a seasoned finance professional who can navigate the unique complexities of non-profit financial management while providing executive leadership with actionable insights to optimize resource allocation and program effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Planning

• Lead the organization's annual budgeting process across all programs, departments, and funding sources

• Implement a forecasting process to provide the executive team and Board of Trustees with an accurate view of the financials as we move through the fiscal year

• Develop and maintain multi-year strategic financial plans aligned with organizational mission and growth objectives

• Create financial models to evaluate program expansion, new initiatives, and strategic partnerships

• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish performance metrics and financial targets for mission-critical activities

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and financial reports for executive leadership, board of directors, and key stakeholders

• Conduct variance analysis comparing actual results to budget and forecast, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions

• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboard reporting for organizational performance monitoring

• Leverage advanced reporting capabilities to provide real-time financial insights and predictive analytics

• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and operational improvements

Systems Implementation & Technology Leadership

• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of an integrated reporting and budgeting software platform

• Manage full project lifecycle from vendor selection through system deployment, user training, and optimization

• Establish data governance protocols and ensure seamless integration with existing financial systems

• Develop comprehensive user training programs and change management strategies to drive organization-wide adoption

Pricing Strategy & Revenue Optimization

• Oversee a comprehensive pricing framework for the Museum’s programs and audiences

• Monitor pricing effectiveness and recommend adjustments based on profitability, market conditions, and organizational capacity

• Develop models for revenue forecasting and budgeting, including regular updates throughout the year

Team Leadership & Development

• Establish best practices for financial planning, analysis, and reporting processes

• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy of financial operations

• Build analytical capabilities within the finance team and across the organization

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred

• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in senior financial planning roles

• Minimum 3 years of experience in non-profit financial management, preferably with organizations of similar size and complexity

• Proven track record of leading financial planning and analysis functions

• Experience in pricing strategy development and revenue optimization

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting

• Expert-level Excel skills and experience with financial planning software

• Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting principles, including fund accounting and restricted revenue recognition

• Proficiency in financial reporting and data tools

Leadership & Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

• Experience working with board of directors and executive leadership

• Proven ability to influence decision-making through data-driven insights

• Ability to translate complex analytics into actionable business recommendations

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA certification or advanced degree in Finance/Accounting

• Experience with large-scale non-profit organizations ($50M+ annual revenue)

• Experience with enterprise systems implementation

• Previous board reporting experience

Supervision Received:

This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer

Supervision Exercised:

Manages a team of 2 professionals. The role works closely with the senior leadership across the organization.

Hybrid Eligibility: Eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation: Not Applicable.

Pay Range: $160,000-$180,000

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at [email protected] .