Director of Finance

Department: Finance & Administration
Reports to: Executive Director
Hybrid/Texas

Overview
The Director of Finance is a seasoned nonprofit financial leader and a key member of the Chinati Foundation’s senior leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Development, this role provides strategic guidance to ensure the organization’s fiscal health, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability. Through strategic leadership and collaboration, the Director of Finance ensures that Chinati’s resources are managed responsibly and in support of its mission, serving as a trusted advisor on matters of budgeting, internal controls, risk management, and safeguarding of organizational assets.

This position oversees the full range of financial functions, including general, grant, and capital accounting; budget development and monitoring; financial reporting and audit readiness; risk management; investment monitoring; and the administration of employee benefits. In addition, the role supports key human resources activities by coordinating select personnel processes and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Finance Reporting & Planning

Prepares financial statements, cash flow forecasts, and budget-to-actual analyses for leadership, Board, and Finance Committee.
Oversees annual budgeting process and long-term financial planning in alignment with strategic priorities.
Provides accurate reporting on restricted, endowment, and campaign funds to ensure compliance and stewardship.
Develops internal controls and financial strategies to safeguard resources and support sustainability.
Produces timely reports to external evaluators and state regulatory filings.
Prepares funder financial reports and ensures grant expenditures align with approved budgets.
Monitors investment performance and executes transfers between operating, endowment, and investment accounts.
Accounting

Directs accounting operations with support from staff and consultants, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Manages cash flow, reconciliations, billing, deposits, and credit card activities.
Oversees audits, tax filings, and compliance with GAAP, IRS, and state regulations.
Maintains accounting control over restricted and endowment funds.
Human Resources

Maintains employee records and supports onboarding, offboarding, and compliance with labor laws.
Manages payroll, retirement contributions, and time/attendance tracking.
Administers benefits programs and annual enrollments; ensures compliance with retirement plan regulations.
Coordinates annual review of Employee Handbook and HR policies with COO.
Assists with insurance claims, including workers’ compensation and disability.
Risk Management

Identifies and manages financial risks related to operations and investments.
Coordinates insurance policies, renewals, and claims with carriers.
Staff Supervision & Departmental Management

Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates finance staff, interns, and consultants.
Oversees departmental workflow and priorities to ensure effective operations.
Demonstrates flexibility and a hands-on approach, contributing to tasks across levels as needed to support a small, dynamic organization.
Models collaborative leadership by stepping into operational or administrative duties when circumstances require.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration required; advanced degree (MBA) or professional certification (CPA) strongly preferred.
5–7 years of progressive nonprofit finance and accounting leadership experience, ideally in organizations with budgets of $3M or more.
Minimum of 3 years supervisory experience, with proven ability to lead and develop finance staff and manage external consultants.
Deep knowledge of GAAP, cost control principles, and nonprofit financial management, with demonstrated success in budgeting, reporting, audits, and investment oversight.
Experience administering employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, and insurance plans, with working knowledge of compliance requirements.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and produce clear, accurate, and timely reports and projections.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present financial information to diverse stakeholders including staff, board members, and external partners.
Commitment to hands-on leadership and adaptability in a small, mission-driven organization.
Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Quickbooks.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events.
Knowledge of or interest in museum administration and/or contemporary art is a plus.
Terms
This is a regular, full-time, exempt, hybrid position. The employee must be located in the state of Texas and travel to Marfa several times a year including required travel during critical periods (audit, budgeting, Chinati Weekend). Regular work hours are 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Other weekend, holiday, and evening hours are required as needed.

The compensation for this role is $90,000 to $100,000 per year. Chinati provides a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, paid time off and an employer sponsored 403(b) retirement plan. Chinati is a qualified employer for the public service loan forgiveness program. Applicants must be authorized to work for an employer in the U.S. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas at this time.

To Apply
Email a cover letter and resume to jobs@chinati.org.