Chief Financial Officer, Cincinnati Opera

Cincinnati Opera is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to oversee the company’s financial operations. The CFO has primary oversight responsibility for Cincinnati Opera’s financial health and for the management of select administration functions, including human resources, information technology, and legal/contractual obligations. Reporting to the General Director & CEO, the CFO is a key member of the senior leadership team. The ideal candidate will have an exceptional track record of sound financial management and will be an enthusiastic supporter of opera, an excellent communicator, and a relationship builder who values diversity.

Cincinnati Opera is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to oversee the company’s financial operations. The CFO has primary oversight responsibility for Cincinnati Opera’s financial health and for the management of select administration functions, including human resources, information technology, and legal/contractual obligations. Reporting to the General Director & CEO, the CFO is a key member of the senior leadership team. The ideal candidate will have an exceptional track record of sound financial management and will be an enthusiastic supporter of opera, an excellent communicator, and a relationship builder who values diversity. 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Working with the senior leadership team and board, lead the organization to maintain and improve its financial well-being.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the board’s Finance & Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, working with trustee-chairs to develop agendas, provide recommendations for committee actions, and present data and reports, as needed.
• Establish excellent working relationships with trustees, donors, vendors, and producing partners.
• Advise CEO and board leadership on business strategy, long-term financial planning, and risk management.
• Lead the development and management of the annual budget and capital budgets, as needed.
• Direct supervisory responsibility for Controller, Director of Technology, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and HR Manager.
• Oversee the organization’s accounting function.
• Oversee human resources, including employee-benefit plans and payroll.
• Monitor Cincinnati Opera’s endowment investments, liaising with investment advisors and providing reports as needed.
• Manage insurance needs and serve as the primary liaison to insurance providers.
• Liaise with legal counsel as needed.
• Review and approve all contracts.
• Oversee the annual audit and preparation of Form 990.
• Manage strategy for increasing supplier diversity and promoting inclusivity in business practices.
• Oversee strategic partnerships for which Cincinnati Opera provides accounting/finance support.
• Contribute to discussions about programming and long-term vision and strategy.
• Serve as an encouraging leader, providing vision for a five-person team.
• Promote a collaborative, participatory, inclusive, and compassionate work environment.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to work evenings, weekends, and travel locally.
• The position requires work in an office setting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited university in business, accounting, finance, economics, or another relevant field
• Ten or more years in management, including oversight of accounting or finance operations
• Professional experience with non-profit financial management
• An optimistic and solution-oriented temperament
• Excellent verbal, written, and listening skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, especially during the company’s summer season 

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA certification
• Experience with endowment management
• Professional experience with a performing arts organization
• Familiarity with QuickBooks and Tessitura

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range from $105,000-120,000, commensurate with experience. Cincinnati Opera offers an extensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance; paid time off; parking; and 403(b) with a portion matched by the company.

About Cincinnati Opera
Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera is one of the oldest and most highly regarded opera companies in the United States. Known for its longstanding partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a roster of world-class singers, and its spectacular performance venue, Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera has received numerous accolades and awards, including a recent nomination for the prestigious International Opera Award. Cincinnati Opera offers a primary season of performances from June through August (paid attendance 17,000-20,000), plus a host of events through the year, including educational programming, small-scale public performances, recitals, and fundraisers.

How to Apply

To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to hr@cincinnatiopera.org or Human Resources, Cincinnati Opera, 1243 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Initial review of applications will take place on December 20, 2022.

Cincinnati Opera is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.