The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation presents a comprehensive program of tours, exhibitions, lectures, special events, and adult and youth education activities, all designed to enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation of Chicago’s outstanding architectural legacy.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Advise the CEO and senior management team on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, operating plans, and policy matters. 

• Be a major contributor to the development of CAF’s strategic goals, objectives and management of the organization.  Establish key performance metrics and translate key strategic goals into financial and operational measures or milestones.
• Drive the organization’s fiscal strategy and work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve organizational strategic and annual financial goals.
• Represent the organization externally, with key external partners, in conjunction with the Controller and Director of Human Resources.  Foster ongoing positive relations with the organization’s key constituencies, including board members, the Finance Committee, banking, building management, insurance consultants, legal, and accounting firm relationships.
• Responsible for development of five year financial projections in conjunction with Strategic Planning,  oversight of  the budget planning process and its alignment with the strategic plan, organizational objectives and budgets, as well as the execution of short and long term deliverables.
• Responsible for negotiations and managing ongoing relationships with bank, investment institutions and facility management.
• Designs and coordinate a wide variety of accounting and statistical data and reports.
• Strong knowledge of investment theory, management and practice with the ability to apply this knowledge towards developing and maintaining an investment strategy in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, member of the Finance Committee and the Controller. 

• Serve as the senior management liaison to the board finance committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at select board and committee meetings.

• Foster an environment of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Maintain an atmosphere of collaboration and communication within his/her area of responsibility and support his/her team in their collaborative efforts with other members of the organization.

Finance, Facilities and Human Resources         

• Oversee all financial functions including Accounting, Tax, Treasury, and Planning.  Guide Controller in directing the overall financial plans and accounting practices.

• Oversight of key treasury responsibilities including cash management, executing required financing, managing investments and review of monthly finance statements.
• Oversee compliance with government rules and guidelines, including tax filings, grants, and reporting. 
• Support Controller in establishing and refining an effective system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards and procedures. 
• Lead the analysis and provide direction on all risk management issues for the organization, including contract review, legal guidance, assessment of business insurance, real estate and leasing decisions, potential liabilities, and conflicts of interest. 
• Maintain an effective internal control structure, including segregation of duties and safeguarding of the Foundation’s assets.
• Work closely with Finance Committee of the Board, working with the Chair to schedule meetings and set agendas for timely decision making, preparing and distributing materials to the Committee in a timely fashion, managing presentations to ensure Finance Committee is appropriately informed for decision making/advising the Board and following good governance practices.
• Assist Director of Human Resources in creation and execution of overall Human Resources strategy in order to achieve the organization’s strategic goal of a high performing and highly engaged staff.  
• Ensure that the human resource function is represented within the senior management team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Oversee the planning, coordinating, and execution of the annual budget and operating planning process.   Review and analyze budgeting revenues and expenses, forecast revisions, and cash flow projections.
• Analyze operational performance, budgetary issues, and financial performance at macro and micro levels and help develop plans to anticipate and address deviations or shortfalls; proactively monitoring and adjusting budgets and spending when actual results differ from planned results.
• Oversee the facility and asset management for the organization.  Ensure that spaces and assets are functioning and maintained in good working order.  Direct the capital facility projects and improvements for the organization.

• Support the Human Resource Director in evaluating and redesigning as necessary, compensation and benefits plans, ensuring that they support the company’s business objectives and are competitive, cost-effective and meet the needs of employees.

Team Leadership

• Organizational leadership is key to the success of the individual in this role; the CFO will not only lead their team on a day to day basis, but will also act as key liaison for the Chief Executive Officer and staff members at Chicago Architecture Foundation
• Lead the work of the finance, accounting, human resources, facilities, and functions.  Align departmental goals with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Coach and ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.
• Mentor staff and promote a culture of collaboration and communication.
• Direct the goals and priorities of direct reports, establish performance metrics, and monitor and evaluate outcomes.

Skills and Attributes

• Expertise in finance and accounting, including cash flow management, investment strategy, financing, risk management and organizational planning
• Experienced in and understanding of human resource concepts and practice
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate financial data to various constituencies

• Experience with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations

• Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills; ability to effectively interact with senior management, board members, staff and external stakeholders
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker
• Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask
• Excellent project management skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, familiarity with various accounting products and financial systems

Education and Experience Requirement

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred or MBA preferred
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in a senior management role
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning and analysis required
• Experience overseeing Human Resources and Facilities preferred
• Experience working in a nonprofit setting preferred
• Expertise in a variety of the fields concepts, practices and procedures

Chicago Architecture Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.