careers
vice president of finance + administration
what we value
Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder and a space where all children feel valued. In order to do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.
the role
National Children’s Museum is a world-class institution that aims to spark children’s imaginations and encourage them to dream. Steps off the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs.
As Vice President of Finance + Administration, you will work to ensure long-term financial stability, growth, and success of the Museum. This crucial position will lead a broad range of activities related to institutional planning, finance, human resources, and resource management, providing guidance and oversight to ensure that proper operational systems, fiscal and safety controls, and vendors are in place. Your work will support the mission of the National Children’s Museum to inspire children to care about and change the world–playing a critical role in sparking curiosity and igniting innovation for millions of children in this next generation.
what you’ll do
Financial Planning
- Lead the Museum’s financial strategy, forecasting, short-range and long range planning, and scenario analysis to support institutional growth and advancement of the Museum's strategic plan.
- Develop financial models and reporting systems to make recommendations that help leadership evaluate financial risks and opportunities.
- Oversee financial planning and analysis, including forecasting, cash flow planning, management reporting, dashboards, and performance analysis.
- Serve as the primary staff partner to the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee, preparing and presenting clear information on financial results, forecasts, and recommendations at quarterly committee meetings and preparing the Finance Chair for Board of Trustees meetings.
- Manage the Museum’s banking relationships, including cash management, treasury services, credit facilities, merchant services, and other financial products, ensuring banking arrangements support liquidity, efficiency, risk management, and institutional needs.
Accounting and Grant Administration
- Oversee the Controller, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and strong coordination between the finance department, programmatic and advancement team, and the CEO and the Board of Trustees.
- Oversee the annual audit, Form 990 preparation, GAAP compliance, and relationships with auditors, tax advisors, and other external financial partners.
- Oversee financial compliance for grants and restricted funds in partnership with the Advancement department, ensuring appropriate budgeting, tracking, reporting, and adherence to funder requirements.
- Contribute directly to the accounting department's work as needed, including month-end close, financial reporting, audit preparation, and other core accounting activities.
Systems
- Oversee monthly financial reporting, communicating financial data and opportunities to both financial and non-financial audiences.
- Lead the Museum’s strategy for core institutional systems, working across departments to improve technology, data, and systems to support an effective visitor experience, fundraising, operations, and organizational decision-making.
- Knowledge of Salesforce and QuickBooks is a plus, and experience transitioning CRM / ERP systems.
Human Resources
- Support the Director of Human Resources in leading the Museum’s human resources function, including talent management, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, policy development, compliance, and organizational development.
important experiences + traits for this role
- 8-10+ years working in management, finance, or operations;
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, advanced degree and/or CPA preferred;
- Demonstrated skills in leadership, management, financial planning and budgeting, and/or human relations;
- Experience writing, issuing, and managing RFPs and contracts;
- Knowledge or experience working with emerging technology and interactive software systems;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Expert organizational and project management skills with a proven ability to organize and prioritize work, projects, and meet deadlines;
- Experience managing multiple, complex projects through periods of growth and change;
- Experience growing and managing a team to individual and collective success;
- Financial acumen with executive level knowledge of legal requirements and contractual concepts required;
- Must be strategic, organized, and detail-oriented;
- Self-starter able to take charge of tasks and make decisions swiftly;
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship;
- Be a positive, collaborative member of National Children’s Museum Team’s creative culture; and
- Passion for the mission and values of National Children’s Museum.
details
hours + location
Full-time position located at the National Children’s Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Must be available to work onsite from 9am to 5pm at least four days per week, and remotely one day per week. Occasional travel required.
compensation
$130,00 - $150,00 per year, commensurate with experience and skill set.
to apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to hr@nationalchildrensmuseum.org with the subject line: Vice President of Finance + Administration
The National Children’s Museum is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, personal appearance, sexual orientation, political affiliation, family responsibilities, disability, matriculation, marital status or any other category protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment at NCM, including, but not limited to recruitment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training and development, access to facilities, discipline, separation of employment and other terms and conditions of employment.