The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and The Ellington Fund are premier, mission-driven 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to academic excellence and artistic achievement. Serving as a nationally recognized model for arts education, the organizations operate in a dynamic, creative environment that requires both operational rigor and visionary leadership.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the Principal/Head of Schools and Board of Directors. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability, and strengthening organizational infrastructure.The CFO will oversee all financial operations across two affiliated nonprofit entities and play a critical role in aligning financial stewardship with institutional growth, innovation, and mission delivery.This role is ideally suited for a forward-thinking financial executive who brings both technical excellence and strategic insight within complex, mission-driven environments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide enterprise-wide financial leadership and strategic direction
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board Finance Committee
- Lead long-range financial planning, scenario modeling, and capital strategy
- Oversee financial reporting, audits, tax compliance, and investment oversight
- Direct the annual budgeting process and multi-year forecasting
- Strengthen internal controls, financial systems, and risk management frameworks
- Ensure compliance with all nonprofit regulatory and reporting requirements
- Partner cross-functionally to support programmatic and fundraising initiatives
- Lead and develop a high-performing finance function
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate is a seasoned financial executive with a strong track record of leadership in nonprofit, education, or similarly complex organizations. The CFO must be both strategic and hands-on, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.
Key attributes include:
- Executive presence and ability to influence at the Board level
- Deep expertise in nonprofit finance, compliance, and governance
- Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills
- Collaborative leader with a commitment to mission-driven work
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment
QUALIFICATIONS
- 12–15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including executive-level roles
- CPA strongly preferred (or equivalent advanced financial credential)
- Demonstrated experience working with Boards and Finance Committees
- Expertise in financial planning & analysis, audit oversight, and internal controls
- Experience managing complex budgets and multiple funding streams
- Familiarity with nonprofit accounting systems (Financial Edge preferred)
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS (BENCHMARKED)
The anticipated compensation for this role is competitive and commensurate with experience, aligned with national benchmarks for nonprofit CFO positions within similarly sized and complex organizations in the education and arts sector.
- Base Salary Range: $170,000 – $185,000
- Potential Additional Considerations:
- Performance-based incentive or retention bonus (where applicable)
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
- Retirement plan participation
- Paid time off and institutional holidays
The final compensation package will be determined based on experience, credentials, and demonstrated impact in comparable leadership roles.
SEARCH & SELECTION PROCESS
This search is being conducted to identify a transformational financial leader capable of supporting the next phase of organizational growth and sustainability. Candidates should be prepared to engage in a multi-stage interview process, including interaction with executive leadership and members of the Board.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their leadership experience and alignment with the mission.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Duke Ellington School of the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
