Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of Navy Pier’s executive leadership team, responsible for the development and execution of financial strategy to support long-term sustainability and mission-driven growth. The CFO provides financial stewardship, operational insight, and strategic guidance to ensure the organization’s fiscal health and integrity. This role oversees all financial functions, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, compliance, investments, and risk management, while also supporting enterprise-wide decision-making that advances Navy Pier’s mission, vision, and values.

The incoming CFO will inherit a high-functioning and cohesive accounting and finance team. Core priorities for the CFO will be to develop and advance strategic initiatives to ensure revenue generation and operational efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Financial Planning

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors, providing data-driven insights and long-term financial planning aligned with organizational priorities.
• Play a key role in strategic planning, capital planning, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Lead the development of annual and multi-year budgets in collaboration with business leaders.
• Ensure that all Navy Pier team members have the financial tools and information they need to effectively manage programs and services to meet goals.
• Evaluate new business models, public-private partnerships, earned revenue strategies, and capital investments to support mission-aligned growth.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, cash flow management, forecasting, and reporting.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent financial reporting for internal stakeholders, external partners, and the Board.
• Maintain systems for real-time financial performance dashboards, KPIs, and scenario modeling.
• Ensure the annual audit and tax preparation processes run effectively and efficiently in collaboration with external accounting firm.
• Continue to refine existing monthly financial reporting and analytical business tools for use by management and Board members to make timely and informed business decisions in support of the affiliate's strategic plan and annual budget.

 Internal Controls, Risk and Compliance

• Develop and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
• Emphasize the importance of setting a positive tone at the top to foster a culture of integrity and ethical behavior across the organization.
• Oversee enterprise risk management including insurance, liability, property insurance, cyber security, and contractual obligations.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations including IRS, GAAP, and nonprofit financial regulations (e.g., 990 filings).

Revenue Strategy & Fund Development Support

• Partner with the Chief Strategy Officer and Advancement team to develop and implement a financial strategy that supports grants, major gifts, public funding, and philanthropic investments.
• Analyze funding proposals, pricing models, and restricted/unrestricted revenue strategies.
• Manage restricted funds in alignment with donor intent and organizational policy.

Treasury, Banking & Investments

• Oversee cash flow, liquidity management, and working capital strategy.
• Manage banking relationships, debt covenants, and investment portfolios.
• Advise on capital structure and financing strategies for major projects or infrastructure improvements.

Technology, Procurement, and Administrative Services

• Oversee financial systems and business technology to ensure operational efficiency and data integrity.
• Supervise procurement policies and ensure ethical, cost-effective vendor management.
• Support IT and administrative functions as needed to strengthen operational infrastructure.

Board Relations

• Serve as lead for the Finance Committee of the Board.
• Prepare materials and present financial updates and strategic analyses to the Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and Executive Committees.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• CPA or equivalent credential required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally with a complex nonprofit, public institution, or mission-driven enterprise.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Familiarity with nonprofit accounting standards (FASB, GAAP) and experience with fund accounting, grants management, and donor-restricted funds.
• Direct fiscal management to ensure financial viability in compliance with not-for-profit accounting standards and government funding regulations
• Proven success in building and leading high-performing teams.

 Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic financial vision with operational discipline.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrate proficiency in long-term financial planning with a keen eye for spotting trends.
• Exhibit the agility to quickly pivot and adapt on a short-term basis when necessary in response to changing circumstances or opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Collaborate effectively with the executive leadership team, providing healthy challenge, especially around financial assumptions, to ensure robust decision-making processes.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and commitment to transparency.
• Ability to navigate public-private partnerships and manage complex revenue streams.
• Passion for the mission and values of Navy Pier, with a commitment to equity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in capital project finance, infrastructure investment, or real estate planning.
• Familiarity with enterprise systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, Workday Adaptive).
• Experience with government grants and public funding mechanisms.
• Prior involvement in tourism, leisure, arts & culture, or community development organizations.

Compensation Package

• Base salary ranging between $250,000 and $325,000 plus a short-term incentive bonus (based on measured criteria).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances. 
• Ability to participate in 401(k) plan (with up to a 6% employer contribution, immediately vested) and 457(b) plan (with employee deferrals). 
• Generous vacation, personal, sick, and holiday pay.