What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Financial Officer position at Peabody Essex Museum Inc?
The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States and a globally recognized leader in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Located in Salem, Massachusetts, PEM boldly honors creativity as a nourishing force in people's lives, offering thought-provoking experiences that activate understanding of our shared humanity while empowering imagination and learning through experimentation.
PEM stewards, builds, and makes accessible an extraordinary collection spanning cultures, time periods, and artistic traditions, encouraging visitors to appreciate the interconnected histories and creativity of people in our complex, ever-changing world. Through innovative exhibitions, dynamic programming, research, and community partnerships, the museum serves as a vibrant cultural institution where curiosity, dialogue, and creativity inspire meaningful connections across communities.
Guided by its vision to be a magnetic, human-centered gathering place—locally, globally, and virtually—PEM is committed to fostering openness, collaboration, inquiry, and experimentation. The museum embraces inclusive and equitable engagement, striving to create authentic, meaningful experiences that cultivate a sense of belonging while respecting humanity, the environment, and the diverse perspectives that enrich our collective understanding.
Founded in 1799 by the East India Marine Society, PEM has evolved into one of the nation's most innovative museums while remaining deeply rooted in its history of connecting people, cultures, and ideas. Today, the museum continues to advance its mission by celebrating creativity as a powerful catalyst for learning, empathy, and human connection.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic, operational, and fiduciary leadership for the Peabody Essex Museum’s (PEM) comprehensive financial, investment, and administrative functions. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and serving as a key member of the Executive Team, the CFO is a trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees, Executive Team, and senior staff on matters related to financial strategy, sustainability, governance, institutional risk, and organizational performance.
The CFO has enterprise-wide responsibility for financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, treasury and cash management, endowment and investment operations oversight, contracts oversight, compliance, and selected enterprise-wide initiatives. The role also oversees PEM’s Information Technology function.
This position requires a highly engaged, hands-on finance executive who combines strategic judgment with operational rigor and partners closely with colleagues to support PEM’s mission, long-term financial resilience, and institutional priorities.