Chief Financial Officer / Head of Finance & Administration

GUIDED BY ARTISTS, ROOTED IN NEW MEXICO, SITE SANTA FE CELEBRATES CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE EXPRESSION.

SITE SANTA FE is a non-profit contemporary arts organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since its founding in 1995, SITE SANTA FE has presented 12 biennials, more than 100 contemporary art exhibitions, and works by hundreds of emerging and established artists from around the world. SITE SANTA FE also presents public and educational programs that include conversations with artists and curators, film screenings, performances, concerts, hands-on workshops, and collaborations with Santa Fe Public Schools.

SITE SANTA FE is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key strategic and operational partner to the Phillips Executive Director. This role supports institutional strategy through financial analysis and accountability, risk management, and operational alignment across departments and oversees internal operations and administration. The CFO acts as a leader, collaborator, and problem-solver, helping translate vision into operational execution while providing strong fiscal stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy

• Partner with the Phillips Executive Director and leadership team to implement strategic plans and institutional priorities; serve as a thought partner on organizational growth, sustainability, and finances

• Provide financial analysis and decision-making tools to assess and evaluate large strategic opportunities for feasibility and impact

• Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships

• Promote a positive, inclusive workplace culture aligned with the museum’s mission and values

Financial Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day financial management

• Partner with the Accounting Manager to monitor the accounting function, financial reporting, annual budget, forecasts, and financial performance

• Support budget development and ensure departmental accountability to financial goals

• Identify operational efficiencies and resource optimization opportunities

• Work with financial institutions (local banking and investment services) on administrative matters and transactions

• Compile standard monthly financial reports. Design and develop additional reports to serve as analytical tools and provide financial snapshot overview

• Manage and lead Finance Committee meetings presenting status reports and providing regular financial statements and schedules

• Work with the Finance Committee to evaluate and report on the organization’s financial operations, strengths and weaknesses. Collaborate with Committee Chair as needed

• Coordinate annual independent audit and prepare necessary schedules, reports, documents, etc.

• Work with HR to develop and implement comprehensive annual and multi-year staffing and compensation plans that are competitive, within budgetary parameters, and aligned with organizational goals, including benchmarking, analysis, and evaluation

Operations and Administration

• Develop annual operating budget; monitor spending and evaluate revenue throughout the year. Meet monthly with department heads independently on budget matters as necessary

• Oversee day-to-day administrative operations (includes establishing, evaluating, and revising related policies and procedures)

• Work closely with the Development Department to ensure proper recognition and booking for all contributions to the museum

• Oversee the Operational functions of the organization and work with the Facilities Manager to develop the annual facility operating budget

• Work with Phillips Executive Director and the Facilities Manager to establish the annual capital expenditure budget

• Maintain all necessary insurance coverage and contracts

• Work with Phillips Executive Director and SITE Bookstore Manager to establish the annual store merchandise purchases budget

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and museum standards

• Support cross-functional collaboration, efficiency, and alignment

Board and Board Committees

• Participate in Board Meetings as needed, providing financial reports and making financial presentations

• Staff lead on Finance Committee

• Staff lead on the Investment Committee and serves as liaison between the committee and outside manager of SITE’s endowment funds

• Serve on Facilities Committee

Management: Staff Support and External Functions

• Supervise the Accounting Manager and Facilities Manager and oversee the financial, administrative, facilities, and operational functions of the organization

• Work with SITE Bookstore Manager to help develop these earned revenue streams for the organization

• Review and approve contracts (for bank loans, general services, traveling exhibitions, equipment lease, guest curator(s), speaker engagements, venue rentals, etc.).

• Manage the financial and administrative aspects of major facility endeavors (coordinating internal and external approvals; securing interim funding arrangements with lending institutions, invoicing fiscal agent for government-appropriated funding; compilation of cost proposals; review of contracts)

• Work with attorney(s) on legal matters when counsel is needed

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree in business/ finance, arts administration, nonprofit management, or related field preferred. CPA preferred

• 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, arts organization, or nonprofit

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, teams, and organizational operations

• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management and governance

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Commitment to contemporary art and the role of museums in civic and cultural life

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in a small to mid-sized institution with a collaborative, hands-on environment

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution

• Track record of fostering inclusive and equitable workplace practices

• Comfort working in a dynamic, evolving organization

Application instructions

Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter to job@sitesantafe.org, with the subject line “CFO.”