Finance Transformation Director

Space Center Houston is a space exploration learning destination dedicated to revealing how science and humanity power space exploration through meaningful, moving experiences about people and the courage, innovation, and teamwork they use to expand the boundaries of what's possible. We inspire guests of all ages to connect with the significance of space exploration as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to bring joy and wonder to the world. Owned and operated by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, we are the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian affiliate.

We are currently seeking a full-time Finance Transformation Director responsible for leading the Finance Project Management function and overseeing the development and rollout of Finance‑focused business intelligence reporting, KPIs, dashboards, and AI‑enhanced forward‑looking analytics. This position ensures disciplined portfolio governance, strong program execution, high‑quality data, and reliable financial insights that support strategic decision‑making. The role partners closely with the Technology Department to maintain a secure, scalable, and resilient data infrastructure.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Finance Project Management

• Establish, lead, and mature the Finance Project Management function, including project intake, prioritization, governance, stage‑gates, and benefits realization.
• Develop strong, collaborative partnerships with Executive Leadership Team members to ensure project sponsors are fully aligned with business cases, invested in delivery, and accountable for achieving committed outcomes.
• Implement standardized methodologies and rhythms for project execution, including systematic reporting (monthly and quarterly) and RAID management (risks, actions, issues, and decisions), involving cross‑functional coordination.
• Oversee development of business cases, resource plans, risk mitigation, and change management strategies for high‑impact fee-based programs and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Facilitate monthly and quarterly reviews with the CFO and senior leadership, providing visibility into scope, schedule, cost, risks, and realized benefits.

Business Intelligence, Data & Insights Leadership

• Drive the strategy, roadmap, governance, and delivery of Finance‑focused Business Intelligence reporting including financial KPIs, dashboards, and analytic assets used across FP&A, Accounting, and Finance leadership.
• Partner with the Technology Department to co‑design and maintain Azure‑ and SQL‑based the data infrastructure that supports high‑quality Finance reporting, ensuring reliability, accessibility, and performance.
• Develop and maintain Finance semantic models, data analysis expressions, KPI definitions, and data validation routines to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with financial reporting standards.
• Deliver monthly, quarterly, and executive‑level Finance dashboards supporting, forecast variance analysis, revenue, cash flow insights, , and initiative benefit realization.
• Build forward‑looking analytical models, including trend‑based forecasting, scenario modeling, and predictive analytics to project attendance, revenue, and other outcomes using historical patterns and operational drivers.
• Leverage AI‑driven capabilities within Business Intelligence tools (e.g., predictive forecasting, anomaly detection, natural‑language insights, and automated pattern recognition) to improve forecast accuracy and surface actionable insights.
• Lead Finance data governance by maintaining KPI ownership, definitions, lineage, access standards, and data quality SLAs in partnership with IT.
• Drive adoption of Finance analytics through training, documentation, dashboards standards, and self‑service enablement.
• Ensure Finance and IT jointly maintain a secure, governed analytics ecosystem that protects sensitive financial information while enabling high‑quality insights.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner closely with Financial Performance & Analysis (FP&A), Accounting, Business Enterprises, Guest Operations, Education, HR, and IT to ensure alignment between initiatives, financial insights, and organizational priorities.
• Provide strategic, data‑driven recommendations to the CFO and Executives.
• Cultivate a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and evidence‑based decision‑making across the organization.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Finance and enterprise operations.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Information Systems, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in Finance/Financial Performance & Analysis (FP&A), program/portfolio leadership, technology, data management, and/or Business Intelligence.
• 5 years leading large-scale transformation initiatives and/or Finance Project Management functions
• Demonstrated expertise in developing Finance-focused Business Intelligence reporting, modeling, and executive dashboards
• Advanced proficiency in analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, including DAX, Power Query, semantic modeling, and performance optimization)
• Familiarity with AI-driven analytics capabilities (e.g., Microsoft Power BI and/or Azure AI).
• Experience with cloud data platforms (e.g., Azure, Synapse, Fabric, SQL, Data Lakes)
• Deep understanding of financial planning, financial statements, forecasting, budgeting, and operational value drivers.
• Proven track record delivering multi‑million‑dollar initiatives with measurable organizational benefits.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and executive‑level influence skills.
• Experience implementing Finance data governance and KPI standardization frameworks.
• Highly organized, analytical, and ability to manage complex, competing priorities.

 PHYSICAL ABILITIES/WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Primarily works in an office environment with frequent use of a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.  
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while working at a desk.
• Frequently communicates by phone, and via electronic communication; must be able to exchange accurate information in these settings.  
• May occasionally need to move about the facility to attend meetings.  
• Work environment may include a mix of office settings and active operational areas, requiring adaptability and awareness of surroundings.  
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions while maintaining attention to detail and professionalism.  
• May be required to work occasional evenings, weekends, or special events based on business needs.  

Space Center Houston is an equal opportunity employer. We promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Salary: $180,000-$200,000 (Commensurate with education, skills and experience.)