Salary: $140,000–$160,000 per year, commensurate with experience
Full-time • Exempt • On-site in Greenwich, CT
The Greenwich Historical Society—an essential cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Greenwich—is seeking an experienced and strategically minded Director of Finance and Operations.
Founded in 1931 as an organization devoted to collecting and sharing the Town’s history, Greenwich Historical Society has grown into a nearly 3-acre campus with nationally-significant historic buildings, a new 10,000 sq. ft. facility with museum, library, and visitor center, and a multi-faceted range of programs and activities. Located on the historic Cos Cob Harbor, home of Connecticut’s first art colony, the Historical Society has two main areas of focus: as a museum (galleries, Bush-Holley House, education center) with related exhibitions and education programs for children and adults, and as a center for Greenwich history (library and archives, preservation and publication programs).
The Director of Finance and Operations will enter the Historical Society at a pivotal time of additional growth and opportunity. Reporting to the Executive Director & CEO, the Director of Finance and Operations will oversee a talented team across accounting/bookkeeping, retail, and operations, and work closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned finance professional to make a transformative impact at a growing cultural organization.
Position Summary
The Director of Finance & Operations (DF&O) oversees the Greenwich Historical Society’s financial management, administrative operations, facilities, IT, retail operations, and human resources. Reporting directly to the Executive Director & CEO, this senior leadership role plays a pivotal part in shaping the operational and strategic direction of the Greenwich Historical Society.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver with strong financial acumen, a commitment to operational excellence, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic cultural institution.
This is a full-time on-site exempt position based at our historic location in Greenwich, CT.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership
Overview
- Manage an operating budget of $2 million and coordinate the management and oversee the portfolio of an $8 million endowment.
- Build effective relationships with the Executive Director, Board Treasurer, Finance and Investment committees and other stakeholders.
- Prepare, deliver and present accurate and relevant financial reports, projections and analyses. This includes monthly financial statements and variance analyses.
- Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and senior leadership in organizational and financial planning.
- Manage a part-time bookkeeper.
Deliverables
- Maintain accurate and timely accounting records for the organization.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the external auditor and lead the annual audit process (completion by October).
- Prepare the annual operating and capital budgets in partnership with the Finance Committee (target: April 1).
- Provide regular financial updates—including operating results, investment performance, cash flow, and overall financial condition—to the Finance Committee.
- Analyze earned revenue streams, including the museum store, rentals, and admissions, and recommend strategies that balance financial goals with mission priorities.
- Maintain and refine the chart of accounts to ensure consistent reporting and clear visibility into performance drivers.
- Identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities across the organization.
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures and department-level reporting systems.
- Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration through enhanced analytics, reporting, and communication.
Operations & Systems
- Coordinate with the Development Department on gift processing and reconciliation.
- Manage grant-related financial tracking and reporting.
- Oversee annual insurance renewals and organizational risk management.
- Oversee the museum store and all retail operations, including inventory management, vendor relationships, pricing strategy, merchandising, and point-of-sale systems.
- Manage HR functions, including payroll, benefits administration (ADP and TIAA), personnel data maintenance, and annual benefits review for the organization’s staff of 27.
- Update the personnel manual and emergency procedures annually.
- Oversee IT infrastructure in collaboration with the organization’s IT consultant, including hardware, software, and online systems.
- Prepare and update Asset Aging Schedule in collaboration with IT consultant and Facilities/Property Manager.
Facilities Management
- Supervise finance and administrative staff, as well as Facilities Manager/third-party property management and HR service providers.
- Oversee capital projects in coordination with the Facilities/Property Manager and Preservation Landscape and Finance Committees of the Board.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will:
- Deliver accurate, timely and relevant reporting and results with strong strategic insight.
- Demonstrate collaborative leadership and the ability to build consensus across departments.
- Exhibit excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Manage complex tasks and competing priorities with professionalism and efficiency.
- Thrive in a full-time, on-site role rooted in teamwork and mission-driven service.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; or a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in financial leadership within a nonprofit organization.
- Experience with fund accounting required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks Online.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $140,000–$160,000, commensurate with experience in finance, operations, and HR.
- Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, paid vacation, and paid holidays.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Laura Kelly at lkelly@greenwichhistory.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
