Senior Director of Finance & Administration
Betty Brinn Children's Museum
- Milwaukee, WI
- $85,000-100,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Status: Full-time | Exempt
Location: 929 E. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Reports to: CEOOur Mission:Inspire all children to wonder and explore their world through play and innovative, hands-on learning experiences.Become a Valued Member of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (BBCM) Team! We are seeking enthusiastic, positive, and driven team players who are passionate about early childhood education to help us achieve our mission of providing ALL children with high-quality, hands-on, and playful learning experiences. At BBCM, we believe that teamwork thrives through supportive and collaborative discussions. We are committed to investing in our team members' professional growth and celebrating curious minds.Our Team Values:
- Make Memoires: Deliver unforgettable experiences to families. Create a spark and find the magic, helping each guest write their unique story
- Raise Your Hand: Jump in, check-in, be all in. Bring your best and work together. Show the team and your guests that they can depend on you.
- Be an Explorer: Be curious and open. Keep your gears moving. Bring childlike energy to navigating challenges and discover new possibilities.
- Everyone Counts: Be kind to all. Initiate a positive impact in our community. See the potential in every child and make everyone feel like they are a line leader.
- Be More Than a Museum: Be a launchpad for life-long learning. Help families create connections and experience opportunities that lead to brighter futures and a stronger Milwaukee.
- Feel the Fun: Radiate joy and delight in our purpose. Embrace the exciting unpredictability of every day.
The Senior Director of Finance & Administration is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the Museum’s financial health, human resources, and administrative infrastructure. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role oversees finance, IT, HR, and general administration, providing critical insight and leadership to advance the Museum’s mission and long-term vision, including securing a home for the future.The Senior Director leads all aspects of financial planning and compliance, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audits, and tax filings. They provide oversight of HR policies and systems, partnering closely with the Director of People & Culture to foster a values-driven, inclusive workplace. The role also manages the Museum’s administrative operations, including insurance, IT systems, compliance, facilities, and vendor contracts, ensuring smooth and effective internal operations.As the Museum prepares for significant growth, including a capital campaign and new facility planning, the Senior Director will play a pivotal role in strengthening financial infrastructure and operational readiness. They will serve as the primary liaison to the Finance Committee, the Board of Directors, and key external financial partners.This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven, results-oriented, and self-starting finance and operations leader to shape the internal systems that will support the Museum’s next chapter and long-term success.Responsibilities
Finance and Accounting Management & Compliance:
- Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash flow management, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll.
- Prepare financial dashboards and reports for the Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and other key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the CEO and department leaders to develop and manage the annual budget, multi-year financial forecasts, and capital campaign financial modeling, including strategies for new museum development and financing.
- Produce timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Oversee all tax filings and regulatory compliance, including IRS Form 990, sales/use tax, and business registrations.
- Maintain and enhance internal controls, financial systems, and reporting infrastructure to support data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide strategic and financial planning.
- Manage 401(k) plan administration, including timely execution of retirement fund transfers.
- Coordinate and lead the annual audit process; implement recommendations and improve financial procedures accordingly.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Board Finance Committee, the BBCM Foundation Committee, and external financial vendors.
- Partner with the Development team to prepare grant budgets, monitor spending, and ensure accurate, timely funder reporting.
- Oversee the Museum’s HR function, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation strategy, and compliance with employment laws.
- Partner with the Director of People & Culture to cultivate a values-driven culture and positive employee experience.
- Advise leadership on workforce planning, staffing models, benefits, and employee engagement.
- Support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts across the organization.
- Oversee the organization’s insurance policies, including directors & officers (D&O), general liability, and workers' compensation.
- Manage all compliance documentation, including business licenses, permits, and registrations.
- Lead IT strategy and systems management in collaboration with external vendors, ensuring secure and effective technology infrastructure.
- Oversee contract and lease management, including vendor negotiations and coordination with legal counsel as needed.
- Maintain strategic oversight of organizational database systems, ensuring tools used for finance, CRM, donor management, and administration effectively meet evolving organizational needs, in partnership with relevant department leads.
- Oversee general administrative functions, including mail distribution and document retention.
- Provide strategic oversight of facilities operations, maintenance, vendor relationships, and safety compliance.
- Manage facilities-related contracts, including cleaning, security, repairs, capital improvements, and utilities.
- Partner with the Director of People & Culture to support workplace safety training, OSHA compliance, and emergency preparedness.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.
- Seven years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit setting, with a minimum of three to five years of experience leading high-performing teams.
- Proven nonprofit financial experience, including fund accounting, grant compliance, and preparation of IRS Form 990.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
- Proficiency with financial systems, CRM platforms, and data infrastructure (e.g., QuickBooks, Salesforce, donor databases), and a joy for using systems that make things run smoothly.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to align financial management with organizational goals.
- Proven leadership with a track record of fostering accountability and cross-functional collaboration.
- Highly analytical and detail-oriented; adept at interpreting financial data and generating actionable insights.
- Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities; capable of managing multiple priorities across departments.
- High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive information.
- Solutions-oriented with a proactive approach to identifying risks and implementing improvements.
- Experienced in recruitment, compensation strategy, performance management, and DEIB implementation.
- Commitment to continuous learning, process optimization, and operational excellence.
- Motivated self-starter with strong time management and prioritization skills.
- Strong commitment to advancing the Museum's mission
- Medical Insurance (BBCM pays 80% of the cost)
- Dental Insurance (BBCM pays 80% of the cost)
- Vision, Critical Illness, Accidental Insurance, Supplementary Life, and Accidental Death Dismemberment eligibility
- HSA with employer contributions
- HRA employer-paid plan
- Employer-paid plans for Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance &
- Long-Term Disability
- 401 (k) with the Museum contributing 5% at year-end (not matching every pay period)
- 25 days of PTO prorated at hire date
- Separate sick time
Complete an application on the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum website: .Priority Deadline: We encourage candidates to apply by August 29, 2025, for full consideration. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.Powered by JazzHR