Director of Finance - Shelburne Museum - Based in Shelburne, VT

• Client: Shelburne Museum
• Position: Director of Finance
• Reports to: Director & CEO
• Website: https://shelburnemuseum.org
• Location: Shelburne, VT
• Salary: $120,000 – $130,000/year, depending on experience, plus generous benefits
• Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

About Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum is one of the most beloved institutions in Vermont. In addition to being the largest art and history museum in northern New England, it is also a place that offers new perspectives through dynamic special exhibits and educational programs. The Museum’s 45-acre campus includes 39 buildings to explore and 22 beautiful gardens for contemplation. The new Perry Center for Native American Art opens in 2027.

Shelburne Museum is also one of the best places to work in Vermont. The Museum offers a welcoming and collaborative culture to team members who are eager to build and shape their community.

The Role

Reporting to the Director & CEO of Shelburne Museum, the Director of Finance manages an annual operating budget of approximately $10 million and directly oversees the Museum’s financial and risk management operations. This dynamic and collaborative role formulates the Museum’s financial strategy along with metrics tied to that strategy, and is actively involved in the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve organization assets and report accurate financial results.

The Director of Finance spends about 70% of their time with tactical responsibilities and about 30% with strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Museum’s senior financial leader, partnering with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Department Directors to develop and execute financial strategies that support organizational mission, operational priorities, and long-term sustainability.
• Work closely with the Museum Director to establish clear financial objectives and provide strategic financial guidance on organizational priorities.
• Advise leadership on financial performance, risk, and the financial implications of strategic initiatives and new business models.
• Lead all aspects of financial management including accounting, finance, FP&A, treasury, investments, payroll, fixed assets, and contract oversight.
• Direct annual budgeting, multi-year financial planning, and long-term forecasting (including departmental, capital, and strategic initiatives), ensuring alignment with organizational goals and monitoring performance across all departments.
• Oversee timely and accurate financial reporting and analysis, including monthly financial statements, KPIs, variance analysis, and management reporting to support informed decision-making.
• Manage organizational liquidity, including cash flow forecasting, working capital, and treasury operations, as well as oversight of endowment investments and performance against policy objectives.
• Lead audit, tax, and compliance functions, including coordination of the annual independent audit, preparation of tax filings, adherence to GAAP and Uniform Guidance, and maintenance of strong internal controls and financial policies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and grant requirements by working closely with the Development Department to monitor grants, restricted funding, and adherence to grant guidelines.
• Oversee financial risk management, including contract review, insurance programs, and mitigation of financial and operational risks.
• Serve as primary liaison to Board committees (including Audit and other assigned committees), providing regular reporting on financial performance, risk, and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as executive owner of the ERP financial system (Abila MIP Fund Accounting) and financial planning tools, ensuring system integrity and effective reporting capabilities.
• Oversee preparation of long-term balance sheet planning, including multi-year projections and financial sustainability modeling.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on benefits administration, including vendor selection, 401(k) reporting, nondiscrimination testing, and Form 5500 filings.
• Oversee and support revenue-generating operations including the Museum Store, Visitor Services, Facility Rentals, and Café, ensuring financial oversight and alignment with budget expectations.
• Provide direct supervision and guidance to Finance Department staff, including an Accountant and Accounting Clerk.
• Skills & Qualifications
• Seven to ten years of Non-Profit Accounting experience
• BS in accounting or related field
• CPA, CMA or MBA strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience required
• Background in non-profit accounting preferred
• Strong analytical capabilities including financial planning, forecasting and data analysis
• A strategic team-oriented player with sound technical skills, analytical ability and strong operational focus
• Strong cultural competence and appreciation for working with diverse teams
• Experience in leading the financial aspects of an eight-figure capital campaign and large building project preferred
• Strong communication, influencing and listening skills both written and spoken
• Well versed in retirement benefit planning, investments, general liability insurance and knowledge of group insurance benefits a plus
• Positive attitude and ability to collaborate with all departments
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office suite
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Must be available to travel to Board meetings