DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

About the Role

The Palo Alto Museum is entering a pivotal growth phase as we prepare to open our doors to the public in 2026 and establish a vibrant new cultural, community, and public education institution in Silicon Valley. The Museum explores Palo Alto stories that shape our community and the world—sparking discovery, connection, and creativity.

The Director of Finance is a foundational leadership role and a key member of the Museum’s senior team. Reporting directly to the President & CEO and working closely with the Board’s Finance Committee, this role is responsible for building the financial infrastructure and executing financial operations that will support the Museum’s public opening and long-term sustainability.

At this early stage, the Director of Finance will serve as both strategist and practitioner—the Museum’s primary financial leader—shaping financial strategy while also ensuring strong day-to-day financial operations. With support from an outsourced bookkeeper and external audit and tax partners, this role will focus on financial leadership, oversight, system-building, and execution. As the Museum transitions from pre-opening to full operations, the scope and time commitment of this role may grow.

This position is ideal for a mission-driven financial leader who thrives in entrepreneurial environments and is excited to help build a lasting cultural institution that serves local communities and engages audiences around the world.

About the Palo Alto Museum

With a grand opening planned during Spring 2026, the Palo Alto Museum is bringing a historic landmark to life as a 21st century museum. Through dynamic exhibitions, programs, and experiences for all ages, the Museum explores Palo Alto stories that shape our community and the world. Join us as we learn from the past, strengthen our community today, and inspire a brighter future together.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Planning

• Partner with the President & CEO and leadership team to align financial strategy with the Museum’s mission, goals, and growth plans.
• Lead annual budgeting and multi-year financial planning.
• Provide timely, accurate, and actionable financial analysis to support executive and Board decision-making.

Financial Reporting, Compliance, and Governance

• Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards (FASB).
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations.
• Provide the CEO, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, Executive Committee, and Board with clear financial reports, dashboards, analysis, and recommendations.

Grants, Donations, and Fund Management

• Oversee accounting and reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Monitor grant budgets and ensure compliance with donor and funder requirements.
• Partner with the CEO and Museum leaders to support accurate financial documentation and reporting for grants, gifts, and donor-restricted funds.

Treasury and Cash Management

• Manage cash flow, liquidity, and reserves to support operations and growth.
• Forecast revenue and expenses and ensure adequate operating capital.
• Optimize banking relationships, reserves, and investment policies in alignment with Board-approved risk tolerance.

Audit, Risk, and Internal Controls

• Coordinate the annual independent audit and preparation of IRS Form 990.
• Design, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure financial integrity.
• Oversee organizational risk management and insurance policies.

Financial Operations and Systems

• Execute on and provide oversight of day-to-day accounting and reporting with support from an outsourced bookkeeper.
• Oversee payroll, tax filings, and core financial operations.
• Develop and implement a financial technology infrastructure that ensures data integrity, improves efficiency, and integrates smoothly with fundraising, CRM, and reporting systems.
• Build scalable financial systems, processes, and policies from the ground up to support the Museum’s growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master’s degree and/or CPA preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations.
• Strong expertise in GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting.
• Proven success in financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong working knowledge of financial software (e.g., QuickBooks or similar).
• Familiarity with nonprofit CRM, fundraising, and reporting systems (e.g., Salesforce, LiveImpact) and collaborative tools (e.g., Airtable).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences.
• Collaborative leadership style and experience working with Boards and external partners.
• Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and comfortable building systems in a lean, fast-paced start-up environment.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and discretion with sensitive financial information.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Palo Alto Museum.

Preferred Experience

• Financial leadership in a museum, cultural institution, educational organization, or nonprofit.
• Experience with donor stewardship, philanthropic gift accounting, and reporting.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references to jobs@paloaltomuseum.org.

Be sure to include the job title that you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

The Palo Alto Museum is an equal opportunity employer and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and inclusive leadership. The Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Museum will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.