Chief Financial Officer

Serving more than 250,000 adults and children annually and operating with a $10 million annual budget, the Connecticut Science Center is a leading destination for informal science learning, a major visitor attraction, and a statewide resource for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and workforce development.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) works directly with the President & CEO on financial strategy, business planning, and organizational performance. The CFO leads financial planning and analysis, reporting, and accounting operations and reports to the Vice President Administration, who provides continuing financial oversight, institutional knowledge, and support for the finance function. The CFO translates financial and operating data into practical recommendations and creates and delivers clear, compelling presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

The position also oversees financial compliance, banking and investment relationships, and third-party information technology and telecommunications services.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an accomplished, mission-oriented financial professional seeking to contribute to a prominent community institution. Nonprofit experience is strongly preferred; candidates from other sectors who bring strong business and accounting capabilities and a commitment to the Science Center’s mission are encouraged to apply.

• Lead annual budgeting, ongoing forecasting, and short- and long-term financial planning in collaboration with department leaders, the Vice President Administration, and the President & CEO.
• Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and business plans that guide resource allocation, revenue growth, expense management, and investment decisions.
• Analyze the financial performance of programs, services, retail, and other business activities, including revenue and cost drivers, contribution margins, activity-based costs, and return on investment.
• Evaluate pricing, new initiatives, and operating alternatives; explain assumptions, financial risks, and tradeoffs, and recommend actions that support financial sustainability and mission outcomes.
• Develop near- and long-term capital plans, assess funding needs, and evaluate the financial implications of proposed projects.

• Produce accurate, timely monthly financial statements and management reports covering the organization and its major programs and business activities.
• Explain results against budget, forecast, and prior year; identify trends, emerging risks, and opportunities, and recommend corrective action when needed.
• Create polished executive and board presentation materials, including PowerPoint decks, dashboards, charts, and concise written narratives that make complex financial information understandable and useful.
• Deliver clear, confident presentations to the management team and, as assigned, board committees and the full Board of Trustees. Explain findings and recommendations, respond effectively to questions, and tailor communications to audiences with varying financial expertise.
• Work with the President & CEO and Vice President Administration to support the board’s Finance Committee with financial plans, projections, and analysis for oversight and decision-making.

• Oversee accounting, bookkeeping, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial records; supervise one finance employee and independently produce or review financial work as needed.
• Maintain effective internal controls, appropriate separation of duties, and documented…