Job Summary

Strategic Leader – Financial Stewardship & Organizational Sustainability

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) partners closely with the CEO as a strategic advisor and financial steward, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability, integrity, and mission impact. Together with executive leadership, the CFO shapes financial strategy, guides organizational planning, and aligns resources with strategic priorities.

The CFO oversees financial operations, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management; supervises the Finance Director; and ensures strong internal controls and compliance. In collaboration with the CEO and Board of Directors, the CFO provides clear financial insights, scenario analysis, and forward-looking guidance to support informed decision-making and responsible growth.

The CFO also provides strategic oversight of the Guest Engagement department, working closely with the Guest Engagement Manager to develop and implement revenue strategies that maximize retail and concession performance while driving guest attendance. This includes analyzing trends, identifying growth opportunities, and aligning guest-facing operations with overall financial and organizational objectives.

Primary Focus: Strategy, oversight, financial sustainability, revenue growth, governance, and executive leadership.

Core Responsibilities:

· Provide strategic financial leadership and oversight of the organization’s overall financial health, ensuring alignment with mission and long-term sustainability.

· Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Finance Director, ensuring operational excellence, accountability, and strong internal controls.

· Lead the development of long-term financial strategies, including capital planning, reserves management, and investment strategies.

· Direct the annual budgeting process and oversee financial planning and forecasting in collaboration with executive leadership and department heads.

· Monitor, analyze, and optimize earned revenue streams—including admissions, retail, and concessions—using data-driven insights to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.

· Provide strategic oversight of the Guest Engagement department, partnering with the Guest Engagement Manager to develop and implement revenue strategies that drive attendance and maximize per capita spending.

· Analyze guest behavior, attendance patterns, and spending trends to inform pricing strategies, promotions, membership models, and revenue growth initiatives.

· Collaborate across departments to align guest experience initiatives with financial goals, enhancing both revenue generation and visitor satisfaction.

· Monitor financial performance of guest-facing operations and recommend adjustments to improve efficiency, profitability, and overall guest experience.

· Evaluate financial risks, return on investment, and sustainability of new initiatives, special events, and strategic investments.

· Review and analyze financial reports to assess organizational performance, identify risks, and ensure informed decision-making.

· Present financial results, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to the CEO and Board of Directors.

· Serve as primary liaison to the Board Finance Committee, auditors, banks, and external financial partners.

· Oversee financial compliance related to grants, major gifts, sponsorships, and capital projects.

· Ensure organization-wide financial controls, transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship of all resources.

· Support executive decision-making through scenario planning and forward-looking financial analysis.

Required Skills and Abilities

· Strong executive leadership, management, and supervisory skills.

· Advanced financial analysis, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities.

· Ability to integrate financial strategy with operational, marketing, and guest engagement goals.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.

· High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.

· Proficiency in accounting software, financial systems, and data analysis tools.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field is required (Master’s degree preferred).

· Professional certification as a CPA is preferred.

· Significant senior-level finance experience (typically 7–10+ years).

· Experience working with boards of directors and senior executives is preferred.

· Nonprofit or mission-driven organization experience preferred.

· Experience overseeing revenue, membership, or guest-facing operations is a plus.

Work Environment:

· Customer & Staff Interaction: Ability to effectively engage with staff and visitors, including handling challenging situations or difficult customers.

· Flexible Scheduling: Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to meet the demands of the role.

· Animal Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety protocols and precautions when handling or working around dangerous animals.

· Vehicle Operation: Ability to safely operate a golf cart and other zoo vehicles as required.

· Adaptability & Stress Management: Capable of adapting to changing circumstances, managing pressure, and maintaining composure in stressful situations involving animals and guests.

· Emergency Response: Able to stay calm and respond swiftly and effectively in emergency situations.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Do you understand the pay range is from $90,000 - $95,000 based on experience and qualifications?
Do you have any non-profit experience?

License/Certification:

CPA (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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