Director of Finance and Support

This role reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serves as a strategic thought-partner, managing Discovery Lab’s financial operations to ensure health, sustainability, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Planning
  • Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop and implement financial strategies, investment plans, and business plans that support the mission and financial sustainability.
  • Support the Finance Committee’s oversight of organizational finances and provide regular updates to the Board on budget performance, forecasts, and financial risks.
  • Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership in strategic decision-making to guide finances, enhance programming quality, and build operational capacity.
• Financial Management & Day-to-Day Operations
  • Lead and manage monthly accounting processes (bookkeeping, payroll, cash management, invoicing, general ledger) in coordination with the staff accountant.
  • Manage financial tracking and reporting for restricted grants.
  • Implement a robust contract management and billing system to ensure consistent policy enforcement and timely processing of invoices and payments.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with organizational and departmental leaders to align with annual and long-term goals.
  • Provide regular updates on actual performance against budget, forecasted results, and cash flow.
  • Coordinate with financial auditors to complete the annual fiscal audit and ensure timely completion of the financial statement audit and 501(c)3 compliance, including IRS Form 990 submission.
• HR Management & Oversight
  • Serve as the staff liaison for the HR Committee of the Board, providing reports, updates, and strategic recommendations.
  • Lead organizational development, succession planning, and culture-shaping initiatives to support long-term vision.
  • Support People Managers in addressing performance concerns through progressive discipline, including written warnings and performance improvement plans.
  • Lead workforce planning to ensure staffing models support growth and sustainability.
  • Design and oversee equitable compensation structures, ensuring periodic benchmarking for market competitiveness.
• Operational Oversight & Risk Management
  • Supervise facilities management, external contractors, and the outsourced IT partner to ensure maintenance and infrastructure quality.
  • Oversee risk management activities, including business insurance, service agreements, and leases.
  • Provide financial and compliance guidance for contractual agreements and partnerships.
• People Management
  • Provide leadership, guidance, coaching, and development for direct reports (staff accountant, HR coordinator, facilities manager).
  • Hold regular 1:1 meetings and ensure clear communication of goals, policies, and expectations.
  • Participate in annual reviews and foster a culture of continuous feedback and trust.
  • Ensure the team has the tools and resources needed to succeed.
• Assist with front-line operations as needed and perform other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.

Requirements

• Commitment to Discovery Lab’s mission to inspire children, connect families, and build community through exploration, exhibits, programs, and play.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; MBA or CPA strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, with a minimum of 5 years in a nonprofit organization.
• Proven track record in organizational budgeting, financial systems development, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills for diverse teams, including accounting and facilities staff.
• Experience using Blackbaud NXT and the Microsoft Office suite.

Qualities

• Integrity, compassion, strong attention to detail, and a sense of humor.
• Unwavering focus on delivering high-quality, data-driven results.

Pay

Salary range: $78,185–$116,795 annually.

Schedule

• Regular, full-time, exempt position.
• Typical schedule: Monday–Friday, with occasional after-hours or weekend work as required.
• Private office environment.

Physical Demands

• 90% sitting, 7% standing, 3% lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling (not more than 10–30 lbs).