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Full-time
Chief Financial Officer

Settlement Music School seeks a highly collaborative, experienced, and committed Chief Financial Officer to work closely with Settlement’s Central Administration leadership team in developing and executing Settlement’s Strategic Plan. The team includes the Chief Advancement Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Dean, and the Executive Director of Early Childhood Programming.

SETTLEMENT MUSIC SCHOOL

Settlement Music School began in 1908 at Settlement House, a charitable institution serving immigrant families in South Philadelphia, where volunteer teachers offered piano lessons for a nickel. A full program of instruction soon took shape, encompassing all musical instruments and voice, taught by professionals. The Mary Louise Curtis Branch building was constructed in Queen Village to house the School in 1916. As it grew, Settlement sought out communities where it could best provide excellent services, open opportunities, and build partnerships. Today, Settlement operates six branches throughout the region—five physical locations (all buildings owned by Settlement) in Philadelphia (South Philadelphia, Wynnefield, Germantown, Northeast) and Willow Grove—and our “virtual branch,” Settlement Music Online. Our branches serve all eight counties in the Philadelphia region, in addition to more than 13 states across the country, ensuring that opportunities in arts education are available to all, regardless of location.

Through these branches and in our community partnerships programs, we deliver over 12,000 weekly services including individual lessons, ensembles, classes, preschool, and creative arts therapy. At Settlement, we believe in accessible creative arts education for all. Settlement works to provide every student, ages six months to 99 years, with a creative home, and 60% of our student population qualifies for more than $2.6 million in financial aid and scholarships. Our highly qualified faculty, arts therapists, pre-school teachers, and welcoming, dedicated staff ensure that every student and family receive the individualized support needed to nurture their interests. We are proud that the students who attend Settlement not only meet their own expectations but thrive.

Settlement has an operating budget of $10 million, an endowment of $12 million, and 263 full- and part-time employees. It has received numerous awards and accolades over the years; most recently, its CEO Helen Eaton received the Arts Education Award by Americans for the Arts (2020) and was named among the region’s Most Admired CEOs by the Philadelphia Business Journal (2023). Its current strategic plan through 2027, titled “Investing in our People” focuses on nurturing organizational culture, increasing belonging through community gathering spaces and equity-based programming, staff and faculty development, and customer/family connection. The CFO will play a critical role in helping us meet these goals.

THE POSITION

The CFO develops, implements, and executes Settlement’s financial strategies and activities and its successful coordination with School operations. This position holds a key role in overseeing the development, direction, and administration of various organizational functions, including financial affairs, financial planning, facilities and maintenance resources, and human resources. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position also collaborates closely with members of the fiduciary Board of the School, including the Treasurer and the Executive Committee, and this position is the primary liaison for the Audit, Budget, Investment, and Retirement Committees of the Board.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a participative manager, the CFO will ensure all aspects of the School’s financial management and accounting functions as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution that reflects sound and prudent stewardship and compliance with regulatory agencies.

  • Oversee the School’s accounting and reporting functions, including all earned revenue payments and collection, accounts payable, contracting, payroll, grants management and reporting, regulatory reporting and compliance, and other business administration activities.
  • Assess and implement policies, procedures, standards, and strategies for areas of responsibility and provide adequate internal control capabilities and strengths to safeguard the School’s assets.
  • Administer the annual budget and multi-year forecasting process to align with the School’s goals and mission and maintain account records related to the School’s budget.
  • Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, and present necessary reports to Senior Leadership team, Branch and Program Directors, Staff, and Central Board.
  • Oversee cash flow management, reviewing and updating annual cash flow projections on a quarterly basis, measuring projections against actual performance.
  • Work with the Investment Committee to oversee the investments of the organization.
  • Participate in the development of School strategy, providing recommendations, financial analysis, projections, and other data to inform the process.
  • Manage all aspects of the Human Resources function including administration of employee benefit programs, new hire processes, the maintenance of all insurance policies and accounts, and all regulatory reporting requirements.
  • Oversee the annual audit of the School’s financial statements and retirement plan.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with financial partners, including banks and investment advisors.
  • Work closely with the Facilities Director, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Advancement Officer to plan and monitor short- and long-term construction, renovation and maintenance projects; with the Facilities Director, formulate and recommend policies and programs to establish and improve both deferred and preventative maintenance programs.
  • Manage, mentor, and develop direct reports, providing constructive and timely feedback.
  • Model and foster high ethical standards, integrity, transparency, and respect for all employees, students, and families.
  • Communicate clearly and enthusiastically to all staff and stakeholders.
  • Other duties as necessary or assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.

DIRECT REPORTS – full-time positions

  • Senior Accounting Manager
  • Staff Accountant and Operations Assistant
  • Payroll/Accounts Payable Coordinator
  • Human Resources Coordinator/Digital Operations Associate

KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in financial management, accounting, and reporting that includes increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA, MBA, or related degree plus.
  • Experience in non-profit financial management strongly preferred.
  • Strong experience in financial reporting and analysis.
  • Advanced knowledge of accounting systems.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Superior organization and prioritization skills; manages multiple projects effectively.
  • Self-directed and self-motivated in completing work.
  • Highly collaborative – works well in an environment of shared leadership.
  • Attentive, empathetic leadership with enthusiasm for meeting and engaging with people. Listens closely to understand needs or concerns and takes steps based on that input. Takes pride in providing clear, helpful information.
  • Models in all actions Settlement’s shared value of the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in arts education.
  • Ability to establish strong working relationships with individuals inside and outside the institution and be an outstanding advocate of Settlement’s mission.

SALARY RANGE

$135,000 – $145,000

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive compensation

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Educational discounts for Settlement lessons and classes.
  • 403b retirement contributions.
  • Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
  • Paid sick, vacation, and personal days.
  • Medical expense and dependent care reimbursement.
  • Professional development opportunities.

APPLICATIONS AND INQUIRIES

Please submit your cover letter and resume or inquiries in confidence by email only to: Helen Eaton at helen.eaton@settlementmusic.org.

Settlement Music School is an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.