Director of Finance

We are seeking a Director of Finance for Portland Opera.

Location:  Portland Opera’s Office at The World Trade Center in Portland, Oregon

*In-office position

Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating adventure with Portland Opera as it evolves into a new artistic era? Portland Opera is undergoing a transformation, as we transition to a new artistic home while remaining steadfast in our commitment to both innovative new works and the timeless classics of the opera repertoire. 

We are on the lookout for creative, innovative, and clever individuals who are passionate about opera and eager to be part of this transformative journey. If you thrive in dynamic environments and possess the resilience, moxie, and flexibility required to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the performing arts, then we want you to join our team.

The role reports to the General Director and aides in formulating and managing company budgets, financial policies, and developing long-range financial goals and objectives. This role is also the lead on Information Technology and Systems and Facility and Risk Management. 

ARE YOU PASSIONATE AND INTRIGUED BY? 
  • Managing and providing leadership to the Accounting Staff
  • Preparing accurate and clear monthly and annual financial reports
  • Strategic financial planning
  • Assessing, developing, and implementing IT plans that support the needs of the organization
  • Evaluating and establishing policies and security measures to ensure effective and consistent computer and information processing operations
  • Strategic thinking to maximize Portland Opera’s properties to maximize revenue opportunities
  • Working with insurance brokers to secure appropriate levels of liability, property, and other insurance coverage 
 QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
  • Minimum of 15 years in exempt management positions
  • Excellent communicator of complex financial information
  • Experience with non-profits, particularly the performing arts
  • Advanced knowledge in the area of information technology

Portland Opera offers productions of the highest artistic quality, bringing the world of opera to the region. Over the past 59 years, the company has presented more than 200 operas, including world premieres. In addition to its annual season, the company is also renowned for its outreach and educational initiatives, including Portland Opera-To-Go, Opera a la Cart, and its Resident Artists Program, which supports the next generation of opera singers. 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At Portland Opera, we are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and we are an equal opportunity employer.  Portland Opera Association will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to eliminating barriers to access and equity and see a diverse workforce as a key step toward this goal. We invite you to join us on our journey.

Full Job Description - More Information

 

Position:

Director of Finance

Status:

Regular / Full Time / Exempt

Salary:

$95,000 + depending on experience

Reports To:

General Director

Supervises:

Accounting Staff

Liaises With:

Entire Organization

Normal Hours:

8:30am – 5:00pm, M-F (37.5 hours per week) – but also evenings and weekends for Board meetings, events, and any other needs

Effective Date:

June 2024

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Finance (DOF) is a member of the Senior Executive leadership team. This is an executive level position designed to provide strategic thinking and clear communication to all constituencies, as well as managing the day-to-day financing and accounting operations of the Portland Opera. The DOF reports directly to the General Director, and aids in formulating and managing company budgets, financial policies, and developing long-range financial goals and objectives. The DOF acts as the primary liaison on all finance reporting to the Board of Directors and its committees. The DOF is the lead on Information Technology and Systems and Facility and Risk Management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Financial Oversight, Management, Banking, Debt and Accounting functions:

  • Manage and provide leadership to the Accounting Staff.

  • Work closely with the Senior Executive leadership team, General Director, and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors to develop annual budgets.

  • Prepare accurate, clear monthly and annual financial reports and deliver them in a timely manner to the General Director and Board of Directors.
  • Engage in strategic planning that includes exploring new income streams, managing capital expenses, and leveraging assets.
  • Monitor revenues and expenses through the year, prepare and present periodic cash-flow forecasts.
  • Analyze activities, operations, revenues, and expenses against goals and objectives.
  • Recommend and implement programs to achieve budgeted revenue and expense goals.
  • Engage in ongoing cost reduction analyses in all areas of the company.
  • Work with accounting to implement and maintain the auditors' recommendations. 
  • Manage the company's credit and credit facility working with bankers and investment advisors.
  • Manage the investment policy governing the investments and endowments, planning for growth and their strategic use.
  • Lead as the main liaison to the Finance Committee providing guidance and strategy.

Information Technology and Systems:

  • Assess, develop, and implement a comprehensive technology plan that supports the evolving needs of the organization.
  • Evaluate and establish policies, standards, and security measures to ensure effective and consistent computer and information processing operations.
  • Maintain knowledge of new technology developments and trends in the area of systems and hardware.
  • Review and approve all technology-related strategies including hardware, software, servers, phone switches, internet speeds and other IT services.
  • Manage the out-sourced relationship with the company’s IT Help Desk.

Facility and Risk Management:

  • Provide the leadership and strategic thinking to maximize the benefit of Portland Opera's owned properties to maximize revenue opportunities.
  • Oversee lease arrangements in rented facilities.
  • Work with the various insurance brokers securing appropriate levels of liability, property, Director’s & Officers, and employment practices insurance coverage. Supervise insurance claims as needed. Communicate risk concerns to senior staff and safety committee.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • A clear understanding and an advocate of the Opera’s mission, vision, and core values
  • An excellent communicator of complex financial information to varied constituents including board, staff, bankers, auditors, and other financial professionals.
  • A strategic thinker who can challenge assumptions in a positive and supportive manner
  • Advanced knowledge in the area of information technology and current trends
  • Comfortable in union and landlord/tenant negotiations
  • Experience with non-profits, particularly the performing arts
  • Proven effectiveness in managing staff in a positive, empowering, and engaging manner.
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. A minimum of 15 years in exempt management positions. Preferences will be given to those candidates with a Master’s Degree and professional certifications as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant or other advanced degrees or certifications.

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

OTHER DUTIES
Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

About Portland Opera
OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

VISION
We celebrate the power of performance, storytelling, and song as an inclusive artistic leader.

MISSION
We gather and inspire audiences, artists, and collaborators to share opera experiences that enliven and connect us all, enhancing the cultural landscape of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

VALUES
We realize our mission and vision with a constellation of values that guide our work:

The Art of Opera

We are unapologetically passionate about the live art of opera, and are energized by its roots as the people’s art form. We believe in its future. We continue the timeless tradition of storytelling, we celebrate the universal language of music, and we honor the brilliance of the human voice. 

Ensemble & Cultural Equity

Our work relies on being an ensemble, and our ensemble only thrives with diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. We commit to actively confronting and dismantling white supremacy, patriarchy, and exclusion in our company, field, and community. We commit to being inclusive and strive every day to be an anti-racist organization. 

Our Shared Humanity

We sing stories about experiences, emotions, and moments that matter in life. In this practice we, together with audiences, aim to reveal and gain insight into the human condition—as a reflection of ourselves, and ourselves in relation to each other. 

Fiscal Strength & Stewardship

We are committed to the fiscal health of our organization, and its bright future. We are dedicated financial stewards of the community and the philanthropic funding that makes our work possible. 

Community Connections

We generate positive impacts for our community, fostering and co-authoring collaborations and programs to achieve meaningful engagement. We contribute to the civic and cultural life of our region, and amplify the contributions and insights of our peers, colleagues, and partners. 

Imagination & the Entrepreneurial Spirit

We accomplish our work with an enthusiasm to be creative, to innovate and transform, to adapt and collaborate. We hold ourselves and each other accountable to achieve sustainability, increase accessibility, and make space for curiosity in attaining our strategic goals. 

Compensation/Benefits

Compensation/Benefits: We work to empower and inspire all to be their very best. We are committed to keeping our employees and their families as healthy as they can be, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package.

  • Compensation Structure: This position offers an annual exempt salary wage of $95,000+ dependent on experience, with the below benefits:
  • Our benefits start the 1st of the month following your start date and include: 
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision options 
    • HSA/FSA
    • Long-term disability insurance
    • Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment
    • Retirement plan w/employer match
    • Up to 18 days of PTO plus 16+ Paid Holidays off; including the last week of December!
    • Work-life balance with a 37.5-hour work week! 
    • Two complimentary tickets to all Opera productions
    • Indoor bike storage, shower, and locker room 

TO APPLY: 

Qualified candidates should forward resume and cover letter to OperaJobs@portlandopera.org

Please, no phone calls.

Portland Opera is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Apply today! Email us your resume and cover letter.