Chief Administrative Officer

Job Description

Job Description

The Chief Administrative Officer provides strategic financial and operational leadership for the John Michael Kohler Arts Center — a nationally recognized institution with nearly 60 years of history advancing artists and connecting creativity to the community. Anchored in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and active in national conversations about contemporary, self-taught, and underrecognized art, JMKAC operates a multifaceted organization that includes exhibitions, the internationally regarded Arts/Industry residency program, the Art Preserve (the world's first museum dedicated to artist-built environments), community education, and a collection of more than 25,000 works.

The Chief Administrative Officer will direct and oversee the financial activities of the corporation, direct the preparation of current financial reports and summaries, and create forecasts predicting future growth. Oversee Accounting department, budget preparation, and audit functions. Oversee IT & HR Departments. Works with other department heads to monitor each department and make recommendations.

This is a role for a leader who is as comfortable presenting complex organizational strategy to a board finance committee as they are rolling up their sleeves to close out month-end financials alongside their team. At JMKAC, leadership means doing the work — not just directing it. We are looking for a CAO who sees their job as enabling the people around them and who brings genuine engagement to the details, not just the strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Sets the strategic direction for all financial functions, including multi-year planning, budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial modeling in support of the organizational strategic plan.
Reviews and presents reports summarizing financial position, business activity, and projections; serves as primary staff liaison to the Board Finance Committee
Approves financial and personnel budgets with the Executive and Deputy Directors for presentation to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors
Oversees financial compliance for grants and restricted funds in coordination with Development staff
Manages the consolidated annual audit for JMKAC, Creation and Preservation Partners (CAPP), and Collection Acquisitions and Stewardship Partners (CASP); coordinates annual tax filings
Oversees accounting operations for CAPP and CASP in addition to JMKAC's core financial functions
Manages external relationships with banking institutions, insurance providers, auditors, benefit plan administrators, and government agencies
Advises leadership on insurance coverage for property, liability, and organizational risk
Actively participates in the work of the accounting department, including contributing directly to month-end close, financial reporting, and audit preparation as needed — this is a hands-on leadership role

Human Resources

Oversees the legal and operational dimensions of Human Resources, including recruiting, benefits administration, employee relations, discipline, compliance, and day-to-day HR function
Partners closely with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, who leads the cultural dimensions of HR — onboarding, belonging, staff engagement, training, and soft benefits — to ensure a cohesive and equitable employee experience
Prepares reports required by regulatory agencies

Information Technology

Provides strategic oversight of the Manager of Information Technology, who manages the organization's infrastructure, networks, hardware, and software systems
Oversees the organization's digital security posture, including proactive threat monitoring, staff cybersecurity protocols, and incident response — the CFO serves as the senior organizational leader in the event of a security incident or breach
Digital Collections and Information Systems

Provides strategic oversight of the Director of Digital Collections and Information Systems, who manages JMKAC's extensive digital assets — including nearly 60years of content archives, exhibition image records, collection data management, rights and reproductions, publication and book creation processes, and the organization's online research portal
Ensures that the organization's digital collections infrastructure is resourced, supported, and aligned with institutional priorities

Direct Reports/Organizational Structure:

The CAO provides direct supervision to four positions: the Controller, the Director of Digital Collections and Information Systems, the Manager of Information Technology, and the HR Generalist. The Controller oversees two Staff Accountants. The Director of Digital Collections and Information Systems leads a team of five. This is a leadership role with meaningful organizational reach — the CAO is responsible for the health, development, and performance of this full team.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Excellent management and supervisory skills.
Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
Proficient in database and accounting computer application systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.