Chief Financial Officer, Jacob's Pillow

Opportunity

Jacob’s Pillow seeks an inaugural Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide primary operational and financial leadership for finance, IT, and facilities. The CFO will enable the Artistic and Executive Director to focus on artistic vision, partnership development, external fundraising, and strategic planning while reporting directly to the Artistic and Executive Director and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team.

The CFO will create the financial and operational foundation that supports Jacob’s Pillow’s growth as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2032, the completion of the $30‑million Doris Duke Theatre, and the expansion of its digital platform.

Location

Must be based within one hour of Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, Massachusetts, and will spend the majority of time on‑site throughout the year.

Financial Overview

Operating budget: $14.7 million; Endowment: $24.9 million. Staff: 53 year‑round, expanding to 140 during the 10‑week summer festival.

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as a credible, trusted, and strategic thought partner to the CEO, Board, and executive team, shaping financial strategy through forward‑looking insight and scenario planning.
• Act as the primary financial liaison to the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, including oversight of the annual audit process and investment portfolio.
• Partner with the Director of Finance to ensure full coverage of financial operations—cash management, payroll, grants compliance, vendor and contract management—well‑run, well‑controlled, and aligned with priorities.
• Oversee the IT function strategically, partnering with the Director of IT to address immediate infrastructure needs and long‑term priorities.
• Oversee facilities planning and capital budgeting with the Director of Facilities, supporting short‑ and long‑term maintenance and capital investment plans across the 200‑acre campus.
• Lead the evolution of the finance function, building systems, structures, and capabilities for long‑term sustainability and effectiveness.
• Drive development of meaningful business intelligence, including multi‑year financial models, scenario analyses, and actionable insights.
• Partner with the incoming Chief People Officer to clarify shared accountabilities, integrate payroll authority and HRIS, and co‑lead an enterprise systems review in the first year.
• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage technology—including AI and automation—to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and enhance decision‑making.
• Oversee all organizational insurance programs, managing carrier relationships, annual renewals, and claims coordination with legal counsel and department heads.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing finance team, strengthening structure, clarity, and accountability.
• Partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to align financial and philanthropic reporting, support endowment stewardship and growth ahead of the centennial, and serve as a financial resource in donor relationships when appropriate.
• Model and reinforce Jacob’s Pillow’s adaptive, transparent, and mission‑centered culture.