Director of Finance and Support Onsite (Tulsa, OK)

The Director of Finance is a strategic thought-partner, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role is responsible for managing the financial operations of Discovery Lab, ensuring financial health, sustainability, and compliance. The ideal candidate is an analytical leader who can develop long-term financial strategies while remaining actively involved in daily accounting functions, including bookkeeping, payroll, and grant tracking. All positions at Discovery Lab are required to assist with front-line operations as needed and may be assigned other duties as applicable by their direct supervisor. This position description is representative of the major position requirements and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Key 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 the financial sustainability of Discovery Lab.
• Partner with the Treasurer to support the Finance Committee’s oversight of the Finances of the organization and to provide regular updates to the Board on budget performance, forecasts, and financial risks.
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team in strategic decision-making that guides the organization’s finances to help Discovery Lab continue to enhance quality programming and build operational capacity.

Financial Management & Day-to-Day Operations

• In coordination with the staff accountant, lead and manage monthly accounting processes, including bookkeeping, payroll management, cash management, invoicing, and maintaining the general ledger.
• Manage financial tracking and reporting for restricted grants.
• Implement a robust contract management and billing system to ensure organizational policies and controls are consistently implemented and to ensure the timely processing of invoices and payments.
• Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with organizational and departmental leaders to develop and implement a budget that furthers Discovery Lab’s annual and long-term goals. Provide regular updates on actual performance against budget and forecasted results and cash flow.
• In coordination with the staff accountant, work with our financial auditors to complete the annual fiscal audit. Ensure the smooth and timely completion of the annual financial statement audit and 501(c)3 compliance, including the submission of IRS Form 990.

HR Management & Oversight

• Act as the staff liaison for the HR Committee of the Board of Directors, providing reports, updates, and strategic recommendations.
• Help lead organizational development, succession planning, and culture-shaping initiatives that support Discovery Lab’s long-term vision.
• Support People Managers in addressing performance concerns through a constructive progressive discipline, including the development of written warnings and performance improvement plans that promote clarity and alignment with organizational expectations.
• Lead workforce planning efforts to ensure staffing models support organizational growth and sustainability. Design and oversee equitable compensation structures and ensure periodic benchmarking to maintain 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. Be a supportive thought partner to Discovery Lab when vetting business contracts and partnerships. Provide financial and compliance guidance when Discovery Lab is entering into a contractual agreement.

People Management

• Provide leadership, guidance, coaching, and development for your direct reports, staff accountant, HR coordinator and the facilities manager.
• Hold regular 1-1 meetings and ensure accurate communication of Discovery Lab goals, policies, and job expectations. Participate in annual reviews.
• Actively participate in creating a culture of continuous feedback and trust among staff.
• Ensure your team has the tools and resources it needs.

What you’ll need:

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; an MBA or CPA is 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 capacity for managing and leading people from diverse backgrounds, including accounting and facilities staff.
• Personal Qualities: Integrity, compassion, strong attention to detail, a sense of humor, and an unwavering focus on delivering high-quality, data-driven results.
• Experience using Blackbaud NXT, and the Microsoft Office suite.

Whom you’ll support:

Accounting and Facilities Staff

All Discovery Lab staff are encouraged to enhance team spirit and support throughout the organization.

How you’ll work:

This position is regular, full-time, and exempt with a typical schedule of Monday – Friday. Occasional after-hours or weekends may be required. Private office environment.

Salary Range: $78,185- $116,795 annually

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Physical Demands: 90% sitting, 7% standing, 3% lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling not more than 10-30 lbs.