Chief Financial Officer

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION 

Department: Executive 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Work Location: Detroit, MI - Hybrid 

FT/PT: Full time 

Last Revision Date: May 30, 2025 
 

How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address: 

• Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra 

• Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role 

The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music. 
 

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city.   
 
DSO has an annual operating budget of $35 million, with $9.5 million (27%) coming from earned revenue, $22 million (63%) from contributed revenue, and $3.5 million (10%) coming from the endowment. The DSO is led by a 23-member Board of Directors and 91 full-time staff, and hundreds of part-time employees. At full complement, the orchestra has 88 musicians. 
 

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org. 
 

Position Summary:  
As a member of the Executive Team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plans and directs all aspects of accounting, financial reporting, financial planning, financing, and cash management for all DSO entities. This role also oversees the Human Resources and Information Technology teams. In close partnership with the President and CEO and Board, the CFO shapes and drives financial strategies that advance the organization’s mission and support its long-term strategic objectives. Partners with the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Chief Artistic and Operating Officer (CAOO) on budget processes and short- and long-term operational strategies. Advises the President and CEO on internal resource planning, organizational management, insurance, and pension matters. Oversees the development and maintenance of a robust information technology infrastructure that enhances operational efficiency, supports staff needs, and promotes overall job satisfaction. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:  

• As a member of DSO’s Executive Team, works on long-term strategic and revenue generation planning 

• Provides strategic leadership in resource allocation, ensuring alignment of departmental planning with organizational priorities 

• Champions a collaborative budgeting process that reinforces fiscal responsibility and empowers departments to manage resources effectively in support of the DSO’s long-term goals 

• Directs development of accounting policies, internal controls, and cash management procedures,  

• Reports financial results, both internally and externally. Maintains relationship with external auditors 

• Ensures compliance with all required government, tax and personnel data filings 

• Develops and maintains banking and other credit and financing relationships and executes all bank transactions, including loans, assets, investments and other financial instruments 

• Provides support to manage DSO’s endowment investments in conjunction with the Investment Committee of the Board and OCIO? 

• Plans and implements a comprehensive risk management program, including acquisition and administration of insurance 

• Serves as staff lead for the Finance, Investment, Audit, and Risk Committees of the Board 

• Supports and represents DSO Management on Musicians’ Retirement Committee and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Pension Committee 

• Lead, manage, and coach, three direct reports who oversee the daily operations of  their departments; Director of Information Technology, Senior Director of Accounting & Finance, and Senior Director of Talent & Culture 

• Performs other duties as assigned.