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. 

Required Qualifications:  

• Minimum 10 years’ experience, demonstrating progressive record of accomplishment, with at least 5 years of senior financial management experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required 

• CPA or equivalent certification 

• Deep understanding of nonprofit financial management, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and auditing standards 

• Excellent leadership skills and ability to develop, motivate and influence teams in a positive manner 

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to build rapport and foster effective relationships across all levels and areas of the organization 

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple and diverse business operations in a fast-paced environment 

• Experience working with a Board of Directors and Finance/Audit Committees 

• A strong interest in the mission and vision of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra 

Desired Qualifications:  

• Previous experience in a symphony orchestra, performing arts organization, or other cultural nonprofit 

• Experience supporting or serving on nonprofit boards 

• Experience collaborating with unionized staff and understanding collective bargaining agreement (CBA) financial impacts 

• Experience with Financial Edge, Tessitura or other donor databases 

• Openness to exploring new tech solutions that improve efficiency or reporting 

• Demonstrated passion for the arts and a deep appreciation for the role of orchestral music in community and cultural life 
   

Additional Information:  

• This is a salaried, non-union position 

• Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule 

• All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.    
   

Physical Requirements:  
This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. 
 

Position Reports to: President and Chief Executive Officer 

Direct Reports: Director of Information Technology, Senior Director of Accounting & Finance, Senior Director of Talent & Culture 

If an accommodation is needed to ensure your successful participation in the ? 

application or interview process, please reach out to hr@dso.org for assistance 

About Detroit Symphony Orchestra

The acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep connection to its city. Led by Music Director Jader Bignamini since 2020, the DSO makes its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, offering a performance schedule that features the PVS Classical, PNC Pops, Paradise Jazz, and Young People’s Family Concert series. In addition, the DSO presents the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series in metro area venues, as well as eclectic multi-genre performances in its mid-size venue The Cube, constructed and curated with support from Peter D. & Julie F. Cummings. A dedication to broadcast innovation began in 1922, when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a live radio broadcast of a concert and continues today with the groundbreaking Live from Orchestra Hall series of free webcasts. Since its first school concerts a century ago, and particularly since the founding of the Civic Youth Ensembles in 1970, the DSO has been a national leader in bringing the benefits of music education to students, teachers, and families in D...etroit and surrounding communities. The DSO remains committed to expanding its participation in the growth and well-being of Detroit through programs like its Detroit Neighborhood Initiative—cultural events co-created with community partners and residents—and Detroit Harmony, a promise to provide an instrument and instruction to any student in the city who wants to learn. With unwavering support from the people of Detroit, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact lives through the power of unforgettable musical experiences.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Detroit Symphony Orchestra