The Grand Rapids Symphony seeks a full-time Vice President of Finance and Administration to join our team. Reporting to the President & CEO, this leadership position is responsible for overseeing both day-to-day and long-term strategic financial, administrative, and human resources functions of an $11MM 501c3 organization and $30MM foundation. This is an office-based professional position with some nights and weekends required around concerts and events.
Key Responsibilities
Finance
Manages organization cash flow and working capital, including monthly projections.
Oversees day-to-day accounting and bookkeeping operations; reviews general ledger for accuracy.
Prepares financial reports, organizational budgets, and presentations.
Leads annual budget process; collaborates with department heads to review all budget areas.
Participates as a member of the negotiating team throughout the Collective Bargaining process.
Analyzes financial performance and identifies areas for improvement; provides financial guidance to other departments within the organization.
Manages restricted funds and reviews grants for allowable use.
Acts as an authorized signer and fiduciary for all financial accounts. Manages relationships with banks, investment managers, and other financial institutions.
Facilitates the annual financial audit process, Form 990 preparation, and employee benefit plan audit/Form 5500 preparation.
Oversees 401k plan operations; maintains 401k plan compliance.
Maintains and updates financial policies, as needed.
Administration & Human Resources
Manages legal and labor compliance and reporting processes i.e. OSHA, LARA, etc.
Manages corporate insurance policies; collaborates with broker to resolve issues as needed.
Oversees all information technology and cybersecurity functions; manages relationship with IT vendor.
Executes all vendor/service contracts; supervises contract work.
Oversees and approves bi-weekly payroll process.
In partnership with employee benefits broker, oversees all employee benefit plans including managing contracts and reviewing invoices for accuracy.
Maintains and updates employee handbook; develops and/or revises policies, as needed.
Assist supervisors with employee relations, performance reviews, conflict resolution, and disciplinary procedures; escalates issues to President & CEO when required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises Director of Finance, Director of Ticketing Operations, Director of Patron Relations, Finance Manager, and Manager of Human Resources and Volunteers positions.
Skills and Qualifications
Our ideal candidate:
Brings a minimum of 7-10 years professional experience in a similar role; previous experience in nonprofits, arts organizations, and/or union environments is highly desired.
Has a Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business, and prior experience with cloud-based accounting software, such as QuickBooks Online.
Possesses strong leadership and strategic thinking skills as it relates to nonprofit finance and administration. Understands, or is willing to learn, the unique complexities of nonprofits and/or arts organizations.
Possesses strong analytical skills and expertise in financial and accounting policies, practices, and systems. Familiarity with a variety of charitable-giving products and approaches.
Is a team player, active problem-solver, and open to new ideas. A successful candidate can provide both strategic and operational support to the President & CEO and works collaboratively with other VP-level team members to ensure coordinated management across the organization’s functional areas.
The Grand Rapids Symphony was established in 1930, and the steadfast commitment of visionary community leaders has created an organization that has received national recognition for the high quality of its concerts and educational programs.
More than eighty years ago, our community in Grand Rapids and West Michigan determined that an orchestra would strengthen the city and region. Following the decision to establish this important cultural resource, the steadfast commitment of visionary community leaders has created an organization that is recognized nationally for the high quality of its concerts and educational programs.
Led by Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt and Associate Conductor John Varineau, the orchestra presents ten concert series with performances designed to capture the imagination of young children and adults alike, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles.
The Grand Rapids Symphony presents more than 400 performances each year, touching the lives of some 200,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community serv...ice programs.
The Symphony’s Affiliated Organizations include the Grand Rapids Bach Festival, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, and Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses. The Symphony also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.
Vision
Our vision is for the Grand Rapids Symphony to be a more integral and indispensable part of the West Michigan community. The institution has long been an important part of the community, with musical excellence, diverse programming, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to learning all adding to the quality of life we enjoy in West Michigan.
However, by providing additional value to our community, we have an opportunity to become more integral and indispensable, to have people from around the region experience that we are integral to the vibrancy of our community.
Indispensable: is about sharing great concerts and educational programs with our community as Grand Rapids and West Michigan grows and evolves, becoming a center of regional excellence with a diverse population and business base. We have an important role in the continued development of West Michigan, helping to connect people with one another and supporting economic growth.
Integral: is about taking the organization to the community, not only inviting them to come to us. This impacts:
• What is offered (type of programming, location of concerts)
• Providing a full experience (beyond the music)
• Making education a major element of our service to the community
Purpose
To excel at providing distinctive musical experiences, with an emphasis on live orchestral music, for diverse audiences throughout West Michigan.
Mission
Our mission is to share great music that moves the human soul.