Chief Financial Officer Position Profile
ABOUT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE
Gulfshore Playhouse, located in Naples, Florida, stands as one of the premier professional theatre companies in the United States, holding the prestigious League of Resident Theatres (LORT) designation - the highest recognition for professional theatres nationwide. Operating with collective bargaining agreements with Actors' Equity Association, Stage Directors and Choreographers, and United Scenic Artists, the organization consistently delivers world-class theatrical productions while maintaining the highest professional standards in the industry. This commitment to excellence has helped establish Gulfshore Playhouse as a cultural cornerstone, attracting top-tier talent from across the country.
With remarkable 23% compound annual growth rate, Gulfshore Playhouse has evolved into a robust cultural institution employing 90 professionals and managing a substantial $12 million operating budget. The organization's ambitious trajectory includes plans to expand its operating budget to $20 million within the next five years, reflecting its commitment to artistic excellence and community impact. This strategic growth positions Gulfshore Playhouse to continue its mission of producing professional theatre of the highest caliber while expanding its reach and influence in the performing arts landscape. If you’re driven by strategic leadership, passionate about fostering growth and excellence in the arts, and eager to collaborate with a team that’s shaping the future of professional theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse is ready to achieve great milestones with you.
Gulfshore Playhouse creates theatre of the highest caliber because they believe that diverse theatre experiences brought to life by professionals can transform lives.
MISSION
Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Our work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in our audience an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which we treat our artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.
COMMITMENT
Gulfshore Playhouse creates experiences to the highest professional standards for all people. True to their mission statement and organizational charter, they are creating a place where diverse groups of people can experience, enjoy, and participate in professional theatre and educational programming produced to the highest artistic standards. Because they believe that inclusion is essential to fully understanding their common humanity, Gulfshore Playhouse aspires to be an inclusive space where people from all walks of life are welcomed, respected, seen, and valued. They work to be an artistic home for diverse artists, staff, students, and audiences.
IN THE NEWS
About Naples, FL
Naples, Florida Once Again Ranked as #1 Best Place to Live in the United States by U.S. News
Naples, Florida, is an idyllic destination that seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty with an abundance of outdoor activities and a close-knit community spirit. Known for its nearly 9-mile stretch of pristine white sand beaches and year-round sunshine, Naples offers a perfect retreat for those who love the outdoors. The city's strong job market and excellent quality of life make it a highly desirable place to live. The vibrant local culture, with events like the Chubb Classic and the Naples Winter Wine Festival, along with a supportive and engaged community, makes Naples not just a place to live but a place to love. It's no wonder that once people experience the southwest Florida lifestyle, they often choose to stay for good.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Gulfshore Playhouse is seeking an experienced, organized, strategically minded, and communicative individual to serve as Chief Financial Officer. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, this pivotal role will shape the financial future of a dynamic and growing organization dedicated to producing world-class theatrical experiences and fostering educational opportunities that enrich the community. With the recent move into the state-of-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center, the Playhouse is entering an exciting new chapter, poised to elevate its mission and solidify its place as a leader in professional theatre in Southwest Florida.
The Chief Financial Officer will oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, compliance, and risk management, ensuring the organization’s financial health and sustainability. Acting as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Board of Directors, this individual will provide insights and recommendations to support decision-making and long-term planning. Additionally, the Chief Financial Officer will lead efforts to optimize operational efficiency, manage financial aspects of capital projects, and ensure transparency in financial reporting. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, results-driven leader with a passion for the arts, capable of building trust, engaging stakeholders, and advancing Gulfshore Playhouse’s mission during this transformative period.
Please note that this role is on-site in Naples, Florida, and will require relocation if necessary.
Gulfshore Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse staff; we strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.
Gulfshore Playhouse's Charter: https://www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org/charter/
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with Gulfshore Playhouse’s mission and long-term goals, supporting expansion from a $12M to $20M operating budget.
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors for informed planning and decision-making.
- Develop budgets that align with Gulfshore Playhouse’s growth and expansion plans while ensuring cash flow supports operational needs.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, financial policies, and interactions with auditors to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Foster and manage the organization’s growth trajectory by developing scalable financial systems, identifying strategic revenue opportunities, and implementing efficient processes to maximize mission impact.
- Partner with the Chief Operating Officer to align financial strategies with operational needs and strategic initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Chief Advancement Officer, the Chief Marketing Officer, and the Director of Education on revenue goals, strategies, and outcomes.
- Coordinate and collaborate with the Artistic Team and Production Team on show selection, material costs, ticket revenue goals, performance calendars, and overhire personnel.
- Establish and monitor internal controls, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Lead annual audits and external financial reviews to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Manage the financial aspects of capital projects, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost efficiency, and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Perform risk management, including safeguarding assets and ensuring appropriate liability insurance coverage.
- Make strategic investment decisions and build relationships with the investment community to optimize financial resources.
- Build relationships with donors, investors, and key stakeholders to enhance trust in financial stewardship.
- Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field or equivalent work experience. Master’s Degree is preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive financial management and operational experience, with a proven track record of success in accounting roles and effective financial management, ideally within a nonprofit or similarly complex organization.
- Proven ability to drive and sustain organizational growth through strategic financial planning, with demonstrated experience scaling organizations through periods of rapid expansion and managing the complex financial dynamics of compounding year-over-year growth while maintaining operational excellence.
- Deep expertise in accounting policies, practices, and systems, including internal controls and compliance with financial reporting standards.
- Extensive experience in finance and cash flow management, with a proven track record of driving financial health and sustainability.
- Strong communication skills related to finance, investment, and general administrative functions, with the ability to clearly convey financial strategies and insights to diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning and execution, aligning financial strategies with organizational goals.
- Strong leadership skills with experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities, with a collaborative approach to leadership.
- Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to assess financial trends and develop actionable strategies.
- Demonstrated success managing complex financial operations and experience with cloud-based systems including Google Workspace and QuickBooks.
- Familiarity with performing arts venue management systems (e.g., Toast POS, Spektrix) and experience with nonprofit accounting, contributed revenue, and earned revenue streams would be advantageous.
- Familiarity with nonprofit financial management practices, including donor-restricted funds, grant reporting, and audit preparation.
- Team player, problem-solver, and flexible with an ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Demonstrates and adheres to Gulfshore Playhouse values of integrity, communication, and kindness in day-to-day work.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS
Results-Oriented
The successful candidate must be performance-driven and able to provide measurable results. This individual will be resourceful, action-oriented, as well as a flexible and decisive manager who establishes clarity during distractions to produce results in a timely fashion. They will provide clear direction and establish achievable goals.
Communication
This individual should possess very strong communication, listening, and persuasion skills in order to truly partner with the management team. They must be an adept writer as well as a comfortable, dynamic, and effective presenter in front of both external and internal audiences including employees, senior management, and clients.
Strategic Agility
This individual must be intellectually sharp and clearly capable of thinking on their feet while demonstrating outstanding business judgment. The Chief Financial Officer will possess the analytical skills to improve overall productivity and elevate the organization’s processes. Today’s vision may change drastically in the future. This person must not only embrace change, but be entrepreneurial in nature, creating and altering this road map along the way.
Leadership Acumen & Team Orientation
The Chief Financial Officer will be charged with working harmoniously as a member of close-knit program and administrative teams, creating effective collaboration while being sensitive to diverse opinions, backgrounds, and personal styles. Through the development of improved processes, this individual will work to foster a culture of accountability and results. This position requires a hands-on, team-oriented executive who has broad-based credibility and is capable of consistently motivating people to act. An exceptional leader, who builds, inspires, and coaches teams with a passion for the business, while forging close working relationships with other senior leaders throughout the organization.
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