Job Description

ABOUT PARK AVENUE ARMORY

Part palace, part industrial shed, Park Avenue Armory fills a critical void in the cultural ecology of New York by offering unconventional works in the performing and visual arts that cannot be fully realized in a traditional proscenium theater, concert hall, or white wall gallery. With its soaring 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall and an array of exuberant period rooms, the Armory enables a diverse range of world‑class artists to create, students to explore, and audiences to experience epic, cutting edge, relevant work that cannot be done elsewhere in New York.

Since its first production in September 2007, the Armory has produced and commissioned world‑class immersive performances, installations, and cross‑disciplinary collaborations in its vast Drill Hall that defy traditional categorization and challenge artists to push the boundaries of their practice.

In addition to the artistic program, the Armory has an extensive arts education program that serves 5,000‑6,000 students from underserved New York City public schools at no cost to students or schools.

The third focus of the Armory, in addition to artistic programming and arts education, is repair and restoration and maintenance of the historic Armory which is a national, state, and city interior and exterior landmark. The Armory has spent over $174 million to date on building improvements and restorations and is embarking on fund‑raising for a $73 million capital project in 2026.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will lead all aspects of financial management including accounting, finance, accounts payable/receivable, investments/endowment, forecasting, and budgeting. Also under the CFO’s direction is human resources administration.

The CFO will be an innovative, forward‑thinking, customer‑oriented individual who can adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in a creative, detail‑ and deadline‑oriented workplace.

The CFO reports to the President/Executive Producer and works closely with the Finance Committee, the Investment Committee, and the Audit Committee as well as with program, production, education, development, facilities, IT operations, venue rental, marketing, and box office staff. The CFO oversees a team of 4‑5 in finance and human resources.

FUNDING

The Armory has a FY26 operating budget of approximately $24 million, an endowment of $86 million, and a future capital renovation project of $73 million.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Substantial experience as a CFO or senior financial manager in a not-for-profit cultural organization, with preference given to performing arts settings.
• Extensive knowledge of not-for-profit finance, accounting, endowment administration, contracts, budgeting, and cost control principles including GAAP and federal and state financial regulations.
• Additional experience in human resources is beneficial.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills; able to work with staff at all levels.
• Excellent analytical skills: ability to understand and summarize large quantities of complex material and to present financial statements, projections and other reports clearly and effectively to stakeholders.
• Experience working with an engaged Board of Trustees.
• Expertise working in CRM systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Results oriented and self‑motivated with a "roll‑up your sleeves" work ethic.
• Energetic, "can‑do" spirit.
• Experience overseeing investment portfolios and/or endowments.
• Experience overseeing audit and 990 preparations.
• Willingness to be flexible and responsive to change, yet also firm and decisive.
• Genuine interest in the mission; able to attend evening/weekend events and performances.
• Experience with NetSuite and FundEasy is beneficial.
• CPA, MBA, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The annual compensation range for this role is $225,000-$250,000 commensurate with experience and accomplishments plus attractive benefits. The Armory operates with fully onsite staff.

Park Avenue Armory has engaged the executive search firm of Howe-Lewis International to assist with the search process. Nominations and expressions of interest will be held in confidence and may be emailed to Kirk McDonald at kirk@howe-lewis.com .

To apply, please click here or visit howe‑lewis.com and click on the "Assignments" tab on the top menu. All expressions of interest will be held in confidence.

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