Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26334
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Chris Dobbs
Executive Director Museum of the Rockies
chris.dobbs@montana.edu (%20chris.dobbs@montana.edu)
406-944-6543
Classification Title Finance Professional
Working Title Director of Finance
Brief Position Overview
Museum of the Rockies ( MOR ) at Montana State University ( MSU ) invites finance and accounting professionals with backgrounds in nonprofit or governmental accounting to apply to be MOR's next Director of Finance. The Director of Finance is responsible for providing leadership and direction for financial management, information technology, facilities, security, the museum store, and for the finances and investments of Museum of the Rockies, Inc., a private nonprofit. Reporting directly to the museum's Executive Director, this is an opportunity to take a leadership role at a pivotal time for a beloved cultural attraction.
Position Number 4C0624
Department Museum of the Rockies
Division Museum of the Rockies
Appointment Type Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary range from $102,000 to $108,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
MOR has an annual operating budget of approximately $7.5 million, and Museum of the Rockies, Inc. (the private nonprofit arm of the museum) has net assets in excess of $40 million. The position reports to the Executive Director, serves in the senior management team, and coordinates with other museum department directors to guarantee smooth flow of information and resources. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Director of Finance staffs MOR , Inc.'s Finance Committee and works closely with MOR Inc.'s Treasurer.
With over 250,000 general visitors and program participants, MOR is one of Montana's most visited museums. The museum has recently completed an ambitious and transformative master plan and anticipates a significant campaign on the horizon. With vision and a record of success in a thriving community, MOR is poised for substantial growth. The Director of Finance will be a fundamental player in this success.
Duties and Responsibilities
Director of Finance primary duties and responsibilities include:
Financial Planning - In collaboration with the Executive Director and department heads, develop and execute budgets to ensure the museum's profitability and sustainability.
Fiscal Management - Plan, implement, and manage the accounting and investment functions of the museum; ensuring that ledgers and accounts are maintained, and cash flow is monitored.
Reporting - Coordinate and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on revenue, expenses, restricted funds, and special projects for key shareholders, including MOR , Inc., MSU , and MSUAF . This requires strategic forecasting, financial modeling, and producing professional, transparent, reports based on sound data.
Staff Supervision - Oversee Finance staff along with the Facilities/Security and Store managers; providing clear direction and communication based around institutional priorities/goals.
Audit Coordination and Support - Prepare required materials and oversee annual audit. Serve as the liaison with external auditor and facilitate annual tax return filings.
Risk management - Identify and manage financial risks associated with business operations and investments. Serve as liaison with insurance agencies and carriers for policy updates and claim processing.
Board Liaison - Act as the staff leader on the Finance Committee and provide financial reporting as necessary to the Board of Trustees and related committees.
Campaign Finance - Working with the Executive Director and Development Department to ensure proper tracking and reporting on campaign finances.
Coordination - Act as the point of contact with MSU Financial and IT; and support MSU HR as needed.
Time allocation for these responsibilities are roughly:
50% financial management and strategy,
30% staff management,
10% risk and information technology management, and
10% special projects.
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
To qualify, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience as a finance director or similar role, for a private or government nonprofit with responsibilities for the financial status of the organization, reporting to internal and external partners, and preparing financial data and schedules for auditors.
Experience overseeing an annual operating budget of $4M or greater.
Experience with direct and effective supervision of staff.
Relevant knowledge of federal and state legislation affecting nonprofits, including IRS regulations, and fund accounting and nonprofit GAAP .
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Additional preference will be given to candidates who meet the following preferred qualifications:
Advanced degree or certification, e.g., CPA /MAcct/ MBA
Advanced proficiency with computerized financial and fund accounting systems and CRMs such as Blackbaud and experience with implementing this kind of system.
Experience staffing a non-profit Board of Trustees.
Experience with capital campaign financial management.
Experience with retail operations.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have a strong financial mastery that allows for strategic forecasting, profitability optimization, and data-driven financial analysis.
Be able to represent MOR in a positive manner to outside groups and constituents including MSU departments.
Have strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Provide leadership to a team and to work in a team environment.
Possess excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Be committed to excellence and ethical standards in his/her specific areas of responsibility and show a desire to advance the mission of the Museum of the Rockies.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Prior to applying, candidates should carefully review minimum and preferred qualifications to ensure that they fulfill the requirements. Along with the required application materials, a formal 1 to 2-page cover letter should specifically address the listed required qualifications of the candidate.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on April 10, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
