BACKGROUND
Founded in 1886, built in 1908, and transformed in 2019, The Westport Library is one of the most active and innovative public libraries in the nation, devoted to enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the community. The Library’s mission is to empower the individual and strengthen the community through dynamic interaction and the lively exchange of ideas. Under its vision, the Westport Library has taken a broad and holistic approach to being recognized as a leading center of intellectual inquiry and discovery that inspires people to make an impact on the world.
Located in the picturesque town of Westport and overlooking the scenic Saugatuck River, it is one of the few Five Star Libraries in America and the only Five Star Library in Connecticut. The Westport Library fosters a collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial work environment. Its core values include a strong emphasis on exceptional patron service, individual initiative, adaptability, and a positive approach to achieving its goals.
The Westport Library is also home to Verso Studios, replete with an SSL hybrid analog sound studio and broadcast control suite featuring a state-of-the-art console and six robotic cameras, and the Trefz Forum, an open, flexible space that can accommodate up to 600 patrons and features an 18-foot video wall, 35-foot stage, state-of-the-art sound, theatrical lighting, and video and digital projection.
The Westport Library annually hosts StoryFest, the largest literary festival in Connecticut, and VersoFest, its four-day music and media festival powered by Verso Studios, in addition to providing a full series of traditional programs for anyone and everyone. Above all, the Library strives to provide a warm, welcoming destination where visitors can read and research, shop, and enjoy the camaraderie of being in a shared space — serving the whole community as a vibrant gathering spot where people of all ages come to seek information, gain knowledge, exchange ideas, and share experiences.
For more information about the Library, visit www.WestportLibrary.org
POSITION
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the CFO serves as a member of the leadership team for the Library and is responsible for all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting and human resources practices. The CFO will ensure the organization’s financial integrity and serve as a trusted partner to the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and Board of Trustees.
The CFO must have an aptitude for building financial scenarios, coordinating audits, and enhancing and implementing financial reporting, processes, tools and control systems. They will oversee all accounting and financial reporting, regulatory compliance, budgeting, financial analysis and audit activities. The CFO will have direct responsibility and oversight of cash flow, liquidity, and reserves.
The CFO joins the library at a pivotal moment of transformation. They will lead the modernization of financial systems, processes, and policies and build a finance function that is efficient, scalable, transparent, and aligned with the Library’s strategic goals.
The successful CFO will be a strategic partner, an operational innovator, and a clear communicator. They will provide not only financial stewardship, but the leadership needed to move the Library into its next era — one grounded in efficiency, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
In coordination with the Executive Director and Chief of Staff, the CFO will serve as staff liaison to the Board and various Board committees. The CFO will ensure that the Library’s senior staff and Board are provided with accurate and updated financials, along with financial assessments and recommendations.
The Westport Library prides itself on having a strong and collaborative management team that is mission-driven. The CFO must likewise be collaborative in approach and believe strongly in the mission and values of the Library. The CFO will work closely with other departmental leaders (i.e. development/grants) within the Library in budget creation for proposals and funding requests.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial future of a nationally recognized public institution redefining what a 21st-century library can be. Nationally recognized for its innovation, inclusivity, and creativity, the Westport Library is a dynamic community hub with world-class programming, media studios, entrepreneurial resources, and a strong public mission. Located in a vibrant coastal town with rich cultural offerings, the CFO role at the Library offers the chance to help shape the future of a beloved civic institution while working alongside a passionate, high-performing team.
PRIORITY GOALS FOR THE CFO
- Elevate the organization from high-volume, granular financial reporting to high-impact, strategic analysis.
- Oversee the selection, conversion and implementation of a major database conversion from the existing accounting system to a modern, cloud-based, open-platform Financial Management System with integration from FMS to other internal platforms handling payroll, POS, and CRM.
- Provide timely and accurate monthly close with consistent reconciliations, forecasting, and board-ready reporting within the first year.
- Reorganize the finance function, including overseeing outsourced accounting partners and internal finance/HR staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal CFO will have at minimum 7 years (ideally 10+) experience leading a finance department, preferably in a comparable nonprofit organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
- Proven experience leading financial system transitions and implementing integrated platforms.
- Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit financial management, fund accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and audit compliance.
- Proficiency in accounting software and financial reporting tools; experience with Blackbaud or cloud-based FMS preferred.
- Mature, proactive and diplomatic, with a strong record of having worked as a trusted business partner to executive teams and Boards.
- Skill in examining, developing, reengineering, and recommending financial and HR policies and procedures.
- Strong analytical skills and experience translating a strategic vision into an operational model.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and a collaborative and flexible style with a strong service mentality.
- A demonstrated ability to think strategically in seizing opportunities, accessing risks, streamlining systems, and reducing expenses.
- Ability to earn trust and be perceived as a team player who is committed to lifelong learning.
- Creativity along with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.
- Excellent communications skills (oral, written, and listening).
- Ability to respond to complex situations, requiring tact and diplomacy and to effectively present information.
- Strong relationship builder with the ability to find common purpose, build consensus and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
- Demonstrated comfort with ambiguity, adaptability to shifting priorities, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Communicates clearly and persuasively with non-financial staff and board members.
The Westport Library is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to ensuring equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or expression.
For more information, to refer a candidate, or to apply in confidence, please contact:
David Hinsley Cheng, Managing Partner
Jennifer Thorne, Search Consultant
DHC Search
info@DHCSearch.com
www.DHCSearch.com
(203) 307-0120
