Chief Financial Officer / Chief Operations Officer

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation ("SPAF," "the Foundation") seeks an accomplished and visionary financial and operational leader to serve as its next Chief Finance Officer / Chief Operations Officer (CFO / COO). This is a rare opportunity to join an entrepreneurial organization at a transformational moment as it launches one of the largest capital campaigns in Sarasota's history and leads the development of a new performing arts center that will stand as a civic landmark for generations.

Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota is widely regarded as the cultural capital of the state, home to world-class arts organizations, a thriving philanthropic community, and engaged and generous audiences. The city also offers an enviable quality of life, with year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and a welcoming atmosphere that blends small-town warmth with global sophistication. For the right leader, this opportunity offers not only a career-defining role but also the chance to live and work in one of the most desirable communities in the country.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CFO / COO will be a key member of the senior leadership team and a true strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors leadership. This leader will provide financial acumen, operational oversight, and steady counsel as the Foundation evolves from a lean nonprofit into a major cultural institution. Working in close collaboration with the CEO and Board, they will help shape a strategic plan that guides the opening of a new performing arts center, expands nationally recognized educational programming, and builds the systems and infrastructure for long-term success.

The CFO / COO will be the chief architect of SPAF's financial future, overseeing all aspects of finance, including accounting, budgeting, audits, compliance, and risk management, while aligning financial planning with the ambitious demands of a $200M+ campaign. They will also lead financial modeling, contracts, and oversight of the new performing arts center, promise fiscal discipline and accountability, while helping to deliver an iconic facility that expands access to arts education and enriches community life.

Beyond finance, the CFO / COO will manage operations, HR, IT, facilities, and administration, while preparing the organization for significant staff growth in the years ahead. They will also cultivate relationships with donors, civic leaders, government officials, banks, and auditors, projecting the credibility and confidence that reinforce the Foundation's reputation as fiscally responsible and mission-driven.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned financial executive with nonprofit fluency, experience in capital campaigns or large civic projects, and the presence to inspire confidence among diverse stakeholders. They will pair strategic vision with a hands-on approach and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Equally important, they will demonstrate emotional intelligence, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for the performing arts and community engagement.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic and mission-driven financial and operational leader. The CFO / COO will join a collaborative executive team, work alongside an accomplished and supportive Board, and play a pivotal role in shaping one of the most significant cultural projects in Florida, while helping to secure the Foundation's long-term legacy.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile .

WittKieffer is assisting Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation in this search. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and nominations and applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to : Bree Liddell and Melody Rose, Ph.D.

SarasotaFinanceOperations@wittkieffer.com

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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