About Music Will
Music Will transforms lives by transforming music education. We run the largest nonprofit music education program in the U.S. public school system and using genres including rock, pop, Latin, and hip hop, our program empowers teachers to build music programs as diverse as the students they serve. As a result, students see themselves reflected in their classes, which strengthens their connection to their school, their peers, and their community. Music Will also donates necessary instruments and curriculum, meeting a key need of many school music programs.
Since 2002, Music Will has served more than 1.8 million students in more than 6,000 schools in over 1,000 cities and communities across 50 states with highly inclusive and culturally responsive music education. Today, approximately 1 million kids participate in Music Will programs. Looking ahead, we’re aiming to impact the lives of 11 million students annually by 2030.
Learn more at www.musicwill.org.
The Chief Finance & Operating Officer Opportunity
We are seeking a Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CFOO) to join Music Will as we work towards our ambitious and inspiring 5-year strategic vision to transform the lives of 11 million students annually through the power of music. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of Music Will’s leadership team, the CFOO will oversee the organization's finance, operations, people and culture, and technology infrastructure. As Music Will works to significantly expand our impact through budget growth (aiming to grow from $7M to $13M by 2030) and through scalable programs and resources, we are looking for a leader with extensive experience managing teams and systems in complex environments. Bringing a breadth of experience, including a deep understanding of nonprofit finance and HR & culture, the CFOO will play a critical role in driving financial sustainability, operational excellence, and staff engagement while fostering a culture defined by Music Will’s values: Belonging, Growth, Integrity, and Joy.
Key Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership
- Serve as a member of the organization’s C-Suite, providing insights, guidance, and perspective on organization-wide decisions and strategy.
- Develop processes and structure for key leadership-driven efforts across Music Will, such as budgeting, goal setting, and performance management.
- Work collaboratively with the full C-Suite to ensure that we maintain a values-driven culture where we are aligned on goals, clear in strategy, and leading with a deep level of respect and appreciation for our staff, teachers, and broader community.
- Support the board of directors by joining quarterly board meetings and serving as the staff support member for the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and (ad hoc) Digital Committee.
- Build strong relationships across the Music Will community, including staff, board members, volunteers, and external partners.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication to drive alignment and operational excellence across departments and programs.
Financial Management
- Lead an annual organization-wide budget development process that engages staff and their expertise, connects directly to our strategic plan and objectives, is guided by board feedback, and outlines key risks and benchmarks.
- Develop, maintain, and communicate financial projections, budgets, and forecasts, in collaboration with the executive team and the board of directors.
- Ensure the appropriate management of the organization’s day-to-day financial operations (i.e. accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash flow management).
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit GAAP standards and regulatory requirements and lead the annual audit process, working with external auditors, the board, and staff to ensure timeliness and accuracy.
Operational Leadership
- Lead the organization’s operations, focusing on sustaining what works and developing efficient, integrated, and technology-enabled systems where there is need for further growth and improvement.
- Lead and support a diverse team of finance, operations, and technology professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Provide strategic guidance on resource allocation and investment decisions to support organizational goals and objectives.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems to enhance operational effectiveness and scalability.
Human Resources
- Lead the development and execution of a people and culture strategy that advances the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals. Partner with the C-Suite to ensure that workforce planning, talent development, and organizational design support impact and sustainability.
- Develop and oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, and professional development systems that attract and retain high-performing, values-aligned staff.
- Foster an inclusive, equitable, and mission-driven culture where staff feel valued, engaged, and empowered to contribute their best. Champion initiatives that promote belonging, integrity, growth, and joy across all levels of the organization.
Technology
- Oversee the organization’s technology infrastructure, including our IT systems, Salesforce, and our web and digital platforms. Support a team of staff leading each individual function by providing cohesion, strategy, and building cross-functional partnerships to ensure that an effective and responsive technology strategy is implemented effectively across the organization.
- Evaluate technologies and tools to streamline and optimize operational systems, program delivery, fundraising efforts, and more.
- Coordinate with Music Will staff and vendors to ensure the security, reliability, and performance of our technology systems.
Risk Management, Compliance, and Legal
- Ensure the organization operates in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, grant requirements, and internal policies.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate organizational risks related to all functional areas of the organization. Establish systems of internal controls and compliance monitoring to safeguard assets, ensure accurate reporting, and maintain funder and regulatory confidence.
- Ensure the creation and enforcement of organizational policies and procedures that uphold legal and ethical standards. Lead staff education and communication efforts to ensure consistent understanding of compliance obligations across the organization.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulatory agencies, funders, and the board. Develop and monitor compliance performance metrics and recommend improvements to enhance organizational integrity and operational effectiveness.
Candidate Profile
As the Chief Finance & Operating Officer, you will demonstrate many, though perhaps not all, of the following professional experiences, competencies, and characteristics:
- You offer at least 10 years of nonprofit management experience, ideally including past success in organizations with a national scope and/or operating budget of $4M+. You have served effectively on an organizational leadership team and worked with a Board of Directors or Board committees.
- You are drawn to our mission and believe in the power of music to change lives, and you exhibit our values of Belonging, Integrity, Growth, and Joy.
- You are experienced in cross-functional leadership, with the ability to leverage systems-thinking, to foster cohesion and shared vision among a variety of disparate teams, and to nurture talent and provide space for team members to make decisions and lead.
- You have led through change and are drawn to opportunities to guide through periods of growth and transformation.
- You are experienced in providing strategic management to finance and HR professionals and hands-on collaboration when needed.
- You have experience providing input on technology systems and can work with a dedicated IT team to lead technological changes to support effective and efficient processes.
- You are a systems-builder who is resourceful in finding creative ways to meet organizational needs.
- You have successfully developed organization-wide policies and procedures, navigating legal and compliance issues while creating policies that are actionable and right-sized for an organization.
- You possess strong interpersonal skills and foster collaboration, communication, and appreciation across teams, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with strong emotional intelligence.
- You are detail-oriented, achieving thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task and balancing multiple workstreams and priorities.
Location and Travel
This is a fully remote position and the CFOO can be based anywhere in the contiguous United States. Occasional travel will be required, including annual organization-wide events such as our Benefit each spring, our Modern Band Summit each summer, and our team retreat each fall. The CFOO will also attend our in-person Board meetings, currently held twice annually and typically coordinated with existing travel obligations (e.g. Benefit, Summit).
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $200,000.
Music Will offers an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance with up to 100% paid for employee coverage; HSA/FSA options; short- and long-term disability and life insurance; 403(b) retirement savings plan with 3% match after 90 days of service; eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program; Discretionary Time Off policy, plus 9 paid holidays and company-wide office closure from December 24 through January 1; flexible work arrangements; and remote work stipend.
Additionally, we provide employees with a laptop, monitor, docking station, and peripherals for business use.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Cassie Scarano and Kirstin Griffiths Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Music Will is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff; individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We promote a healthy and safe workspace as we work together to foster success for generations to come. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.