Fractional CFO at Kelly Strayhorn Theater

ARE YOU OUR NEXT FRACTIONAL CFO?

Kelly Strayhorn Theater seeks a Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide senior-level financial leadership during a period of organizational growth, capital planning and strategic transition. 

Working closely with Co-Executive Directors, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors, the Fractional CFO will strengthen financial oversight, improve forecasting and cash management, and support long-term financial sustainability.

This role serves as a strategic advisor and senior financial reviewer, providing final oversight, analysis, and guidance across financial systems, while partnering with in-house staff and third-party accounting support. This role does not perform day-to-day bookkeeping or payroll processing, but ensures accuracy, clarity, and alignment across all financial functions. 

ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER 

Named after 20th-century entertainment legends and Pittsburgh natives Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, Kelly Strayhorn Theater is a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. KST takes a multidisciplinary approach to presenting contemporary performing arts while examining the questions that define and inspire us as individuals and communities.

This is a fractional / part-time contract (1099) engagement. This role is not eligible for benefits.
While some work may be conducted remotely, periodic in person engagement will support the effectiveness of this role.

This role is expected to include:

• Approximately 12 hours per month for ongoing operational and financial oversight
  with additional time during audit and budget preparation, which are considered part of the core operational scope
• Approximately 8+ hours per month dedicated to capital campaign support during capital campaign

Time commitment will fluctuate based on organizational needs and is expected to increase during:

• Annual budget development (with Board approval typically at the June Board meeting)
• Audit preparation and review periods
• Periods of heightened capital campaign activity
• Active financing efforts or lender engagement

KST’s fiscal year runs September 1 – August 31. Time commitment is expected to scale as the capital campaign advances and as financing structures become more active.

COMPENSATION 

The Fractional CFO will receive a $2,000 monthly stipend for ongoing operational and financial oversight as described in this agreement.

Additional work related to the capital campaign or other special projects will be compensated at an additional hourly rate or project-based stipend, to be mutually agreed upon in advance and aligned with the scope and budget of the project.

The Fractional CFO will provide strategic financial leadership and oversight in the following areas: 

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT, CONTROLS & SYSTEMS

• Provide senior-level review and oversight of the General Ledger, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and appropriate classification in alignment with nonprofit, funder, and audit standards.
• Serve as a trusted resource for accounting questions, financial controls, and complex financial decision-making.
• Oversee and advise on financial policies, internal controls, and risk management practices as organizational needs evolve.
• Work in partnership with in-house bookkeeping staff and a third-party accounting firm that performs month-end close, providing final review and approval of financial statements.
   

CASH MANAGEMENT, INVESTMENTS & LIQUIDITY

• Advise on cash management strategy, including operating reserves, liquidity planning, and timing of cash inflows and outflows.
• Provide guidance on investment strategies appropriate for a nonprofit organization, including CDs, CD ladders, reserve accounts, and risk-appropriate vehicles.
• Support leadership in aligning cash availability, earned revenue cycles, and restricted funds, with strict oversight of restricted funding requirements to safeguard financial stability.
   

REPORTING, GOVERNANCE & EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

• Prepare and/or review monthly and periodic financial reports for the Finance Committee and Board, including narrative analysis and interpretation
• Attend bi-monthly Board and Committee meetings as required, particularly for audit review and annual budget discussions.
• Support reporting to banks, funders, and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with covenants, grant requirements, and capital commitments.
• Assist leadership in responding to complex financial inquiries from funders, lenders, and board members.
   

BUDGETING, FORECASTING & FINANCIAL PLANNING

• Advise on and review annual and multi-year operating budgets developed by staff, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and financial sustainability.
• Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts and scenario models to support planning and decision-making.
• Lead cash-flow forecasting and expense projection to support proactive management and early identification of risks or opportunities.
   

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, FINANCING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

• Support the creation, review, and ongoing updating of the capital project budget, including cash flows, cost assumptions, timing, funding sources, and related campaign reporting.
• Serve as a financial strategy partner for the capital campaign, with increasing engagement as the campaign becomes more active, including preparation of campaign financial reports.
• Develop  financial modeling related to campaign timing, cash flow, debt capacity, and project phasing to inform capital and financing decisions.
• Assist in evaluating, securing, and managing financing, including preparation for lender conversations, analysis of financing options, and review of terms and implications. 
• Contribute financial insight to business planning and major organizational initiatives.
   

AUDIT & COMPLIANCE SUPPORT

• Prepare financial statements for review by auditors (including footnotes), as well as supporting schedules and information needed for 990. 
• Provide final oversight of audit materials, schedules, and responses, ensuring accuracy and readiness.
• Support leadership in addressing audit findings, recommendations, and follow-up actions.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE 

• Senior-level financial leadership experience, including work as a CFO, fractional CFO, or equivalent role.
• Demonstrated experience with nonprofit financial management, including audits, board reporting, funder compliance, and restricted funds.
• Strong expertise in cash-flow management, forecasting, financial modeling, and capital planning.
• Experience advising organizations through capital campaigns, financing strategies, and real estate or facility transitions, including working with boards, lenders, and campaign leadership.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience working  within the Pittsburgh and regional philanthropic and financial landscape is valuable, especially given the organization’s engagement with local foundations, lenders, and public funding partners.
   

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES  

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging and the willingness to prioritize and foster a commitment to valuing differences of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances.
• Strategic, steady partner comfortable working with executive leadership and boards.
• Systems-oriented thinker who balances detail with long-term vision.
  Independent, proactive contractor who brings clarity, rigor, and calm to complex financial decisions.
• High level of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive financial information.

TIMELINE
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with initial review beginning March 25, 2026. Interviews will begin shortly thereafter and continue until the role is filled. We anticipate the engagement beginning in early May 2026, following completion of a background check.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by March 25 for priority consideration.

HOW TO APPLY

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are energized by KST’s mission and values. Research supports that people whose voices have historically been underrepresented in leadership spaces are often less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If this role interests you but you do not meet every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply.

Applications are only accepted through our Jazz HR portal, here.