The American Revolution secured our national independence, established our republic, created our national identity, and articulated ideals of freedom, liberty, justice, equality, and civic responsibility that continue to shape our nation and inspire the world. The Society of the Cincinnati was established to perpetuate the memory of the sacrifices and the enduring principles for which the Revolution was fought and why those principles still matter.

The Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army and Navy and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution. Its mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and to foster fellowship among its members. Now a nonprofit educational organization devoted to the principles and ideals of its founders, the modern Society operates its headquarters, library, museum, and educational outreach from Anderson House, a national historic landmark in the heart of Washington, DC. The American Revolution Institute is a wholly-owned educational division.

The Opportunity

The Director of Finance & Administration will manage day-to-day financial operations and oversee the strategic and tactical direction of accounting, finance, audit, building operations, hospitality, and rental event activities, as well as human resources.

This position represents the senior financial staff member for the Society of the Cincinnati enterprise based in Washington, D.C. The director has overall responsibility for the finance and budget activities of the Society and its educational division, the American Revolution Institute, including oversight, reporting, audit, financial compliance, data entry, and general ledger systems.

The Director of Finance & Administration reports to the Executive Director of the Society of the Cincinnati, with regular interaction with the Board Treasurer and other officers and volunteer leaders of the Society as needed.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced and meticulous finance leader with a CPA or relevant degree, ready to oversee all accounting, budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting for a complex nonprofit enterprise. They must be a versatile operational manager capable of supervising diverse teams—including finance, building, and hospitality staff—and modernizing banking and general ledger systems for maximum efficiency. This director is a strategic partner who uses excellent communication skills to articulate financial results, manage investment/audit committees, and align revenue-producing activities with the mission. They must possess strong interpersonal skills and discretion to manage human resources (payroll, benefits, HR committee liaison) and skillfully handle member relations, while also overseeing critical IT and facilities contracts. Ultimately, the successful candidate must exhibit teamwork, reliability, and multitasking ability in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating an appreciation for the organization’s unique historical mission.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of accounting and finance experience; preference given to those who have worked with either an early American historic site or a historically oriented mission.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance-related field, with a C.P.A. certificate preferred.
• Appreciation for the mission of the Society and its Institute, as well as the history of early America and/or the Revolutionary War and military history a strong plus.
• Knowledge and aptitude with computer systems and databases relevant to best practices for modern general ledger, banking, investment, and financial operations.
• Ability to exercise confidentiality, discretion, diplomacy, and good judgment.
• Professional presentation skills and excellent approachability/social skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, close attention to detail, and responsive, prompt customer service follow-up.
• Relationship management and communication skills are important to successfully work with fellow staff members, volunteer leaders of the organization, and Society members and donors in support of the organization’s stated desire to expand mission and goals as articulated through its strategic plan.
• Must exhibit flexibility, teamwork, reliability, and multitasking in a fast-paced environment.