Chief Financial Officer

Lauber Community Partners is conducting an exclusive search for a Chief Financial Officer on behalf of Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Milwaukee Rep).

Milwaukee Rep is one of the nation’s premier regional theaters, celebrated for its artistic excellence, community impact, and bold vision for the future. With multiple performance venues and a transformative campus redevelopment, the organization is entering an exciting new chapter of growth. This is a unique leadership opportunity within a dynamic cultural institution where mission and performance go hand in hand.

Milwaukee-based executive search firm, Lauber Community Partners, specializes in connecting high-impact leaders with mission-driven organizations, and we are proud to partner on this important leadership search.

The Opportunity

The Chief Financial Officer is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for strengthening Milwaukee Rep’s financial foundation in support of its artistic and strategic goals. Reporting to the Executive Director, the CFO serves as both a strategic advisor and hands-on leader—guiding financial planning, ensuring operational excellence, and enabling data-informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Lead financial strategy, including long-range planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis
• Oversee monthly and annual close processes in accordance with GAAP
• Manage cash flow, internal controls, and financial systems
• Ensure audit readiness, 990 filings, and regulatory compliance
• Oversee core financial operations (AP, billing, reconciliations, grant accounting)
• Support financial planning and reporting for capital campaigns

 Organizational Leadership

• Partner with executive leadership to advance strategic priorities
• Serve as a key liaison to the Board, Finance Committee, and Investment Committee
• Lead and develop the Finance team
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Represent the organization with key stakeholders and community partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and experience in a senior financial management role, or the equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Significant financial leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit or cultural organization
• Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audits, and grant management
• Strong experience with nonprofit accounting, restricted funds, and capital campaign reporting
• Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., Abila MIP, Prophix; Tessitura, Paylocity, and Sage Intacct, a plus)
• Experience creating efficiencies through artificial intelligence within previous financial leadership roles, preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access

Key Attributes

• Strategic, analytical, self-starter that is solutions-oriented
• Hands-on leader with strong accountability and attention to detail
• Trusted advisor and effective communicator
• Highly organized with strong prioritization and execution skills
• Collaborative leader who develops teams and drives results

Why Work Here

Milwaukee Rep offers the opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognized arts organization at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. As a member of the executive team, you will help shape the future of a cultural institution deeply rooted in community impact, artistic excellence, and innovation.

In addition to meaningful, mission-driven work, employees enjoy a range of unique fringe benefits, including:

• Complimentary tickets to Milwaukee Rep productions
• Free gym access through FitPro Milwaukee
• Discounts at arts organizations throughout the Milwaukee community

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to support the well-being of our employees and their families, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid Parental Medical Leave (PML)
• Paid Parental Leave (PPL)