The Chief Administrative Officer provides strategic financial and operational
leadership for the John Michael Kohler Arts Center — a nationally recognized
institution with nearly 60 years of history advancing artists and connecting
creativity to the community. Anchored in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and active in
national conversations about contemporary, self-taught, and underrecognized art,
JMKAC operates a multifaceted organization that includes exhibitions, the
internationally regarded Arts/Industry residency program, the Art Preserve (the
world's first museum dedicated to artist-built environments), community
education, and a collection of more than 25,000 works.
The Chief Administrative Officer will direct and oversee the financial
activities of the corporation, direct the preparation of current financial
reports and summaries, and create forecasts predicting future growth. Oversee
Accounting department, budget preparation, and audit functions. Oversee IT & HR
Departments. Works with other department heads to monitor each department and
make recommendations.
This is a role for a leader who is as comfortable presenting complex
organizational strategy to a board finance committee as they are rolling up
their sleeves to close out month-end financials alongside their team. At JMKAC,
leadership means doing the work — not just directing it. We are looking for a
CAO who sees their job as enabling the people around them and who brings genuine
engagement to the details, not just the strategy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the
essential duties and responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodation may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions of this position.
Sets the strategic direction for all financial functions, including multi-year
planning, budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial modeling in support
of the organizational strategic plan.
Reviews and presents reports summarizing financial position, business activity,
and projections; serves as primary staff liaison to the Board Finance Committee
Approves financial and personnel budgets with the Executive and Deputy Directors
for presentation to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors
Oversees financial compliance for grants and restricted funds in coordination
with Development staff
Manages the consolidated annual audit for JMKAC, Creation and Preservation
Partners (CAPP), and Collection Acquisitions and Stewardship Partners (CASP);
coordinates annual tax filings
Oversees accounting operations for CAPP and CASP in addition to JMKAC's core
financial functions
Manages external relationships with banking institutions, insurance providers,
auditors, benefit plan administrators, and government agencies
Advises leadership on insurance coverage for property, liability, and
organizational risk
Actively participates in the work of the accounting department, including
contributing directly to month-end close, financial reporting, and audit
preparation as needed — this is a hands-on leadership role
Human Resources
Oversees the legal and operational dimensions of Human Resources, including
recruiting, benefits administration, employee relations, discipline, compliance,
and day-to-day HR function
Partners closely with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, who
leads the cultural dimensions of HR — onboarding, belonging, staff engagement,
training, and soft benefits — to ensure a cohesive and equitable employee
experience
Prepares reports required by regulatory agencies
Information Technology
Provides strategic oversight of the Manager of Information Technology, who
manages the organization's infrastructure, networks, hardware, and software
systems
Oversees the organization's digital security posture, including proactive threat
monitoring, staff cybersecurity protocols, and incident response — the CFO
serves as the senior organizational leader in the event of a security incident
or breach
Digital Collections and Information Systems
Provides strategic oversight of the Director of Digital Collections and
Information Systems, who manages JMKAC's extensive digital assets — including
nearly 60years of content archives, exhibition image records, collection data
management, rights and reproductions, publication and book creation processes,
and the organization's online research portal
Ensures that the organization's digital collections infrastructure is resourced,
supported, and aligned with institutional priorities
Direct Reports/Organizational Structure:
The CAO provides direct supervision to four positions: the Controller, the
Director of Digital Collections and Information Systems, the Manager of
Information Technology, and the HR Generalist. The Controller oversees two Staff
Accountants. The Director of Digital Collections and Information Systems leads a
team of five. This is a leadership role with meaningful organizational reach —
the CAO is responsible for the health, development, and performance of this full
team.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Excellent management and supervisory skills.
Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
Proficient in database and accounting computer application systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.