Careers with The Filson Historical Society
Join us in sharing history!
The Filson Historical Society is a member-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, an equal opportunity employer, and provides its employees with industry competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
For general information regarding career opportunities, please contact the Filson Historical Society at (502) 635-5083.
Current Openings
Chief Financial Officer
Summary Description
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at The Filson Historical Society is a senior member of the leadership team charged with guiding the financial, operational, and institutional health of the organization. Working closely with the President & CEO and the Board, the CFO will provide strategic oversight over finance, facilities management, information technology, and human resources to ensure that Filson’s mission—to collect, preserve, and share the significant history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley—is sustained and supported.
Finance & Accounting
- Develop and oversee the financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring alignment with Filson’s strategic goals.
- Supervise the Business Manager and provide oversight on daily financial operations: cash flow, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, grants accounting, expense tracking.
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, tax filings, audit processes, restrictions tied to grants and donors.
- Oversee investment management, banking relationships, insurance, and risk mitigation.
- Support the quarterly meetings of the Board’s Investment and Finance Committees with timely reporting and analysis.
Facilities
- Supervise the Technology, Facilities, & Safety Manager and provide oversight on the maintenance, preservation, and operation of Ferguson Mansion, Carriage House, Owsley Brown II History Center, archival storage, exhibition spaces, reading rooms, and other physical plant.
- Lead long-term facilities planning, including capital projects, preventative maintenance, vendor contracts, safety and accessibility.
- Ensure preservation standards for historic buildings are met; coordinate building security, environmental controls, collections storage needs.
Technology
- Manage IT infrastructure, software, hardware, cybersecurity, and data management, particularly as they relate to research collections, digital access/digitization, and visitor experience.
- Oversee vendor relationships, help desk/support, network, backups, disaster recovery, secure access to collections and records.
- Recommend and implement technologies that improve efficiency, operational reporting, donor management, and outreach.
Human Resources
- Oversee HR policies, employment practices, legal compliance, benefits administration, staff compensation.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and professional development.
- Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and transparent workplace culture consistent with Filson’s strategic goals around wellbeing and engagement.
- Manage employee relations, staff retention, workplace safety, and support for staff across departments.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; CPA, MBA, or equivalent strongly preferred.
- At least 7-10 years of progressive leadership and financial management experience
- Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills; ability to translate mission into sustainable operations.
- Outstanding communication skills; ability to present complex financial and operational information clearly to staff, Board, funders, and other stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience overseeing facilities (especially historic buildings), IT, and HR functions.
- Familiarity with nonprofit financial compliance, grants management, audit processes.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and purpose of the Filson and to institutionally defined values of Professionalism, Collaboration, Initiative, Dependability, and Accountability.
Core Competencies
- Strategic & financial leadership
- Cross-departmental collaboration and team leadership
- Integrity, transparency, and sound judgment
- Attention to detail and operational excellence
- Adaptability & innovation in managing heritage, preservation, and nonprofit operations
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range of $120,000 to $135,000 per year with a competitive benefits package including health and life insurance, 403(b) match, and generous paid time off, holidays, and volunteer time off. This is an exempt full-time position, expected to work 40 hours per week, based at the Filson’s campus in Louisville, Kentucky. The Filson’s standard operating hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Application Instructions
Applications including 1) a cover letter detailing relevant experience and expertise and 2) a resume or CV, should be submitted to Dr. Patrick Lewis, President & CEO, via email at gro.l1759246838aciro1759246838tsihn1759246838oslif1759246838@siwe1759246838lkcir1759246838tap1759246838.
Applications will be reviewed as received. Questions about the position and application process should be directed to Dr. Lewis.
Internships
The Filson is not currently offering any internships.
