Chief Financial Officer – Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, DC
The Folger Shakespeare Library (the Folger) seeks a seasoned, strategic, and mission-aligned financial executive to serve as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a remarkable opportunity to partner closely with Director Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper at a time of strategic growth and organizational transformation. As the Folger embarks on a new strategic planning process, the CFO will play a defining role in shaping a sustainable financial future for the Folger—balancing innovation in public engagement with careful stewardship of its extraordinary legacy.
The Folger boasts the world’s largest collection of printed works of William Shakespeare, an array of rare materials from the early modern period, and both physical and electronic resources related to the understanding and interpretation of Shakespeare and his time. It offers advanced scholarly programs, national outreach to middle and high school students and educators, Shakespeare-inspired performances and programming, and workshops and activities for families, all of the highest quality. The Folger finds its strength and distinction in cultivating so many paths to engage with Shakespeare and the humanities. Each year, millions visit in person and virtually.
The strategic planning process comes on the heels of their 2024 reopening, following the completion of an $80.5 million comprehensive capital project.The reimagined Folger features an additional 12,000 square feet of public space, two new exhibition halls, a learning lab, collaborative research spaces, accessible entrances, a café, and a new gift shop. This four-year renovation reflects an expanded ambition: to continue serving scholars and researchers while significantly increasing public engagement with the diverse communities of Washington, DC, the surrounding region, and visitors from across the nation and around the globe.
The Folger Shakespeare Library maintains a distinctive and longstanding affiliation with Amherst College rooted in the bequest of its founders, Henry and Emily Folger. Under the terms of Henry Folger’s will, Amherst College serves as the Folger’s governing body, with fiduciary oversight vested in Amherst’s Board of Trustees. The Folger operates as a separate institution with its own leadership and Board of Governors. The CFO will attend all Board of Governors meetings, work closely with the Board Finance Committee, and cultivate a strong, collaborative relationship with the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Amherst College, effectively managing the Folger’s complex shared services and governance partnership.
Reporting to the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFO will serve as a critical strategic partner to the Director and act as an essential advisor to the Board. With an annual operating budget of approximately $28 million and an endowment of approximately $510 million (FY2025), the CFO will have overall responsibility for the financial operations of the institution, ensuring the efficient and effective stewardship of the Folger’s physical and financial resources, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, long-range financial planning, asset and liability management, and risk management. The role also encompasses administrative oversight of revenue management, retail, and legal functions, including leadership of the Finance team (five full-time staff and one contractor) and a revenue and retail position.
The CFO should demonstrate deep expertise in the financial administration and regulatory compliance of federal and state grant funding, including budgeting, cost allocation, reporting, and audit requirements.
The Folger offers competitive compensation, with an anticipated annual salary range between $200,000 to $225,000 and a benefit package. The Folger Shakespeare Library has retained the national executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller, to assist in this important recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.
Steph Simon, Senior Associate
Robin Dougherty, Managing Associate
Nicole Sancilio, Managing Search Coordinator
The Folger Shakespeare Library currently defines diversity in compliance with the DC equal opportunity definitions of protected classes, age, color, credit information, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, homeless status, marital status, matriculation, national origin, personal appearance, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a victim or family member of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, district, or local EO laws and regulations.
To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Folger are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. This policy of equal opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, retention, termination, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
