Careers

The Granada Theatre has 1 open positions

About Us

The Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) at the Granada Theatre is dedicated to providing best-in-class production, sales and administrative support to arts organizations from throughout the Santa Barbara region, as well as featuring some of the world’s greatest artists on our stage. SBCPA is making it possible for many of Santa Barbara’s finest performing arts organizations to present their programs with the highest level of contemporary production support and audience comfort. Our most visible area of operation is the historic Granada Theatre.

To apply, download and complete our employment application. Submit application with resume, cover letter and references to resumes@granadasb.org. No phone calls, please.

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

The Granada Theatre operated by the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the organization’s financial strategy, operations, and long-term planning. This role plays a vital part in supporting our artistic mission and resident companies by ensuring the financial health and operational strength of Santa Barbara’s premier performing arts venue.

The Granada Theatre — owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts — serves Santa Barbara by providing a vibrant, state-of-the-art venue where world-class artistic performances are available to the widest possible audience, promoting appreciation for the performing arts and enhancing the quality of life in our community.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will guide strategic financial decision-making, steward endowment and investment resources, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to the organization’s continued vitality and mission-driven impact.

Reports to: Chrisman Executive Director & President

Location: Onsite, Santa Barbara, California

Status: Exempt

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Financial Leadership

  • Direct long-range financial planning, forecasting, and scenario modeling.
  • Lead organization-wide budgeting processes that align with programmatic and grant objectives.
  • Deliver actionable insights through KPIs, dashboards, and visual financial reporting tools.

Financial Operations & Compliance

  • Oversee accounting, monthly close, audits, and internal financial reporting.
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS, and nonprofit regulatory requirements.
  • Develop tools and dashboards to support data-informed decision-making across departments.

Investment & Treasury Management

  • Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and endowment portfolios in accordance with UPMIFA and donor intent.
  • Provide performance tracking and clear reporting on investments and restricted funds to the Board and stakeholders.

Risk Management & Financial Systems

  • Implement strong internal controls and oversee risk management frameworks.
  • Lead selection and implementation of modern accounting and financial systems to improve reporting, efficiency, and compliance.
  • Manage insurance, legal compliance, and audit coordination.

Team Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Supervise and mentor finance and accounting staff.
  • Partner with Development, Production, Operations, and Program teams to align financial practices with organizational goals.
  • Build financial literacy across departments through training and clear, accessible reporting.

Board & Committee Engagement

  • Serve as staff lead for Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees.
  • Present compelling financial updates to the Board using dashboards and summaries.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director & President to support Board, donor, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

Education & Credentials

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required.
  • CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred.

Experience

  • 13–15+ years of progressive financial leadership, including at least 5 years in a senior role such as CFO or VP of Finance.
  • Demonstrated success managing nonprofit financial operations, audits, and strategy.
  • Expertise in endowment oversight and compliance with donor restrictions.
  • Experience with financial data visualization and presenting to boards and senior leadership.
  • Track record of leading financial software implementations; Tessitura experience preferred.

Skills & Attributes

  • Deep knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, fund accounting, and grant compliance.
  • Advanced Excel and ERP skills; familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI a plus.
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills with a collaborative, mission-driven approach.
  • Commitment to transparency, accountability, and the long-term success of a cultural institution.

Benefits & Compensation: This is a exempt, full-time position. The pay range is $180,000-$200,000 per year commensurate with skills and experience. The Granada Theatre provides a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, which includes health, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave, and a 403(b) plan.

Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, The Granada Theatre (SBCPA) will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if SBCPA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.