Careers

Current Openings

Financial Controller

The Wright Museum seeks a permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible Financial Controller, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.

General Summary of Duties:
We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Controller to oversee our financial operations and provide strategic guidance to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance, ensuring the organization’s financial health and alignment with business goals.

Essential Functions:

• Financial Reporting:
  • Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
  • Analyze financial results and variances, providing insights to the CFO and executive team.
  • Oversee the preparation of financial reports for internal stakeholders and external regulators.
  • Oversee the monthly closing process.
  • Reconcile key general ledger accounts monthly.
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
  • Assist the CFO in the annual budgeting process, collaborating with department heads to assess financial needs.
  • Assist the CFO in developing financial forecasts and models to support strategic planning initiatives.
  • Monitor budget performance and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Accounts Payable:
  • Oversee the entire accounts payable process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the recording and payment of invoices.
  • Establish and maintain policies and procedures for accounts payable operations.
  • Develop and manage schedule for payments to optimize cash flow and take advantage of discounts and avoiding late fees.
• Treasury Management:
  • Monitor daily cash positions and forecast future cash flow requirements to ensure liquidity.
  • Analyze cash inflows and outflows to optimize cash management practices.
  • Maintain restricted cash schedule to ensure compliance with grant agreements.
• Compliance & Audit:
  • Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and internal policies.
  • Coordinate and manage the external audit process, including preparation of necessary documentation.
  • Implement and enforce internal controls to mitigate financial risks.
• Systems & Process Improvement:
  • Evaluate existing financial processes (AP/AR, budgeting, reporting, reconciliations) to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, or manual pain points.
  • Lead automation initiatives using tools like Power BI, or ERP modules (e.g., Sage Intacct, Bill.com).
  • Oversee integration between financial systems (ERP, CRM, payroll) to ensure data consistency and eliminate manual data entry.
• Strategic Support:
  • Collaborate with the CFO on strategic initiatives and long-term financial planning.
  • Provide financial insights to support decision-making and investment strategies.
  • Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost reduction.
  • Utilize KPIs to track and monitor key financial metrics.
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Desired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in financial management.
• In-depth knowledge of financial regulations, GAAP, and not-for-profit accounting and finance principles.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and convey insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with senior management.
• Skills:
  • Proficient in financial software and Microsoft Excel; experience with Sage Intacct is a plus.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
  • Proven leadership skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position.

Apply

Security Officer

Position Overview:
Under general direction of the Security Supervisor, the Security Officer is responsible for general security for the Museum and its contents.    The Security Officer also guards the Museum property against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry.  The Officer assists customers and responds to various inquiries and requests.  The incumbent also takes on a primary role in the event of a medical emergency.  

Essential Functions:
•    Secures Museum and its assets, collections and general contents 
•    Prohibits unlawful entry, both during and after standard Museum hours
•    Provides general assistance to visitors and customers as needed 
•    Executes tactical aspects of special event security plans
•    Patrol, periodically, exhibits, meeting rooms and immediate parking area
•    Control access to parking lots
•    Examine doors, windows, and gates to determine that they are secure
•    Provide first aid and other assistance to injured staff or visitors, including contacting EMS and preparing incident reports
•    Watch for and report irregularities such as fire hazards, leaking water pipes, and security doors left unlocked
•    Observe departing personnel to guard against theft of company property
•    Sound alarm or call police or fire department by telephone in case of fire or presence of unauthorized persons
•    Permit only authorized persons to enter property during off hours
•    Accept and record time of any deliveries as is appropriate
•    Record data such as property damage, unusual occurrences, accidents or injuries, and completes incident report for use of supervisory staff
•    Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 
•    High School Diploma or GED required
•    Previous experience in a security or law enforcement capacity is desired
•    Exposure to a similar destination customer service environment
•    Experience in a gallery or museum setting is desirable
•     First Aid and AED certification is desired


Physical Factor/Working Conditions
•    Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time
•    Must be able to lift 25 lbs
•    May require work on nights and weekends and possibly holidays

apply

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position

Vice President of Development

The Wright Museum seeks a permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible Vice President of Development reporting to the President and CEO.

Position Overview:
The Vice President of Development is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the museum’s mission and long-term sustainability. This role oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, membership programs, and special events. The VP of Development must have a deep understanding of the Metro Detroit philanthropic landscape, including key corporate, foundation, and individual donors, as well as the ability to build strong relationships within the community. This position will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to secure financial support, identify new funding opportunities, and drive donor engagement. 

Essential Functions:

•    Design development strategy and oversee ongoing development efforts for the Museum working with the senior management team to identify funds needed, funding targets, and funding approaches.
•    Designs and implements an annual giving campaign in the form of an annual development plan that includes strategies and goals for annual giving. 
•    Support and partner with the President/CEO and Board of Trustees on all major fundraising initiatives and staff/oversee a Development Committee.
•    Oversee development and execution of all fundraising proposals, including corporate sponsorship and local and national grants and grant compliance/reporting.
•    Oversee special event fundraising.
•    Helps the organization define performance measures for fund development and systematically monitor results
•    Oversee and support membership efforts with focus on outreach and growth initiatives, with special emphasis on relationship-building and donor management.
•    Devise and implement special fundraising projects as needed (e.g. capital campaign, programmatic campaigns, etc.
•    Oversee the management and utilization of the museum’s donor and membership database, ensuring accurate record-keeping, data analysis, and strategic insights to enhance fundraising efforts.
•    Oversee the hiring, training, and mentoring of the development team, as well as additional staff, interns or contractors related to special projects.

Qualifications: 
•    Bachelor's degree required, Master Degree preferred.
•    Five or more years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization;
•    Proven success leading and managing fundraising at the organizational level;
•    Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships;
•    Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives;
•    Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of      seniority within and outside the organization;
•    High energy and passion for Museum’s mission;
•    Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail;
•    Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends is essential.

Salary:
$135k-$140 annually

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position.

Apply

Archivist

The Wright Museum seeks a permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible Archivist reporting to the Director of Collections and Archives. 

Position Overview:

The Archivist is the Institutional Records Manager responsible for the access to, professional care, daily management, and maintenance of the Museum’s archives including its organization, preservation, and storage. The Archivist refines, implements, and upholds archival policies and procedures with regard to processing, documenting, and accessing archival collections. The Archivist serves Librarian role including maintaining the books collection. As part of the curatorial team, supports Collections Departmental efforts.  

Essential Duties of the Position:
Major Tasks:  

• Supervises and trains archives assistants, interns, students and volunteers.   
• Coordinates and facilitates archives access requests by staff, researchers, research associates, and the public, as well as responding to archives information inquiries and requests.  
• Responsible for researching and responding to copyright and ownership issues.   
• Responsible for providing scans of images and documents as needed using appropriate digital and metadata standards.  
• Coordinates and facilitates archives use in public programs.  
• Coordinates loans with Registrar.  

Responsible for archival maintenance:

• Evaluates and coordinates the re-housing and stabilization of archives.  
• Ensures compliance with government regulations related to archives.  
• Ensures accurate and up-to-date inventories and reconciliation of archives and records, including spot check inventories.  
• Responsible for the appraisal, arrangement, and description of archival collections according to recognized archives standards (DACS, EAD, Dublin Core)
• Maintains records of and prioritizes processing backlogs.  
• Oversees housekeeping and IPM related activities, as pertains to archives.  
• Purchases archival supplies.  
• Coordinates the move of archives into new or improved storage conditions.  

Manages archival procedures:  

• Works with department team in the creation, development, and implementation of collections management policies; archives procedures; procedures manual; departmental goals and preservation planning.  
• Implements and refines the museum’s records retention program in accordance with local, state, and federal law.  
• Conducts training for staff regarding records management and transfer of relevant records to the permanent institutional archives  
• Implements current procedures and develop new procedures for archival collections considering previous organizational and cataloging systems  
• Ensures current museum archives handling procedures are recorded and enforced.   
• Works with Director Collections and Archives in preparation of proposals, reports, and other associated documents.  
• Responsible for implementation of Archives grant awards.   
• Assists with maintaining department’s webpages, as well as verifying legal photo usage on website.  
• Acts as an enthusiastic advocate and personal representative for the Museum in the community by promoting its resources, programs and services.  
• Other duties as needed. 

Abilities, Skills, and Knowledge:  

• Knowledge of archives preservation requirements, storage needs, and registration procedures for archives.  
• Up-to-date knowledge of professional standards and trends.  
• Familiar with governmental regulations and legal requirements related to archives and experience in compliance with same.  
• Familiarity with records produced by natural science, cultural and fine arts sources.  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all professional matters.  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, orally and in writing, with staff, trustees, vendors and others.  
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.  
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite or other similar products.
• Familiarity with PastPerfect Collection Management System.  
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.   
• Must be able to sit, stoop, stand for extended periods of time, lift heavy containers (50 lbs.) and handle fragile items.  
• Visual acuity and ability to work at computer for extended period of time. 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in, Art History, History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or other related field required; master's degree preferred (currently working on M.A. or M.L.I.S. in Archives, Library Science will be strongly considered)
• Professional experience in digital archiving is required.  
• Strong knowledge of American and African American history is strongly preferred.
• Professional background in website design, public history, oral history, media production, and/or digital humanities preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills  
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills  
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues  
• Passion for the Museum's mission and the African American community  
   

Salary:
$50k-$52k annually

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position.

 Apply

 

Mission & Vision

Mission: to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African-American history and culture.

Vision: a world in which the adversities and achievements of African-American history inspire greater understanding, acceptance, and unity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Wright is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.