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

 

Educational Coordinator

The Wright Museum seeks a permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible Educational Coordinator, reporting to the Vice President of Learning & Engagement.

General Summary of Duties:
The Educational Coordinator at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History plays a key role in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that advance the Museum’s mission. The Educational Coordinator will focus on curriculum development for both K-12 and adult learners and collaborate across departments and with external partners to create impactful learning experiences for all audiences.
 

Essential Functions:

Curriculum Development and Implementation:

• Collaborate with the Manager of Creative Learning and Family Engagement to design, update, and implement K-12 educational curriculums, lesson plans, and school visit programs that center African American history, culture, and contributions. Ensure that these programs are engaging, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of students and teachers.
• Take primary responsibility for developing and refining educational offerings for adult learners, including lifelong learners, community groups, and educators, creating programs that deepen understanding of African American history and culture.
• Develop educational resources for schools, including comprehensive lesson plans, activity guides, and supplementary materials that support classroom instruction and enrich students' learning experiences. Ensure these resources are aligned with state and national learning standards.
• Create and organize school visits and field trip programs that are engaging and educational, offering hands-on, immersive experiences for K-12 students. Coordinate with teachers and school administrators to ensure seamless execution of these visits, with pre-visit and post-visit materials that enhance learning outcomes.
• Ensure all educational materials meet state and national learning standards, while maintaining historical accuracy and cultural authenticity. Work closely with subject matter experts, educators, and other internal stakeholders to validate the content.
• Oversee the implementation of K-12 and adult learning programs, working with museum staff, external educators, and partners to execute educational initiatives effectively. Ensure seamless integration of programs into the Museum's broader learning and engagement framework.
• Develop and implement tracking and evaluation mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of curriculum delivery, school visits, and participant outcomes. Use both qualitative and quantitative data to assess learning impact, gather feedback from participants, and refine programs accordingly.
• Regularly review and adjust curricula based on program feedback, educational trends, and evolving community needs. Continuously seek opportunities for improvement and innovation in curriculum design, keeping the programs dynamic and relevant.
• Track program data and outcomes to ensure alignment with the Museum's educational goals and mission. Prepare reports on program impact, attendance, and feedback to inform strategic planning and future programming.

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement:

• Serve as a liaison between The Wright and educational partners, including Detroit Public Schools, Oakland County Schools, and local colleges and universities.
• Foster and maintain strong collaborative relationships with community groups, educators, and internal museum departments, including marketing and curatorial.
• Attend meetings and conference calls to take minutes, track action items, and follow up with stakeholders.

Administrative and Program Support:

• Maintain organized project files, correspondence, and program data across digital platforms.
• Support the Vice President of Learning & Engagement with administrative, communication, and logistical needs.
• Actively contributes to The Wright's creative, collaborative, and mission-driven workplace culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Education, History, African American Studies, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience managing educational programs or developing curriculum, preferably in a museum, cultural, or educational setting.
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to organize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and foster community relationships.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, work independently, and adapt to evolving program needs.
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with project management platforms.
• This position may require standing or walking for extended periods during educational programs and events.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an educational setting, such as a museum, cultural institution, or nonprofit, with a focus on learning and program development.
• Knowledge of African American history, culture, and contemporary educational issues, with an emphasis on culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or other digital platforms used for curriculum delivery, online learning, and educational program management.

• Experience designing educational materials and utilizing technology to enhance learning experiences for diverse audiences, including K-12 and adult learners.

   

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

 

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

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.