Treasurer Board of Directors

• Location:
  
  Fargo, North Dakota (meetings held locally and/or virtually as scheduled)
• Give/Get: $1,000 annually
• Screening Requirements:
  Background check + Public Presence Policy check for all board members

Great Plains Children’s Museum is committed to creating inspiring, hands‑on learning experiences that help children and families explore, imagine, and grow. Our board provides governance, financial oversight, advocacy, and community leadership to advance the museum’s mission and long‑term sustainability.

The Board Treasurer serves as a key officer of the Board of Directors and provides leadership in financial governance, oversight, and reporting. This role partners closely with museum leadership (e.g., Executive Director/Operations Lead), staff or contracted bookkeeping/accounting support, and the board to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and strong financial controls.

The Treasurer helps the board understand the organization’s financial position, supports budgeting and planning, and promotes sound fiscal decision‑making as the museum grows its impact in Fargo and the surrounding region.

• Serve as the board’s primary officer responsible for financial oversight and sound fiscal governance.
• Present clear, understandable financial updates to the board at quarterly meetings (and as needed between meetings).
• Help ensure the museum maintains appropriate financial policies, internal controls, and risk management practices.

• Support development of the annual budget in collaboration with museum leadership and finance support.
• Review key financial reports (e.g., income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) and summarize trends, risks, and recommendations for the board.
• Monitor cash flow and reserves and help anticipate financial needs tied to programming, fundraising, and operations.

• Support preparation and board review of annual financial filings and reports as applicable (e.g., year‑end reporting, tax/financial documents).
• Coordinate or support any annual review/audit process if the organization engages an auditor or outside accountant.
• Ensure financial decision‑making aligns with board‑approved budgets and policies.
• Collaborate with the Board Chair and museum leadership on financial strategy and board communications.
• Participate in board activities including governance, strategic planning, and fundraising.
• Help educate board members on financial statements and key financial indicators to strengthen overall board effectiveness.
• Actively support museum fundraising by meeting the $1,000 annual give/get requirement (personally giving and/or securing donations).
• Serve as a public ambassador for the museum—building relationships, sharing the mission, and helping expand community support.

We welcome a range of professional backgrounds. Ideal candidates will have many (not necessarily all) of the following:

• Experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, business operations, banking, or nonprofit leadership.
• Comfort reading and explaining financial statements to non‑financial audiences.
• Strong attention to detail, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate clearly, and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to the museum’s mission and values and a desire to help children and families thrive.
• CPA, accounting/bookkeeping experience, financial management, or nonprofit finance experience.
• Experience with budgeting for growth‑stage organizations, capital campaigns, or earned revenue models.

• Quarterly board meetings (plus preparation time).
• Estimated average: 2–6 hours per month, with seasonal increases during budgeting, year‑end, or major initiatives. Also occasional volunteer support at events.
• Optional/expected participation in a Finance Committee or ad hoc financial working group (as applicable).

All board members must:

• Meet the $1,000 annual give/get commitment.
• Successfully complete a background check.
• Successfully complete a Public Presence Policy check (review aligned with policies for representing an organization serving children and families).
• The Treasurer serves as a board officer in accordance with the museum’s bylaws and board policies.
• This is a volunteer leadership role with fiduciary responsibilities, including acting in the best interests of the organization and maintaining confidentiality as appropriate.

Interested candidates can submit:

• A brief statement of interest (or email) describing their background and why they’re interested in serving as Treasurer.

Email:

Subject Line: "Board Treasurer Interest – Great Plains Children’s Museum"