SVP OF ADMINISTRATION & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Title: Senior Vice President of Administration & Chief Financial Officer

Reports to: Executive Vice President Stadium Development & Chief Operating Officer

Department: Finance & Accounting, IT

About the Role

Develops a fiscally responsible strategy for the Club and encourages the use of technology as a competitive advantage. Responsible for daily management of fiscal and league reporting, investment and tax strategy, project and initiative vetting and oversight of technology compliance and innovation. The candidate must also be a leader and advocate for team development, fostering cohesiveness and collaboration across the organization. Best practices must be regularly cultivated, focusing on a culture of continuous improvement.

The candidate must demonstrate a customer first mindset with a focus on fiscal responsibility and technological innovation.

Areas of Oversight:

• Finance & Accounting
• Information Technology

This position is located at our team headquarters in Lake Forest, IL. Must be able to work every home game. Local, national, and international travel may be required as needed throughout the year.

Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight

• Create department strategy in conjunction with the VP of Finance
• Review audit, conforming statement and CBA schedules
• Review risk management matrix and evaluate self-insurance decisions and proposed policy limits
• Review and approve wire transfers and accounts payable checks > $10,000
• Review, analyze and negotiate various legal documents including leases and operational contracts
• Sit on Investment Committee and attend quarterly portfolio reviews
• Analyze return on investment for project, events, and initiatives of the Club
• Monitor Bears capital project cash flows & meet with SMG/CPD on ISFA and SF capital plans
• Review monthly financial projections, organization wide KPIs, 15-year cash flow statements, and reports and analysis prepared for family and BOD meetings
• Analyze and approve federal, state, and local tax returns
• Review annual budget submission package and ensure proposed budgets align with the Strategic Plan
• Review departmental budget submissions and ensure compliance
• Participate on Bears Information Security Team and function as PCI Compliance Officer

Information Technology Oversight

• Create department strategy in conjunction with the VP of Information Technology
• Review IT project roadmap and ensure department is actively meeting corporate-wide technology needs
• Work with VP of Information Technology to focus on technology as a strategic advantage. Coordinate resources needed to ensure the Club is using technology as a competitive advantage
• Review departmental budget submissions and ensure compliance
• Participate on Bears Information Security Team and function as PCI Compliance Officer

Employee Compensation and Benefits Oversight

• Review annual proposed employee benefit package
• Assist with development of incentive compensation packages
• Partner with HR on compensation budgeting

Team Leadership and Management

• Recruit, mentor, develop, and manage high performing teams. This includes guiding and empowering staff while holding them accountable. Meet with assigned staff regularly on a 1:1 basis.
• Set performance goals, assign responsibilities, set objectives, establish priorities, provide coaching and feedback, and conduct performance evaluations
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages innovations and teamwork across the club
• Demonstrate a leadership approach that promotes the core values of the club and provide leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams and vendors to ensure alignment and collaboration
• Ensure appropriate organization structure, level of staffing, and succession planning, including a sufficient bench of talent
• Build relationships with executive team and department heads across the organization to establish club wide guest service and operational standards
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. MBA degree preferred.
• 15+ years proven leadership and team management skills, including motivating large, cross-functional teams and vendor groups
• Must have solid knowledge of financial statements, budgeting and forecasting, tax strategy, investment portfolio management, risk management, and technology security and infrastructure
• Must be organized, manage multiple projects at times, and comfortable in ever-changing work environment
• Proven critical thinking skills; able to analyze all information and create solutions
• Ability to influence change through communication and collaboration
• Strong financial and business acumen
• Must exhibit integrity and build trust within the organization and with vendors
• Understanding and experience with CRM a plus
• Ability to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings, including evenings, weekends, and travel
• Sports & Entertainment industry experience preferred

Who We Are

As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, family is at the core of who we are. We are different from other companies. Our people represent a vast array of cultural backgrounds, human experiences, and perspectives, and we believe they, collectively and as authentic individuals, are our greatest resource. Our working environment is one where your talent and contributions are valued by the organization and the community. We believe every person matters, and we can collectively achieve success through integrity, respect, a team-first mentality, open communication, and trust.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Chicago Bears organization continues to deepen its commitment to establishing an inclusive, equitable work environment that reflects the diversity within our communities and fan base. We value, respect, and appreciate diversity at all levels, on and off the field, and are guided by a vision of success that includes integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into our club's DNA and culture. As such, we recognize the additional hurdles marginalized communities may face when applying for a job. Do not meet every requirement for the role but feel you have many of the skills needed? Please apply! Our culture is rooted in providing the resources needed for all staff to succeed, including job-specific training. We want you to help us achieve our goals and to be part of one of the most storied franchises in all sports.

What We Offer

We remain committed to upholding the standard of being a first-class organization and employer of choice. Our goal is to provide quality support and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our most valuable resource, our people.

Benefits and Perks

Our full-time offerings include but are not limited to:

• Core Coverage: 100% paid premium for healthcare and dental coverage, affordable vision offerings, 100% paid premium for disability and employee life insurance coverage.
• Investments: employer-paid pension plan, 401K with matching.
• Time to Recharge: generous paid time off plus 14 paid holidays, paid time off to volunteer, paid FMLA (including paid paternity leave), and flexible work-from-home options when applicable.
• Experiences: complimentary home game tickets & parking, ability to buy tickets to away games and fan events.
• Gear: a yearly Bears gear package plus 50% off at the Bears Pro Shop.
• Wellness: FREE breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks, access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit, and complimentary Calm app access.
• Connection: social events for staff and their families, DEI Council, Employee Resource Groups, and more.

Professional Development

We are deeply invested in the personal and professional development of each employee. Our goal is to provide each employee with the tools and guidance necessary for them to achieve their career goals. We offer complimentary LinkedIn Learning licenses, the ability to attend conferences, hear from guest speakers, participate in formal leadership training for all people managers, mentorship opportunities, and more.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.