The W. M. Keck Observatory seeks a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Chief Financial Officer to help guide one of the world's premier scientific institutions through a period of significant opportunity and change. Renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to astronomy and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe, Keck operates within a uniquely complex environment that combines nonprofit stewardship, university partnerships, federal funding, scientific…
innovation, and deep community engagement in Hawaiʻi.
Reporting to the Director and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFO will oversee the financial strategy and operations of an approximately $30 million, 130 FTE enterprise supported through a diverse portfolio of funding sources, including the University of California and Caltech partnership, NASA cooperative agreements, federal grants, private philanthropy, and Board-managed reserve funds. The CFO will be a trusted advisor to leadership and the Board of Directors, translating financial complexity into actionable insight that supports sound decision-making and advances Keck's long-term scientific mission.
The coming decade presents significant opportunity for Keck as it advances its Keck 2035 Strategic Plan and invests in the next generation of scientific capabilities. Building on the unique advantages of Maunakea, strong institutional partnerships, deep roots in Hawaiʻi, and a global reputation for scientific excellence, the Observatory is well positioned for the future. The CFO will play a pivotal role in helping leadership and the Board balance strategic investments, infrastructure needs, evolving funding dynamics, and long-term financial sustainability while ensuring resources remain aligned with Keck's mission and priorities.
Internally, the CFO will lead the continued evolution of the finance function. Following the retirement of a long-tenured and highly influential CFO, the next leader will have the opportunity to build a resilient financial organization by strengthening organizational capacity, developing key team members, clarifying roles and accountability, and modernizing systems and reporting processes. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both strategic perspective and operational engagement.
The CFO will also be part of Keck's Senior Leadership Team, which looks beyond day-to-day operations to advance what is most strategic and mission critical. The SLT collectively guides the Observatory's future, strengthening its science, people, partnerships, and connection to Hawaiʻi while ensuring the institution remains resilient and mission-focused for generations to come.
Success in the CFO role will require exceptional financial acumen, including expertise in financial planning, forecasting, controls, compliance, grants management, and nonprofit finance. Equally important is the ability to lead through influence in a highly collaborative governance environment where decisions are reached through trust, relationships, and shared accountability. The ideal candidate will possess the credibility to quickly earn the confidence of Board members, university partners, fellow senior leaders, and staff while demonstrating humility, adaptability, sound judgment, and a deep appreciation for Keck's culture of stewardship and service.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for a financially sophisticated leader who is energized by complexity, inspired by scientific discovery, and motivated by the challenge of helping a globally respected institution build its next chapter. The successful candidate will serve as a steward, enterprise leader, and builder, ensuring that Keck's resources, relationships, and financial strategies remain aligned with its mission for decades to come.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting W.M. Keck Observatory in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 18, 2026.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Zach Smith, Ph.D. and Kim Migoya
KeckObservatoryCFO@wittkieffer.com
The anticipated salary range for the opportunity is $200,000 – $250,000.
The W. M. Keck Observatory celebrates the wide diversity of backgrounds and experiences of our local and global community. We are committed to building a culture of inclusivity where everyone is valued, respected, and welcome to be their authentic selves. We strive for an equitable environment that celebrates the contributions of all in our mission.
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