Staff at The San Diego Foundation address the region’s most pressing challenges and identify opportunities by working with donors and partners to improve the quality of life for all San Diegans.
Thank you for your interest in the work of The San Diego Foundation. To learn more about our work and inquire about joining our team, contact jobs@sdfoundation.org.
Current Opportunities
At The San Diego Foundation, we value our diverse and experienced staff that are committed to our mission of improving the quality of life within all of San Diego’s communities. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering a competitive compensation package, and a professional and vibrant work environment for those who have a passion for our mission that is carried out every day by providing leadership for effective philanthropy and promoting community solutions.
Controller, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center
The San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center (SDRPIC) is a new supported organization of The San Diego Foundation (TSDF) designed to develop and implement world-class policy solutions to enhance the wellbeing of San Diego residents and long-term sustainability and prosperity of the region.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The experienced Controller will be responsible for the day-to-day accounting and finance operations, overseeing that all financial reporting, internal control, and compliance activities fall within parameters set by SDRPIC and TSDF while supporting the business objectives and growth of SDRPIC. The position will ensure an appropriate system of accountability and contingency plans designed to mitigate risk, as well as enhance the accuracy of the reported financial results.
Essential duties and principal responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Ensure accuracy and completion of all aspects of finance/accounting operations, such as cash management, payables, contribution and grant processing, financial reporting for internal and external purposes, and compliance with federal award guidelines and other contractual requirements.
- Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards.
- Thought partner and active participant in contract negotiations with local, state, and federal agencies.
- Prepare the annual budget.
- Complete required documentation for the annual audit, single audit of federal awards, and tax preparation for SDRPIC in coordination with TSDF’s audit processes.
- Implement and maintain internal controls and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures.
- Analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress against budgets and keep both the Executive Director and Controller abreast of the Foundation’s financial status.
- Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and commitment to quality.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Federal Grant Administration: Work with program personnel during contract negotiations and on establishing internal controls and procedures for the administration of federal grants. Monitor monthly activity for proper timekeeping, costs allocations, invoice approval processes, and all federal requirements. Responsible for all required financial reporting and invoicing. Work with external auditors on the annual single audit.
State and Local Grant Administration: Work with program personnel during contract negotiations and on establishing internal controls and procedures for the administration of state and local grants. Monitor monthly activity for proper timekeeping, costs allocations, invoice approval processes, and all government requirements. Responsible for all required financial reporting and invoicing. Work with external auditors on audits.
General Ledger: Manage the general ledger, including chart of accounts, journal entries, and reporting and account reconciliation. Assist in maintaining database integrity. Utilize current financial software to enhance financial reporting.
Annual Budget: Prepare and execute the annual budget.
Management Reporting: Provide financial analysis to evaluate projections, projects, programs, and capital expenditures, as needed.
Tax and Audit Reporting: Prepare and direct preparation of schedules as required for tax and audit purposes. Ensure an unqualified opinion on the audit with no material adjustments or management comments. Monitor developments and work directly with the auditors and Controller on new or updated accounting standards for measurement of accounting information and transactions, and the presentation of financial statements.
Journal Entries: Responsible for of all input to the general ledger ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and reports.
Fixed Assets: Oversee the activities and team members responsible for recording, tracking, and depreciating all capital equipment. Establish and monitor equipment security for all SDRPIC’s assets.
Cash Control: Manage activities and team members responsible for all cash receipts, cash disbursements, account transfers, and journal entries, including monthly payroll. Monitor established lines of authority governed by fund transfer policies. Ensure all cash and investment accounts are reviewed, reconciled, and approved in a timely manner. Maintain positive banking relationships.
Accounts Payable: Manage payment of all invoices, contracts, and other obligations of SDRPIC. Ensure accurate 1099 reporting and other government reporting relating to independent contractors.
Grants: Assist in anticipating and addressing any audit inquiries that may arise regarding grant processing. Work with the TSDF Grants Manager to develop and implement internal controls regarding the payment of grants. Review weekly approval poll to identify any cash needs that may arise due to grant payments.
Board & Committee Materials: Prepare and present data/materials related to board and committee meetings and communications.
Supervises:
No one currently designated, although will have the opportunity to recruit and supervise staff necessary to support the growth of SDRPIC.
Supervision Received:
Reports directly to the SDRPIC President & CEO and matrix reports to the TSDF Controller/Director of Financial Reporting.
Contacts Internal:
- Employees
- Board Members
Contacts External:
- Donors
- Potential Donors
- Government Officials from Federal, State, and Local Agencies
- Fund Advisors
- Community and Private Foundations
- Auditors
- Tax preparers
- Bank representatives
- Nonprofit Organizations
- General Public
Qualifications and Experience We Are Looking For:
- Minimum ten years progressive solid accounting experience, preferably in public accounting, a nonprofit organization, government, universities, or with a startup organization.
- Advanced knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, forecasting and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Experience with federal grants and the Single Audit process; advanced knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
- Experience with government contract negotiations helpful but not required.
- Ability to analyze financial data, prepare financial reports, statements, and projections, and present clearly to Board Members and Executive Team.
- Ability to produce quality work within tight timeframes and manage multiple projects.
- Experience in a people-oriented, fast paced and changing environment.
- Regularly takes initiative to recognize and anticipate opportunities and challenges, and to think critically, and provide and explain alternatives clearly.
- Quality improvement orientation.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent experience
- Active CPA strongly preferred or equivalent experience
Language Skills
- Ability to read, write and speak English fluently
- Other languages helpful but not required
Other Skills and Abilities
- Financial software products expertise, preferably Blackbaud database (Financial, Raiser, and Grant Edge)
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and spreadsheet analysis
- Strong emotional intelligence with excellent interpersonal skills and customer service orientation
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Detail oriented, ability to prioritize, and organize self, team, and tasks
- Flexible and innovative
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift 25 lbs.
- Able to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Able to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for up to two hours
- Able to speak into and use a telephone for long periods of time
- Ability to bend and stoop
Work Environment
- Non-smoking, professional office environment.
- Fast paced working with multi-level distractions.
Special Conditions
- Ability to work extended hours as needed.
If you are interested in joining our team, please apply at jobs@sdfoundation.org, by placing SDRPIC Controller in the subject line and attaching a cover letter and your resume.
REGIONAL AFFILIATES SPECIALIST
We are seeking an experienced Regional Affiliates (RA) Specialist who will partner with the RA Director and Manager in efforts to increase philanthropic membership growth, communications, and the affiliate grants process. The RA Specialist will support efforts to increase community awareness and understanding of The San Diego Foundation and its mission. This position plays a vital role in expanding Regional Affiliates growth throughout the San Diego region.
Essential duties and principal responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Membership Recruitment and Retention
- Partner with RA Director and RA Manager in planning and execution of membership building and retention strategies
- Manage processes for membership applications, renewals, and resignations.
- Update and maintain complete and accurate membership records
- Track membership statistics, prepare and present reports to Foundation and Affiliate leadership
- Compile membership recruitment research, and develop documents, spreadsheets, and presentation materials as required
- Create and continuously update recruitment and welcome kits and send to prospective and new members
- Provide high level customer service to members and the community
- Maintain integrity of the membership database to ensure accurate and complete data of members (past and present) and prospective members.
- In coordination with the accounting department, track membership revenue.
- Manage, propose, implement, and maintain processes to ensure a smooth workflow
- Compose, prepare, edit, and proof correspondence, to include reports, letters, invoices, memos, within each affiliate’s deadlines
- Prepare and process annual contribution requests. Process all affiliate checks, including membership, sponsorship, and/or general donations to RA funds.
- Update and prepare all membership marketing materials.
Other responsibilities as needed to increase philanthropic membership growth.
Grantmaking Support
- Assist with submission of RFP language to Grant Manager and manage online grant applications
- Manage processes to ensure successful grant selection to include tallying surveys, ballots, grant proposals, and site visit evaluations
- Provide accurate analysis of evaluations
- Grant Seekers Forum Support
Communications
- Create and distribute professional, compelling affiliate communications (to include invitations, membership emails, blog content, PowerPoint presentations, and social media content)
- Keep all affiliate brochures and websites up to date
- Create and distribute compelling membership renewal and annual campaign materials
Events
- Manage the planning and implementation of high-quality affiliate events, including Grants Celebrations, social gatherings, and annual activities.
- Develop compelling content and materials for affiliate programs and events
- Ensure that all lists for invitations and communications are complete and accurate
- Track RSVPs and adjust event support as applicable
- Manage any unexpected issues and troubleshoot any problems that arise on event day
- Analyze event performance via survey and present metrics
Essential Functions
- Partner with RA team in fostering relationships with members, prospective members, and past donors
- Direct specific annual affiliate membership renewals, to include preparing and distributing letters/packets
- Direct production of mailings lists, and preparation of all gift acknowledgement letters
- Manage donor database to include all data entry, imports and exports, tracking and cleanup
- Compilation, analysis, and report generation on membership composition and trends to present to Foundation and Affiliate leadership
- In coordination with Communications, will be responsible for timely production of high-quality fundraising materials for each affiliate
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum of four years of administrator experience in a professional office environment, preferably nonprofit or service industry
- Experience managing workflow for a high-performing team
- Previous experience in membership, fundraising, or sales support database management, including familiarity with nonprofit fundraising and membership best practices, tools, and techniques
- Demonstrated experience working with high-level volunteers and nonprofit organizations
- Demonstrated experience delivering superior customer service
- A high level of initiative and creativity
- Knowledge of philanthropic climate in San Diego is helpful
- Proven track record in developing and using administrative systems
- Ability to work independently and successfully prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with the initiative to recognize and anticipate problems, then solve them
- Superior interpersonal skills to relate to a diverse membership
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong editing and proofreading skills
- Advanced knowledge and experience, and expert proficiency with computer software applications: MS Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel as well as database management experience preferably with Blackbaud (Raiser’s Edge, Financial Edge, Grants Edge)
- Strong aptitude with relational database applications, data entry and report generation; preferably with donor or client contact management applications
- The ability to maintain strict confidentiality of donor and organization information
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
Language Skills
- Must have the ability to read, write and speak English fluently
- Bilingual helpful
Judgement/Reasoning Ability
- Use of good judgment and own initiative
- Logical thought process
Other Skills and Abilities
- Strong emotional intelligence
- Cultural competency
- Professional attitude and demeanor
- Able to prioritize and be highly organized
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Works well under pressure
- Ability to successfully meet deadlines and work with multiple competing priorities
- Attention to detail, timeliness and record keeping
- Ability to be flexible and open to change
- Positive and enthusiastic
- Innovative
Physical Demands
- Able to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for up to two hours
- Ability to safely lift 20 pounds
- Able to type using a computer keyboard
- Able to speak into and use a telephone for long periods of time
- Able to spend and stoop
Work Environment
- Non-smoking, professional office environment
- Remote work available
- Fast-paced working with multi-level distractions
Special Conditions
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Transportation: ability to transport materials and attend meetings within the San Diego region as needed.
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume and a cover letter to: jobs@sdfoundation.org and please indicate Regional Affiliates Specialist in the Subject Line.
