Chief Financial Officer

SDSURF JOB POSTING – #2025-19761

Chief Financial Officer

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to support

the research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find,

obtain, and administer funding for their research and sponsored programs. SDSU achieved

its strategic plan goal of becoming an R1, premier public research university in early 2025,

furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the

world. SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to further

their important work.

WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES

Financial Services plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the SDSU Research

Foundation through strong financial stewardship, accountability, and service. The team

oversees all core financial operations, including accounting, audits, banking, investments,

budgeting, payroll, purchasing, facilities, and risk management. They ensure compliance,

maintain rigorous internal controls, and safeguard the Foundation’s assets. Working

collaboratively across departments, Financial Services provides the insight and stability that

enable SDSU’s research and innovation to thrive.

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

You will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO and leadership team,

translating financial data into actionable insights. You will be a strategic and visionary

leader, guiding the financial and operational strength of the SDSU Research Foundation

(SDSURF). Your work will shape how SDSURF supports the university’s growth as it invests,

and thrives—advancing its mission of research, education, and community impact. Through

collaboration with campus and foundation leaders, you will champion innovation,

transparency, and excellence in every decision.

You will build bridges across the university and its partners, fostering collaboration that

drives progress. Your leadership will influence far beyond numbers—instilling confidence,

accountability, and a shared vision for sustainable success. In this role, you will help define

the future of SDSURF by ensuring its resources, partnerships, and people are positioned for

long-term achievement.

This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic insight with purpose-driven leadership—

leaving a lasting mark on the university’s mission and legacy.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE

You will lead strategic initiatives in partnership with the executive team, implementing best

practices and process improvements that enhance efficiency and impact. You will

communicate financial insights and performance to the CEO, Board of Directors, Board

Committees, Executive Leadership, and SDSU leaders, representing the SDSURF with

professionalism and integrity.

You will oversee cash flow planning, investment strategies, and financial forecasting to

ensure the SDSURF’s fiscal health and sustainability. Working through the Finance &

Investment Committee, you’ll evaluate organizational performance using analytics and

predictive modeling to identify risks, guide decisions, and strengthen outcomes. You’ll

manage the development of budgets, risk management policies, and enterprise-wide

financial strategies that ensure long-term stability.

As a leader, you’ll build and mentor a high-performing finance and accounting team,

maintaining rigorous internal controls, compliance with CSU and professional standards, and

readiness for all audits. You’ll partner with the director of facilities planning & management

to optimize the use of real estate assets, maximize returns, and support the university’s

research mission.

Through special projects, you’ll advise the Vice Presidents for Research and Innovation and

Business and Financial Affairs on initiatives impacting auxiliaries, serve on key committees

such as the President’s Budget Advisory and Gift Acceptance Committees, and explore

shared service models that enhance collaboration across the SDSU and CSU community.

Your leadership will bring alignment, accountability, and forward-thinking strategy to every

facet of SDSURF’s financial and operational excellence.

THE SKILLS WE NEED

We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader who brings vision, collaboration, and

sound judgment to every challenge. You think strategically, plan effectively, and set clear

priorities in a complex and dynamic environment. Strong communication and relationship-

building skills are essential — you know how to connect with diverse audiences, lead

through influence, and build trust across teams.

You excel in financial and operational management, including budgeting, planning, and

negotiating with vendors and partners. Analytical and results-driven, you can evaluate

complex problems, identify creative solutions, and implement strategies that deliver

measurable results.

As a leader, you inspire and develop your team — coaching, motivating, and empowering

others to perform at their best. You’re skilled at translating technical and financial

information into clear, actionable insights, and you stay current with industry trends and

best practices.

You thrive in a collaborative university environment, think creatively, and bring a deep

understanding of the fiduciary responsibilities that guide SDSURF’s mission.

Experience and Education

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business

administration, with an advanced degree or relevant certification preferred. You will bring

more than 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education,

research administration, or an organization of comparable size and complexity. A strong

understanding of Uniform Guidance and governmental accounting standards (GASB) is

essential, or the ability to acquire this knowledge quickly. Experience managing

endowments, gifts, and fund administration is also key, demonstrating a deep

understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and financial stewardship. This combination of

education and experience ensures the insight, integrity, and leadership needed to guide the

financial and operational success of SDSURF.

Preferred Qualifications

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have

15 or more years of relevant leadership experience, ideally including time with a national

public accounting firm. Demonstrated expertise in fund accounting, as well as experience

working with and presenting to Boards of Directors, is strongly preferred. Candidates with

experience in financial system implementations will be especially valued, as this background

supports innovation, operational efficiency, and the continued advancement of SDSURF’s

financial infrastructure.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

Comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision plans

• Life and disability insurance plans

• Generous employer contributed 403B retirement plan. We match 200% on the first

5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All

contributions are 100% vested.

• You will accrue 24 paid vacation and 12 paid sick leave days per year

• 14 paid holidays and 2 annual personal holidays

• Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU

transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.

• Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events

• Wellness workshops

HOW TO APPLY AND TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page and enter Job # 2025-19761. Make sure

your application is complete. Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. Respond

to supplemental questions thoroughly.

WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE

We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for

all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way

and inform you of the status of your application.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Enjoy a competitive salary between $200,000 and $235,000 depending

on qualifications with eligibility for performance-based compensation of

up to 15% of annual earnings.

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from

SDSU at time of hire.

• Hybrid Work Philosophy: We believe that a balanced approach to work—

combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative energy of in-

person engagement—creates the most effective and fulfilling environment for our

organization. Remote work empowers individuals with autonomy, focus, and

work-life balance, while in-office days foster connection, creativity, and shared

purpose. Having at least two days in the office is essential to maintain strong

interpersonal relationships, encourage spontaneous collaboration, and reinforce

our shared culture. These in-person interactions help build trust, align teams, and

spark innovation in ways that are difficult to replicate remotely. By embracing a

hybrid model of two days in the office and three days remote, we enable both

personal productivity and collective innovation, ensuring our culture remains

strong, inclusive, and adaptable. Employees may choose to work in the office up

to five days a week if so desired.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check

results (including a criminal record check).

• SDSURF is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and

federal civil rights laws, SDSURF provides equal opportunity in employment

without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex,

color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or

state law.

• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to

the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means

ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.

• SDSURF complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of

the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education

Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution),

and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or

contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further

SDSURF maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory

preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status,

and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all

programs, policies, and practices.

• SDSURF makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant

screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary

actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.