Chief Financial Officer

Overview

San Diego State University Research Foundation

Chief Financial Officer

US-CA-San Diego

Job ID : 2025-19761

Type : Full-Time Central Staff

# of Openings : 1

Category : Accounting / Finance

This position is open until filled with first review of candidates on December 15, 2025.

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 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.

Responsibilities

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 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 President for 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.

Qualifications

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 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.
• Vacation and sick leave accruals
• 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
• 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. 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

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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