Are you ready to lead the financial strategy of a dynamic foundation with over $500 million in assets? The Campanile Foundation (TCF) at San Diego State University is seeking a visionary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our team!

About the Role:

As the CFO, you will report directly to the Vice President for University Relations and Development, who also serves as TCF’s President and CEO. You will play a crucial role in managing and overseeing TCF’s financial resources, ensuring the integrity of financial systems, and managing the investment portfolio. Your responsibilities will include:

Collaborating with Key Stakeholders:

• Work with the Board of Directors, including prominent alumni and civic leaders.
• Engage with various board committees such as the Finance and Investment Committee, Audit Committee, and SDSU Gift Acceptance Committee.
• Coordinate with university budget committees and SDSU leadership.

Strategic Financial Management:

• Develop long-term financial plans and grow the endowment fund.
• Set up systems and best practices for financial operations and provide investment policy guidance.
• Oversee endowment reporting, budgets, and compliance with financial regulations.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead and direct teams in Prospect Research, Data Analytics, and Data Management.
• Serve as a liaison between various units within University Relations and Development (URAD).
• Partner with URAD Senior Leadership to develop and implement operational plans.

Human Resources and Talent Management:

• Provide executive-level leadership in setting and enforcing HR procedures and best practices.
• Manage the Divisional Director of Human Resources and support diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The ideal candidate for the CFO position at The Campanile Foundation will possess comprehensive knowledge of financial analysis and management within a not-for-profit environment, including generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), FASB standards, CAE gift reporting standards, and applicable regulatory requirements. They will have a deep understanding of business principles and techniques relevant to the development non-profit industry, as well as experience in charitable trust and gift annuity administration.

The candidate will demonstrate proven skills in strategic thinking, leadership, written and verbal communication, negotiation, budget preparation and monitoring, planning and organizing, management, and interpersonal relationship building. They will have the ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences, and implement approved recommendations. Staying current with industry trends and best practices, leading and inspiring staff, and producing clear, concise management reports are essential.

The ideal candidate will be a team player who motivates and educates others, sets and manages priorities, comprehends complex technical subjects, and translates technical language for various audiences. They will think openly and creatively, understanding the fundraising and fiduciary responsibilities of the foundation. The ability to travel for conferences and meetings and work effectively within a complex higher education culture is also required.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to the financial health and sustainability of a foundation that supports SDSU’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals and engage with university leadership and external stakeholders.
• Professional Growth: Lead high-impact projects and initiatives, and develop your career in a supportive and dynamic setting.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

University Relations and Development (URAD) shares the university’s vision and mission underscored in the 2020 five-year strategic plan. The plan identifies five strategic priorities including: Becoming a Premier Public Research University: A New Kind of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI); Resilience. Designed to Thrive; We Are SDSU; Equity and Inclusion in Everything We Do; and Students at Our Core.

Units of URAD work together to create enduring relationships with alumni, parents, donors, students and the community, to generate private support for SDSU students, faculty and a diverse number of programs. URAD handles a range of services encompassing stewardship, events, gift administration, communications and more. Within URAD, the departments of Development, SDSU Alumni, Planned and Annual Giving, Special Events and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Financial Management, Data Management, Prospect Research and Management and Operations are making a difference in the lives of SDSU’s 39,000 students.  

URAD had another record-setting fundraising year in 2023-2024 with $131.9M total raised. Other superlatives in 2023-2024 include 2,251 scholarships awarded, 14,750 total gifts, and 5,006 first-time donors. The latest fundraising success can be credited to the university’s goal of building a world-class university campus, research center, and multi-use stadium in Mission Valley to serve higher education, the public good, and the community’s goals and aspirations. SDSU has been recognized several times for its exceptional development program by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). With the support of loyal donors and working alongside SDSU’s visionary faculty and staff leaders, SDSU builds lifelong relationships with over 500,000 alumni, friends and the community that advance the mission of SDSU.

For more information regarding The Campanile Foundation, click here.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field
• Ten years of experience that includes financial analysis and management of financial operations in a not-for-profit environment, GAAP, FASB, and CAE gift reporting standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of business principles and techniques of administration, organization, and management to include an in-depth understanding of the key business issues that exist in the development non-profit industry including applicable regulatory and reporting requirements and charitable trust and gift annuity administration.

Licenses and/or Certifications

• • Valid California Driver’s License within 10 days of hire

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience in negotiating with vendors, contractors, and others.
• Expertise in budget preparation and monitoring.
• Strong planning and organizing capabilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal relationship building.
• Ability to work effectively in complex higher education culture.
• Ability to travel as needed for conferences and meetings off campus.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $175,000-$200,000 annually.

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. 

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.  For more information, click here.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on January 6, 2025.  To receive full consideration, apply by January 5, 2025.  The position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Rachael Stallman at rstalmann@sdsu.edu.