Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Req No:
Category: Accounting/Finance
Type: Full-Time Central Staff
Salary: $16,667.00 - $19,583.33
Close Date:

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

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.

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.

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.

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…