Finance & Admin Director

San Diego, CA, United States

The San Diego Food System Alliance is a diverse and inclusive community of leaders in San Diego County—farmers, fishermen, food business owners, workers, organizers, policymakers, funders, and residents—committed to building a food system that works for everyone. Together, we are working toward the goals and objectives in San Diego County Food Vision 2030 , collectively outlined by our community.

We believe that changing the way we grow food, move food, share food, and think about food ultimately changes the way we treat the planet and each other. Learn more at sdfsa.org .

Position Summary

The San Diego Food System Alliance is seeking a Finance & Admin Director who can lead the organization’s financial management and internal control functions. The Finance & Admin Director is a new role and will serve as a key partner to the Co-ED in maintaining and enhancing critical aspects of organizational business infrastructure, as well as strategically preparing for organizational growth.

The Alliance is currently at a $2m operating budget with several complex government grants. We anticipate starting work on several exciting initiatives within the coming years, including designing and managing community-governed funds, expanding resource mobilization efforts in alignment with community values, and exploring the development of an agricultural land trust/ag commons. Devising financial infrastructure for these new initiatives will require critical thinking, research, and system building, in addition to day-to-day operations. We are looking for a person who is creative, thoughtful, and empathetic, yet also analytical, organized, and data-oriented.

Our finance team currently consists of a contract bookkeeper (bookkeeping, invoicing, and payroll and benefit payment processing), Halpert CPA (monthly closings and reports generation), Regalia & Associates (tax filings), Co-ED (org admin and fundraising), and Board Finance Committee, which is chaired by the Board Treasurer (accountability and support). The ideal candidate for this position has expertise in nonprofit accounting, financial management, government grant compliance, and organizational administration.

The San Diego Food System Alliance is BIPOC- and women-led. We are deeply committed to food justice, food sovereignty, self-determination, and operating democratically. We hope to add team members who are passionate about upholding and growing our culture , and committed to cultivating a food system that belongs to all of us.

Core Responsibilities

In partnership with the Co-ED, establish, monitor, and manage short- and long-term financial goals to support the organization’s plans and needs

Lead the development of the organization’s annual and mid-year budget process

Manage monthly closings, tax filings, and auditing processes working collaboratively with the contract bookkeeper, CPA firms, and staff team

Review/ analyze monthly reports created by the CPA firm, presenting key information to the Co-ED and Finance Committee for dialogue and decision making

Manage accounts receivables and payables on a weekly basis

Enhance, implement, and manage financial procedures and internal controls aligned with government compliance requirements

Manage bank and investment accounts and relations

Review and maintain organization’s insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage

Support preparation of grant budgets, maintain grant budget/actual reports, and implement timekeeping and vendor procurement procedures

Lead development of financial operations around integrated community fund re-granting, agricultural land trust/commons, and other new initiatives

Support other Alliance operations functions as needed

Serve as an ambassador for the Alliance and its values

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading financial management for an organization

Understands nonprofit accounting nuances and restricted funds management

Excellent skills in Excel and QuickBooks Online

Experience working collaboratively with a team of accounting experts

Proactive, organized, and able to self-manage priorities

Capable of solving complex problems with creative and empathetic solutions

Able to collaborate cross-functionally, and communicate ideas effectively

Passion around the mission, culture, and systems change—a must

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Office space in Mission Hills but flexible to work from home. We accept remote hires but require travel to monthly staff meetings in San Diego. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but can require moving around and visiting different sites and partners, with occasional lifting up to 30lbs. Reliable transportation across San Diego County is required, in order to attend meetings and events.

Compensation

This is a full-time role at a $98k annual salary. The Alliance offers a full range of benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

SIMPLE IRA program

20 paid vacation days annually

10 paid sick days annually

No-meeting Fridays

Last Fridays of the month off

Paid family leave

9 paid company holidays annually, in addition to closed office during the first week of July and last week of the year

Flexible work environment with the option to work from home or in office

Culture of wellness, care, and empathy

Culture of shared governance and staff participation in creating organizational policies

How to Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references to [email protected] . In your cover letter, please describe your past experiences in Finance and Administration, as well as your experiences and commitment around Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and our mission . Applications lacking any of the aforementioned documents will not be considered.

Email subject: Finance & Admin Director

Application Due Date: March 31, 2024

The San Diego Food System Alliance is committed to creating a diverse environment, and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, or gender.

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