Description

OUR STORY

The Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) exists for one reason – to improve the lives of the residents and the vibrancy of the unique and diverse communities throughout Santa Barbara County. We do that by mobilizing our county’s best resources – our people, our knowledge, and our desire for change and improvement. 

As the oldest and largest community foundation on California’s Central Coast, we have been a catalyst for change, where for over 97 years, we have gathered people to address the communities’ most pressing needs. The team at the Santa Barbara Foundation is honored to be your community foundation, and together with our donors, we have invested $52 million in over 2,700 total grants in 2024 and are well on our way to surpassing that effort in 2025. SBF has touched nearly every regional community project and nonprofit in our history, and we work together with community members to enhance life now and for future generations.

We analyze issues to identify challenges that burden people every day in Santa Barbara County, convene community stakeholders to build coalitions, and partner with nonprofits and other leaders working on the front lines. Our work is only possible through our donors and partners, who support initiatives ranging from the essential necessities of everyday life to the innovative programs that will lead us collectively to a better future. Together, we chart a direction and mobilize people to support the dynamic initiatives that makes this a better place, now and for generations to come. To learn more about Santa Barbara Foundation, please visit: https://sbfoundation.org/

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

 At SBF, our team nd our organizational culture are essential to the efficiency and impact of our work. We value and foster a workplace that is inclusive, accountable, and innovative. By advancing a happy and healthy workspace, we work better together. SBF was honored as 2020 “Citizen of the Year” by the Santa Barbara Downtown Organization, 2023 Community Champion, received the 2024 EconAlliance Northern Santa Barbara County Impact Award and was recognized as one of Pacific Coast Business Times 2024 “Best Places to Work” in the Central Coast for the 4th year in a row.

The Vice President, Finance and Administration reports to Jackie Carrera, President & CEO. Jackie came to SBF in 2018 as the Chief Revenue & Business Development Officer during which time she led the Foundation’s efforts to drive new revenue opportunities, refine its business model, and continue the development of the donor base and endowment. She stepped into a role as the Foundation’s Interim CEO in January of 2020 and was named the President & CEO in April of 2020. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jackie served as the President & CEO of the Parks & People Foundation in Maryland for over two decades. She has served as a consultant to nonprofits on fundraising, governance and management. Jackie received her BBA in Finance from Loyola University in Maryland.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $220,000 - $270,000 DOE/Neg.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan; the Foundation will match the employee’s contribution up to 4%
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 14 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and 15 days PTO
• Cell Phone & Internet Allowance
• Housing Allowance between 2.5-6.5% of employees’ pay following employee’s one-year anniversary

LOCATION

This is a hybrid role, and our office is located at: 1111 Chapala Street, Suite 200, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

POSITION SUMMARY 

Santa Barbara Foundation seeks an experienced leader and manager to join its senior team as the Vice President, Finance and Administration. This role has overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Finance and Administration departments. The Vice President, Finance and Administration will lead and develop an internal team to support the following areas: finance, including accounting, investments, impact investing, business planning and budgeting; human resources; administration; IT; and physical infrastructure. This is an opportunity for a skilled finance and administration  professional to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, impact-oriented organization.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President, Finance and Administration will be a seasoned, hands-on, and collaborative leader and will act as a strategic thought partner. They will have a strong interest in addressing the community’s most vital issues and promoting community philanthropy, combined with the ability to position SBF as a community leader with a robust, sustainable business model. This person will balance a range of responsibilities focusing on operational excellence.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Executive Leadership

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, including the CEO and other department heads responsible for organizational policy development and planning.
• Work with the Foundation CEO and Board on SBF’s evolving business model, supporting strategic planning and implementation efforts, ensuring that all Foundation initiatives make economic sense and are consistent with the organization’s financial strategy.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors' finance, audit, investment, and compensation committees, and impact investing subcommittee; effectively communicate and present critical matters to the Board.
• Lead data analysis and information sharing that offer financial and economic insights to aid in decision-making, strategic direction, long-range planning and business modeling.
• Continually evaluate best industry practices in comparison to internal systems and needed resources, with an eye toward both future needs and budget realities.
• Remain current and knowledgeable about legal, accounting, tax, and public policy matters related to community foundations and philanthropy.
• Understand gift and fund options available for donors and assist resource development, executive and others in evaluating proposed gifts for adherence to SBF policies and its ability to administer a proposed gift appropriately.
• Collaborate with CEO and donor services staff to develop additional resources working with wealth managers and other philanthropic advisors.
• Serve on supporting organization boards and lead accounting and administrative support for supporting organizations.
• Oversee department of approximately 13 staff members.

Finance and Accounting

• Oversee all aspects of accounting, financial, and investment management; manage Finance and Operations team.
• Proactively develop and implement financial strategies to support organization- wide priorities.
• Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the CEO and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations.
• Capture key data and processes to demonstrate the relationship between goals and resulting fundraising needs.
• Develop financial plans and economic modeling.
• Work across the organization to develop the Foundation’s annual operating budget, assessing organizational performance accordingly.
• Review, approve and clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting materials and metrics for the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, cash flow and coordination of audit activities as well as accounts payable and receivable.
• Manage costs and profitability, making sure expenditures are consistent with the organization’s budget, goals, and mission.
• Oversee internal accounting processes and procedures, including contracts management, cash transfers, cash receipts, A/P, payroll and inter-fund transfers.
• Oversee and report the year-end financial audit and tax filings, including preparation and review of audit schedules and footnote disclosures for SBF, its LLCs, its Pooled Income Funds and trusts and its employee benefits plans.

Investments and Impact Investing

• Monitor investment manager performance and compliance with SBF guidelines and provide appropriate reporting to the Investment Committee and Board.
• Support Board Investment Committee and staff in creating innovative investment strategies to better serve Santa Barbara County.
• Develop and extend networks in investment, community development, philanthropy and advocacy fields as means to identify opportunities and capture important information relevant to potential deals and other trends.
• Promote understanding of the impact investing fund program, including housing affordability, among internal and external constituencies (board, staff, donors, professional advisors, government agencies, businesses, etc.).
• Oversee and/or conduct due diligence and loan servicing for impact investment fund transactions.
• Consult with legal counsel as required on legal matters related to SBF’s investment program.
• Work closely with the donor services teams to ensure that investments are consistent with fund agreements and donor intent.
• Ensure proper investment of trusts for which SBF serves as trustee.
• Communicate effectively and compellingly about the high stewardship standards and performance of SBF’s investment program to donors, endowment partners, and other interested persons.

Administration and Operations

• Oversee and direct administrative and operations functions to ensure efficient and consistent functions as the organization scales.
• Establish organization-wide financial, administrative and operational objectives, policies, programs, systems and practices with a goal of continuously developing and improving systems, and facilitating interdepartmental collaboration and coordination.
• Model and instill a service orientation that inspires a professional staff comprised of finance, human resources, IT, facilities, and administration departments.
• Monitor requirements, negotiate and oversee capital acquisition and lease, third-party vendors and consultants, insurance providers, and legal counsel.
• Further develop and streamline SBF’s human resources and administration, enhancing professional development, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, training and recruiting; managing Human Resources staff.
• In collaboration with the leadership team and IT Manager and Director of Data Management & Compliance, bring vision to an IT structure and oversee implementation of new technologies that will increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organization, and support key capabilities as required for future growth.
• Oversee operations and maintenance of facilities including South County Headquarters, North County Office, and Foundation House.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure expert and strategic legal advice to management.
• Set internal governance policies and manage the impact of external factors.
• Anticipate issues and estimate risks strategically; evaluate and weigh multiple inputs and impacts of any decision or course of action.
• Oversee risk management program, including insurance coverage, renewals, and claims.
• Identify proactive solutions that will eliminate or mitigate risks.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal reporting requirements.
• Ensure that the various entities under SBF’s umbrella (supporting organizations, donor advised funds, corporate advised funds, among others) are compliant with tax, charitable giving, and governance regulations.
• Deal with complex, significant matters that cut across legal and related areas, managing risk accordingly.

Requirements

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Nonprofit or foundation experience, and excitement about and a commitment to the mission of the Foundation.
• 10+ years of senior-level management experience, with at least five years managing wide-ranging finance and administrative responsibilities for a $10+ million organization or business unit.
• Experience leading planning efforts and running operationally effective organizations that have multiple functional areas.
• Successful experience in leading a finance and operations team.
• Comfort working in a fast–paced, multi-faceted environment.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in management or oversight of managing financial and reporting and ensuring streamlined, effective administration and operations.
• Ability to build relationships by employing strong organizational management, communication, implementation, problem-solving and mentoring skills, fostering collaboration.
• Track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving which support and enable sound decision making.
• Solid understanding of other pertinent tax regulations and state and federal laws.
• Understanding of impact investing, credit underwriting, loan servicing, donor relations, and public private partnerships.
• Experience with integrated grants and accounting systems.
• Strong technology skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively and persuasively communicate with the board, executive team, broader staff, and external contacts.
• Highest level of personal and professional integrity.
• Excellent judgment and discretion.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to anticipate risks and to “see around the corner.”