Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Foundation’s senior leadership team and a strategic advisor to the Board, President, Family Council, and committees. The CFO provides both high-level strategic leadership and hands-on management of day-to-day financial operations. This role ensures the integrity, transparency, and stewardship of the Foundation’s $130 million endowment, aligning financial resources with mission-driven grantmaking and long-term sustainability. The CFO oversees accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and tax compliance, while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a thought partner to the President and Board, contributing to strategic planning and long-term financial sustainability 
• Lead financial strategy development, including payout policies and risk management 
• Provide timely, clear, and actionable financial insights to support decision-making across the foundation 
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology and process improvements to enhance financial operations and organizational effectiveness 
• Supervision of the Finance Operations Specialist

Accounting & Operations

• Oversee all accounting functions, including accounts payable, cash disbursements, bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements 
• Record financial and investment transactions as well as ensuring timely general ledger and subledgers reconciliations 
• Maintain strong internal financial controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and IRS regulations 
• Manage relationships with vendors, HR/payroll providers, external accounting and audit partners

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the development of the annual operating and program budgets in collaboration with staff 
  Monitor actuals versus budget, analyze and report variances, and provide reporting to the Board and Committees
• Develop multi-year financial models to support strategic planning, including payout and inflation scenarios

Investments

• Monitor investment transactions and ensure compliance with board policies, including a 10% impact investing carveout
• Maintain portfolio allocation and performance records 
• Prepare materials and analysis for the Investment and Impact Investment committees 
• Liaise with external investment managers and advisors on reporting needs and manage cash flows

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Coordinate the annual audit process with external auditors to ensure timely, accurate reporting 
• Prepare schedules and documentation for the annual audit, federal and state returns and ensure compliance with private foundation regulations, including 5% payout requirements 
• Track required annual distributions and advise the Audit Committee and Board on compliance and risk mitigation

Governance & Reporting

• Present financial and investment reports to the Board, committees, and Family Council
• Translate complex financial data into accessible insights for non-financial stakeholders 
• Support governance and budgeting by preparing clear dashboards, charts, and reports

Qualifications

• CPA, CFA, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred 
• 7–10+ years of progressively responsible financial management experience, ideally with private foundations, family offices, or nonprofits managing significant endowments 
• Knowledge of IRS private foundation regulations, including payout requirements, excise taxes, and self-dealing rules 
• Experience with investment oversight and external asset managers; experience with impact investing is a plus 
• Strong proficiency in QuickBooks Online, Excel, and reporting software 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff, manage cross-functional relationships, and contribute to a collaborative organizational structure 
• Excellent communication skills to engage and inform diverse stakeholders 
• Integrity, discretion, and commitment to the Foundation’s mission and collaborative governance culture 
• This position is based out of the Foundation’s office in Menlo Park, CA, with a requirement to work from the office a minimum of one day per week and attend three weekend Board meetings a year