California Center for Sustainable Energy

Reports to: Executive Director                                        Available Openings: One
FLSA Status: Exempt                                                     Position Closes: Open until filled
Salary:  Commensurate with experience

 Working for a sustainable energy future is our job.  Make it yours, too.

Director of Finance and Operations sought to provide strategic and tactical oversight for finance and operational activities of an independent, nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation that helps residents, businesses and public agencies save energy, reduce grid demand and generate their own power through a variety of rebate, technical assistance and education programs. CCSE also provides the community with objective information, research, analysis and long-term planning on energy issues and technologies.

BACKGROUND

O U R   V I S I O N   I S   S I M P L E.  Creating a sustainable energy future.

O U R   M I S S I O N   I S   F O C U S E D.  To foster public policies and provide programs, services, information and forums that facilitate the adoption of clean, reliable, renewable, sustainable, and efficient energy technologies and practices.

The California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) is an independent, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation that helps residents, businesses, public agencies and organizations save energy, reduce grid demand and generate their own power through a variety of rebate, technical assistance and education programs. We serve as the San Diego region’s knowledgeable, independent voice on energy issues providing balanced information and technical assistance, research, analysis and long-term planning.

CCSE has a staff of 46 and a budget of over $26 million. CCSE has a diversified funding base of individual and corporate giving, foundation and government grants, special events and billing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Finance and Operations works at both strategic and tactical levels to provide oversight for the organization's operational activities, including finance, information technology, human resources, facilities, procurement, and legal affairs. Additionally, the Director of Finance and Operations oversees the Quality Assurance and Continuous Process Improvement activities for CCSE. This position focuses on process-reengineering to implement new tools to streamline, improve and automate processes and operational functions. The Director’s primary responsibilities include:

• Accountable for overall financial leadership including: financial reporting, financial planning & analysis, cash management, payroll, accounts payable and receivables, regulatory compliance, tax filings, internal controls, grant reporting, and overall policies and procedures.
• Direct annual budgeting and planning processes for CCSE. Provide accurate monthly forecasts to the Leadership Team.
• Monitor CCSE financial positions. Establish and monitor financial controls. Direct the monthly, quarterly and annual reporting processes. Oversee the annual financial audit and ensure coordinated tax filings.
• Oversee purchasing process. Approve Purchase Orders consistent with availability of funding and annual budget.
• Report financial position to the ED, Board Treasurer and Board Finance Committee.
• Oversees the implementation of Human Resources programs. Monitors administration to established standards and procedures. Identifies opportunities for improvement and resolves any discrepancies.
• Create and/or review all contracts. Ensure adherence to board bylaws and local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Establish short and long-range goals for CCSE’s finance and operations.
• Oversee the Quality Assurance and Continuous Process Improvement activities for CCSE.
• Oversee proper upkeep and maintenance of facility. Develop and implement facility and space planning.
• Oversee the strategic development and implementation of the Information Technology aspects of CCSE. Manage contract with outsourced IT support.
• Plans, develops and approves specific operational policies, programs, procedures and methods in concert with general policies as established by the Board.
• Implements, updates, trains and directs the organization’s emergency business continuity plan.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS

The Director of Finance and Operations reports to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the Leadership Team. The Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for 2 employees.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of seven (7) years experience in a leadership capacity in finance and / or operations.
• Degree in accounting, business, or related field. CPA and/or MBA a plus.
• Demonstrated strong problem solving and decision quality, action orientation, client focus, and ability to drive results.
• Hands-on general ledger experience and strong knowledge of GAAP required.
• Demonstrated ability to establish processes to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and best-in-class financial reporting.
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage projects and events from conception through to completion. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities with changing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills, including business analysis
• Ability to work as a team member with a strong commitment to collaborative work with both internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated superior supervisory skills.
• BA Required; Masters preferred.

Computer and/or Technical Skills:

Demonstrated high-level of abilities of various computer software programs and fluency in using standard office software packages such as MS Office: Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. 

License, Certificates or Registrations:

Valid California Drivers License; insurable in the State of California.  Must own a licensed and registered vehicle and be willing to use it for work-related purposes.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Employee will work in an office environment. The employee may experience eye and muscle strain, backaches, headaches, and repetitive motion injuries as a result of using computers on a daily basis. Employee may have to sit for extended periods while reviewing detailed data.
• May work some evenings and weekends or work longer hours to meet deadlines.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while at a desk or in meetings; hearing and visual acuity within normal range; Manual dexterity to operate keyboard and calculator.
• Travel may occasionally be on short notice.  Periodic overnight travel may be required.

Application Procedures:

Potential applicants must complete a California Center for Sustainable Energy Employment Application and send a resume and cover letter by mail to CCSE, 8690 Balboa Avenue, Suite 100, San Diego 92123, fax to (858) 244-7289 or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Applications are available at the CCSE Web site at http://www.energycenter.org.

CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IS COMMITTED TO A DIVERSE WORKFORCE AND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  CCSE MAINTAINS AND PROMOTES A POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION AND NONHARASSMENT ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, SEX, AGE, HANDICAP, MARITIAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AND NATIONAL ORIGIN OR GENETIC CHARACTERISTIC.