KPBS Chief Financial Officer

Apply Now Job no: 552571
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Finance/Accounting, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

At KPBS, we inform, enlighten, and empower our community through trusted news, inspiring storytelling, and meaningful public service. As San Diego’s public media station, KPBS serves more than one million people each week across television, radio, and digital platforms. We are deeply committed to journalistic integrity, community connection, and financial transparency in everything we do.

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and visionary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the station’s financial operations, ensure long-term sustainability, and serve as a strategic partner to the General Manager and Management Council. This is a rare opportunity for a mission-driven financial leader to join one of the nation’s most respected public media organizations and shape its next chapter of growth and innovation.

The KPBS Chief Financial Officer oversees all financial and accounting operations for the organization, ensuring stewardship, transparency, and strategic financial leadership. The CFO plays a key role in aligning financial management with the mission of public service and the operational frameworks of SDSU and the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF).

• Providing leadership and oversight for all financial, budgetary, and accounting functions of KPBS.
• Leading the annual budgeting process, financial planning, and long-term forecasting to ensure fiscal stability.
• Managing all aspects of financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP, GASB, and university and foundation policies.
• Serving as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the General Manager and leadership team, translating financial data into actionable insights.
• Building strong partnerships with SDSU, SDSURF, and external stakeholders to support operational efficiency and mission alignment.
• Overseeing audits, internal controls, insurance, and compliance with regulatory requirements (including FCC).
• Leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing finance and accounting team that embodies collaboration, service, and accountability

• Mission-Driven Impact: Your work directly supports trusted journalism and educational programming that serves the San Diego community.
• Collaborative Leadership: Partner with talented professionals across media, development, and operations to drive organizational success.
• Innovation & Growth: Help shape the financial strategy of an award-winning station that is expanding its reach and impact.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Balance on-site collaboration with remote work opportunities in a culture that values flexibility and well‑being.

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at KPBS/SDSU in San Diego.

KPBS Public Media is San Diego’s trusted PBS and NPR station, bringing award-winning news, in-depth investigations, educational programming, and cultural storytelling to the region for more than 60 years. Anchored on the campus of San Diego State University, KPBS connects, reflects, and serves all of our communities by delivering media that informs, inspires, and drives meaningful dialogue.

As a public media leader, KPBS is deeply committed to equity and inclusion while embracing diverse perspectives, nurturing a culture of belonging, and fostering a workplace and content ecosystem in which all voices are heard.

With a robust presence across television, radio, digital, and live events, KPBS empowers audiences by offering stories that are not only current and local but also globally relevant.

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams while fostering collaboration, accountability, and service excellence…