The Opportunity:
The Chief Financial Officer serves as the senior financial leader of DISH and is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the organization. Reporting to the Co-CEOs and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will lead financial planning, accounting, compliance, and reporting functions while strengthening the organization’s ability to make strategic financial decisions. The next CFO will inherit a technically capable finance team with strong experience in nonprofit accounting and government funding compliance. The organization’s financial foundation is sound, but leadership is seeking improved financial visibility, clearer reporting tools, and stronger multi-year financial planning. Success in this role will require a leader who combines deep accounting expertise with the ability to communicate financial insights clearly to non-financial leaders. The CFO will work closely with executive leadership, program leaders, and the Board to ensure the organization’s financial strategy supports long-term mission impact.
About DISH:
Delivering Innovation in Supportive Housing (DISH) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to providing permanent supportive housing to individuals experiencing homelessness and complex health challenges in San Francisco. Through partnerships with the City and County of San Francisco, DISH operates nine supportive house buildings, the majority of which are Single Room Occupancy (SRO) residences, along with buildings that include family units designed to support households transitioning out of homelessness. These buildings provide housing and on-site services for residents who have historically faced significant barriers to housing stability. DISH’s work sits at the intersection of housing, healthcare, and social services. Residents often face complex challenges, including mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and chronic medical needs. The organization’s supportive housing model recognizes that stability requires both housing and coordinated services. Over the last two years, DISH has experienced a meaningful organizational transition, including changes in financial infrastructure and systems. These efforts have strengthened the organization’s financial foundation and positioned it for its next stage of operational maturity. Today, DISH is seeking a Chief Financial Officer who can help move the organization from financial stabilization toward long-term financial strategy and sustainability.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts and sustainability models
- Provide financial analysis that supports strategic planning and operational decisions
- Strengthen financial decision-making frameworks across the organization
- Identify financial risks and opportunities related to funding, growth, and operational changes
- Translate complex financial information into clear insights for executive leadership, program teams, and the Board
Financial Management & Oversight
- Lead accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and audit preparation
- Oversee the annual budgeting process and monitor financial performance
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting for leadership and the Board
- Maintain strong relationships with financial institutions, auditors, and regulatory partners
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and government contracts
Financial Systems & Reporting Infrastructure
- Stabilize and improve financial reporting infrastructure
- Develop dashboards and reporting tools that provide leadership with real-time financial insight
- Improve data consistency and reporting processes across departments
- Identify system improvements that strengthen reporting without creating operational disruption
Financial Sustainability & Risk Management
- Develop financial scenarios assessing potential changes in funding and operations
- Strengthen analysis of overhead recovery and unrestricted revenue strategy
- Monitor organizational financial risk and provide mitigation strategies
- Support long-term financial planning tied to housing operations and program expansion
Governance & Board Engagement
- Prepare and present financial reports to the Board of Directors
- Provide financial analysis that supports Board decision-making
- Ensure financial transparency in governance reporting
- Support the Finance Committee in overseeing financial strategy and compliance
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and mentor the finance team
- Build collaboration between finance and program leadership
- Promote financial literacy across the organization
- Support professional development within the finance department
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field
- CPA or equivalent professional credential
- Significant experience in senior financial leadership roles
- Strong expertise in accounting, contracts, and compliance
- Experience overseeing audits, budgeting, and financial reporting
- Demonstrated experience leading finance teams
- Ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary Range: $215,000 – $250,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits include: comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; vacation, sick leave, and holidays; retirement plan participation; and professional development opportunities.
To Apply:
This search is being conducted by Jamal Sekou, Associate Partner at Thinking Ahead Executive Search. Nominations and applications, including a resume and cover letter, should be submitted to jsekou@thinkingahead.com.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
