Chief Financial Officer

Company: Climate Imperative Foundation
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description LOCATION: San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC, or U.S. Remote FULL/PART TIME: Full-time, Exempt REPORTS TO: President, Climate Imperative POSITION SUMMARY The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for the financial strategy and planning of the organization, ensuring financial health and sustainability. As a key member of the leadership team, the CFO will partner with the Climate Imperative Leadership Team and Board of Directors to drive organizational growth, develop long-term financial plans, manage resources efficiently, and ensure compliance with regulatory and grantor requirements. This role will report to the President and board officer. OUR COMMITMENT We are committed to diversity, equity, & inclusion and to a transparent recruitment process that fosters belonging. Our goal is to hire and advance people regardless of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, military service, medical condition, and any other protected characteristic under local, state, or federal law. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to an accessible application process and employee experience. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email jobs@climateimperative.org. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Strategy & Leadership Partner with the Leadership Team and Board of Directors to develop and implement financial strategies that align with the organization's mission and long-term goals Serve as the organizational leader in all areas of finance and grants management, including managing and mentoring senior members of the finance and grants management teams Oversee the finance and grants management teams, ensuring accurate and timely accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and grants management and compliance Support the team through financial modeling and reporting Prepare and present financial statements, including cash flow analysis, income statements, and balance sheets, to the Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and other key stakeholders Provide useful financial insights to help make better decisions about formulating and executing business strategy and risk mitigation Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration across the organization Budgeting, Resource Allocation, and Grants Management Oversee long-term budgetary planning, forecasting, and cost management in alignment with the organization's strategic plan Develop and oversee the annual budget in coordination with program and department heads Monitor organizational performance against budget and recommend adjustments as necessary to stay aligned with financial goals Identify and implement cost-saving measures to improve financial efficiency Oversee the grants administration process, including reporting, compliance, and financial management Risk Management & Compliance Manage financial risks by developing and implementing internal controls, policies, and procedures that safeguard assets and ensure compliance with donor requirements, audits, and applicable laws In collaboration with the General Counsel, ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and organizational laws, regulations, guidelines, and best practices Ensure that grant activities comply with all legal, ethical and funder requirements Oversee annual audits and ensure timely and accurate filing of financial statements and tax returns Advise the Board and leadership team on risk management, financial controls, and investment strategies Ensure the integrity of financial operations, including compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other regulatory requirements Oversee the financial reporting for all grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and maximizing revenue opportunities EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (Master's degree or CPA preferred). Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and grants management, including nonprofit experience Able to balance high-level strategic leadership with the capability to engage directly in detailed financial work to ensure accuracy and execution Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, including grant compliance, fund accounting, and 990 reporting Strong understanding of the grant lifecycle and best practices in grants management Experience operating in a small to mid-sized non-profit with a philanthropic (contributed revenue) business model Demonstrated success in leading and managing teams, with a commitment to coaching and staff development Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex financial information and make sound recommendations Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders Proven experience with financial software and systems, as well as proficiency in Excel and financial modeling Ability to lead and work collaboratively in a team environment Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy Interest, passion, and commitment to reducing climate change Ability to prioritize and be flexible in a fast-paced, constantly evolving, and collaborative environment WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This role is done primarily in an office environment. An employee must be able to satisfy the following physical requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation. Remain in a stationary position (at a desk) for at least 75% of the day Use hand and fingers to type Frequently communicate via phone or video and email and must be able to communicate using those methods This description reflects essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Climate Imperative supports a hybrid work environment and requires all employees to come together in person two to three times per year. SALARY We provide a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The target national salary range is $290,000 to $310,000 with adjustments made for people in higher-expense markets, i.e. the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington D.C. Currently, all staff local to the San Francisco and DC offices go into the office one to three days a week. Equity is incredibly important to the organization, and a pay audit for equity is completed annually. BENEFITS We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all U.S.-based employees. If a specific position is open to international employees, benefits will vary based on geographical location. The U.S. benefits include: Up to 100% of premium paid for medical, dental, and vision Short term and long term disability insurance Company sponsored life insurance and voluntary life Carrot fertility and family planning benefits Student loan repayment assistance 401k retirement plan with a company match contribution Annual professional development budget Internet, cell phone, and health & wellness reimbursement 14 paid holidays and four weeks of paid time off (PTO) Paid parental leave, jury duty, and bereavement Public transportation benefit options for office staff Regular staff lunches and team building activities SF and DC office stocked with healthy snacks and beverages An innovative, collaborative, welcoming work culture OUR COMMITMENT Climate Imperative is committed to diversity, equity, & inclusion and to a transparent recruitment process that fosters belonging. Our goal is to hire and advance people regardless of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, military service, medical condition, and any other protected characteristic under local, state, or federal law. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to an accessible employee experience. If at any time you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact jobs@climateimperative.org. ABOUT US Climate change is governed by physical facts—about carbon sources, accumulation, impacts, and timing, and more importantly, about solutions that work. These facts must inform strategy: they show that avoiding dangerous climate change is only possible through strong policy to cut carbon, promptly, in the biggest countries. To address these issues, Climate Imperative was founded to provide resources to the field of climate policy in this decisive decade. Climate Imperative is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on solving the climate crisis at speed and scale by providing funding, technical support, and expertise to win the world's most significant emissions reduction policy decisions this decade. We support a hybrid work environment and require all employees to come together in person one to two times per year.

Keywords: Climate Imperative Foundation, San Bruno , Chief Financial Officer, Accounting, Auditing , San Francisco, California