Chief Financial Officer

Under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for daily administrative functions, providing input for strategic planning, collaborating on policy development and implementation, and serving a critical role in driving organizational performance of the 22 nd District Agricultural Association (District) which produces the annual San Diego County Fair. The CFO oversees resource allocation and ensures smooth business service operations such as administration, accounting and finance, financial investment, debt management, risk management, contracts and purchasing, strategic information, payroll functions, and human resources.


As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO works collaboratively with the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Communications Officer and reports directly to the CEO. The CFO consults with and advises on policies and programs and employee understanding and engagement on business priorities and key initiatives aligned with District's vision, strategy, and production of the Fair.


The CFO manages various business service contracts including food and beverage, horse racing, and equestrian center operations and serves as District's project manager for all capital infrastructure investments. Additionally, the CFO identifies risks, resolves issues that may arise, and ensures timely reporting to the CEO or regulatory entities, and may assist in other tasks.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with artificial light and climate control. While performing this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment, push and pull file drawers, and move bank boxes up to 25 pounds. At times, work activities can involve walking and standing on foot for long periods. Work activities also require the employee to read, write, and speak English at a level required for successful job performance.

Minimum Requirements This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

• C. E. A.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-531897


Position #(s):
012-000-7500-XXX

Working Title:
Chief Financial Officer


Classification:
C. E. A. $10,349.00 - $21,370.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
San Diego County


Telework:
In Office


Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time


Department Information
WHO WE ARE

The 22nd District Agricultural Association owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds on behalf of the State of California and is governed by a nine-member board appointed by the governor. Fairgrounds operations are primarily funded by revenues generated by hosting events, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair.

OUR PURPOSE

We are a timeless community treasure where all can flourish, connect, and interact through year-round exceptional experiences.

OUR MISSION

We connect our community through shared interests, diverse experiences, and service to one another in an inclusive, accessible, and safe place with an emphasis on entertainment , recreation , agriculture , and education.

OUR VISION

We will be the community's iconic place for social interaction and cultural expression, honoring traditions, embracing innovation, celebrating excellence, and having fun.


Department Website:


Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/5/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


22nd DAA/Del Mar Fairgrounds
Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn
Attn:
Attn: HR Exams/Certs
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar , CA 92014


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


22nd DAA/Del Mar Fairgrounds
Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn


Attn: HR Exams/Certs
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar , CA 92014


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  REQUIRED - Please see the Statement of Qualifications section below on the job advertisement for details and instructions.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Examination Qualification Requirements All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.


Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.


General Qualifications
State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy - influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):


CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.


CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.


CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
The District is looking for a leader who combines strong financial expertise with strategic thinking, confidence, and exceptional interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will bring:
" Strong financial leadership experience, including budgeting, financial analysis, audits, risk management,
contracts, and capital projects.
" A degree in Finance or a related field; a CPA designation is preferred.
" Demonstrated ability to think strategically while staying connected to day-to-day operations.
" The confidence to work independently, make decisions, and provide candid advice to executive leadership.
" Comfort addressing conflict, difficult conversations, and competing perspectives while maintaining
productive relationships.
" Strong business judgment and the ability to evaluate complex issues, identify risk, and develop practical
solutions.
" Experience working effectively with executives, boards, government agencies, legal counsel, vendors, and
community partners.
" Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial and operational issues
clearly to a variety of audiences.
" A collaborative leadership style with a demonstrated ability to build, coach, and develop high-performing
teams.
" A high level of integrity, accountability, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
" The ability to balance financial stewardship with the District's broader mission, community role, and long-term vision.


Examination Information


If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.


A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.


The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.


Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.


The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.


Special Testing Arrangements If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.


Benefits
Our Amazing Perks!

There are many benefits to joining our team, we have a Comprehensive Employee's Benefits Package which includes: Health and wellness benefits (e.g., medical, dental, vision, etc.); Time off benefits (e.g., paid vacation, sick leave, professional development days, personal holidays, 11-paid holidays per year, etc.); Financial security benefits (e.g., California Public Employees' Retirement (CalPERS) pension upon retirement, 401(k), life insurance for excluded employees: supervisors / managers, etc.).


Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Brittany Stroffolino
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Hiring Unit Contact:
Brittany Stroffolino
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
22nd DAA - EEO
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Statement of Qualifications


When preparing your Statement of Qualifications, you must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Responses to the Statement of Qualifications must be addressed and numbered in the same order as listed below.

• Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses to the Statement of Qualifications.

Statement of Qualifications


QUESTIONS / STATEMENTS:

• Describe how your education, professional experience, and other relevant experience have prepared you to serve as Chief Financial Officer for the 22nd District Agricultural Association, home of the San Diego County Fair .
• Describe why you are interested in serving as Chief Financial Officer for the 22nd District Agricultural Association and what interests you about the organization and its mission.
• Describe your experience providing strategic financial and business advice to an executive team, governing body, or other organizational leaders. Please provide an example of how your advice influenced a significant organizational decision.
• Describe your experience overseeing complex financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, investments, debt, audits, risk management, and/or capital planning. How have you used this information to improve organizational performance and ensure responsible stewardship of resources?
• Describe a significant financial, operational, or organizational challenge you have faced as a leader. How did you approach the issue, communicate your recommendations, and work through differing perspectives or resistance to reach a successful outcome?

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.