Hybrid Manager of Business Administration and Operations at San Diego Association of Governments, CA

About the Department

SANDAG’s Office of the Independent Performance Auditor

On January 1, 2018, a new California Assembly Bill (AB 805) required the creation of the Audit Committee and an Independent Performance Auditor (IPA) position. The IPA leads the Office of the Independent Performance Auditor (OIPA) and has the authority to conduct performance audits of all departments, offices, boards, activities, and programs of the agency. OIPA is currently a 10-person independent, oversight function expected to grow to 12 positions by fiscal year 2027.  Performance audits are conducted in compliance with Generally Accepted Government auditing standards (GAGAS). OIPA’s performance audits can include reviewing compliance with the agency’s administrative policies, procedures, and local, state and federal regulations; audits of funding, revenue streams, capital projects, expenditures, enterprise risk management, public procurement practices, various transportation projects and programs, and other regional planning programs and initiatives that impact the region. 

OIPA serves as the Board of Directors’ oversight function that objectively evaluates and recommends improvements to SANDAG operations.  The IPA presents an annual work plan to the Audit Committee for approval based upon the results of an annual risk assessment. OIPA is also the official body of SANDAG to investigate allegations of potential fraud, waste, abuse, and gross mismanagement identified by SANDAG staff or other stakeholders. 

Role

The Manager of Business Administration and Operations is a key leadership role within OIPA, responsible for driving the agency’s core administrative, operational, and communications functions. Reporting directly to the Independent Performance Auditor (IPA), this position ensures the smooth and strategic execution of OIPA’s internal systems and external messaging. With oversight of everything from budgeting and contracts to human resources, office management, and media relations, the Manager will play a critical role in aligning day-to-day operations with long-term goals. This role also serves as a strategic advisor and trusted liaison to executive leadership, the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders, helping to shape the future of a growing, high-impact oversight agency.

Position Duties

• Oversee OIPA’s day-to-day administrative operations to ensure smooth workflow and optimizing processes. 
• Plan and manage development and implementation of OIPA’s Business Administration, Operations and Communication program goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; monitor program activities.
• Develop and implement administrative policies and procedures and manage OIPA’s records management program, including requests filed under the California Public Records Act, and human resource processes. 
• Coordinate resource allocation to support program goals. 
• Forecast OIPA funding needs and track and manage expenditures and budgetary adjustments. 
• Develop, implement, and administer OIPA’s annual budget and financial planning.
• Manage procurement, contracts and financial planning.
• Develop and implement internal and external communication strategies aligned with OIPA’s mission and goals.
• Create and manage communication materials (website content, social media posts, newsletters, reports, and correspondence). 
• Manage press relations, including press releases, and media inquiries and represent OIPA in public messaging. 
• Lead and manage complex projects from initiation through completion, develop comprehensive project plans, various procurement solicitations,  scopes of work, project deliverables, budgets, and schedules; participate in consultants/contractors/vendors selection; manage and oversee contracts; ensure projects progress on schedule, within the approved budget and at a consistently high level of quality; ensure projects are completed in adherence to funding agency requirements;
• Coordinate project activities with departments, outside organizations, stakeholders, and/or elected officials.
• Provide high-level executive support to the IPA, including calendaring and meetings management.
• Act as liaison and provide support to the Audit Committee, Board of Directors, and other Policy Advisory Committees.
• Serve as primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters related to the IPA, including those of a confidential or critical nature.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Seven years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the areas of administration, business operations and strategic communications. At least two of these years must have been at the supervisory level.
• Executive office management experience is desirable, including direct experience supporting an executive in a fast-paced, professional office environment and balancing multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Experience developing, delivering and leading comprehensive administrative and business services programs in areas such as budget management, contracts management, office management, records management, financial management and human resources management, preferably for a public agency. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of organizational and management principles and practicesincluding strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, risk management, human resources management, public contracting, and maintenance of public records; knowledge of standard public agency methodologies and strategies used in the procurement of services; knowledge and understanding of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Demonstrated communications expertise in message development, outreach, execution of internal and external communication strategies, and report editing and publishing. 
• Experience in advanced principles and practices of personnel management, including supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Capacity to establish, maintain, and foster cooperative and collaborative professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders; ability to gain cooperation and consensus through discussion, persuasion, and mutual respect. 
• Advanced public and government relations knowledge and experience. 
• Outstanding written and oral presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences; excellent report writing skills including the ability to prepare clear and concise content and impactful report presentations using charts and graphics.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and clearly present various options and outcomes.
• The final candidate selected for this position must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check and credit check. Periodic re-checking of criminal background history will be a condition of employment.