Director of Administration

Position: Director of Administration

Starting Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000 (exempt, salaried position) plus strong benefits

Reports To: President & CEO

Direct Reports: Co-manage an executive assistant (yet to be hired)

Location: In-Person at DSFP’s offices – 235 Montgomery, Ste. 828, San Francisco, CA

Deadline: November 24, 2025 (Email resume, cover letter, and writing samples to Careers@downtownsf.org). Applications without these requirements will not be considered.

Position Summary:

The Director of Administration is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for overseeing the internal administrative operations, organizational effectiveness, and administrative systems that support the mission of the organization. This role ensures sound financial management, compliance, human resources, and governance functions, enabling the organization to effectively deliver place management services—including public space stewardship, safety and cleaning programs, economic development, and marketing/activation initiatives.

The ideal candidate is highly organized; detail-oriented; brings sound judgment and practical problem-solving skills; and is adept at balancing administrative leadership with strategic execution in a nonprofit or public-private partnership environment.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Administration & Office Operations

·      Oversee day-to-day administrative functions, ensuring efficient internal systems and workflows.

·      Manage office operations, vendor relationships, and technology systems.

·      Support the placemaking and events team with permit applications, documentation, insurance certificates and compliance for public space improvements and programming.

·      Support the fundraising and development team with administering sponsorship agreements, fundraising mailings, and other administrative tasks associated with fundraising efforts.

Finance Support & Compliance

·      Partner with the CEO and external CPA/Controller to develop and monitor annual budgets. The external accounting CPA/Controller provides bookkeeping and accounting services.

·      With guidance and support from external CPA/Controller, ensure compliance with nonprofit reporting requirements, including audits, IRS filings, and state/local regulations.

·      Oversee vendor contracts, partnership MOU’s, insurance/COI’s, and risk management policies.

·      Code and track program expenditures and assist in grant/sponsorship reporting.

·      Assist with annual insurance renewals and event insurance needs.

Human Resources & Talent Management

·      Lead HR administration, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and performance management.

·      Develop and update HR policies, employee handbook, and training initiatives.

·      Support organizational culture through effective internal communications and team-building practices.

·      Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment.

Executive Support, Governance & Board Support

·      Maintain the CEO’s calendar to ensure conflicts are not present and prioritize sends time matters.

·      Serve as a staff liaison to the Board of Directors and committees on behalf of the CEO.

·      Manage travel and conference logistics, accommodations, and expenses.

·      Manage board and committee meetings, including scheduling, organizing board package preparation, agenda preparation, and documentation.

·      Attend board and committee meetings where appropriate to take minutes.

·      Ensure compliance with bylaws, governance policies, and organizational records.

·      Support the organization’s leadership team with administrative functions as needed.

·      Handle archdiocese and confidential information with the utmost discretion.

Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Position Expectations

·      Think strategically, keeping the big picture and broad organizational objectives in mind.

·      Demonstrate emotional intelligence and self-awareness, inspire confidence and trust, and welcome feedback.

·      Comfortable working in a small, highly-collaborative, cross-functional organization.

·      Ability to identify and solve problems with drive, flexibility, and resourcefulness.

·      Work well under pressure and adapt easily to changing situations and priorities, while exercising good judgment and staying focused on overarching goals.

·      Interact in an effective, tactful, and professional manner and respond promptly to requests.

·      Must be able to engage in a range of physical activities, including standing or sitting at a desk and walking (sometimes on uneven surfaces) for an extended period.

About the Downtown SF Partnership

Downtown SF Partnership (DSFP) is a 501(c)(3) urban placemaking and place management nonprofit managing 43 blocks of San Francisco’s Financial District and Jackson Square. Founded in 2020, DSFP delivers enhanced cleaning and safety services, events and marketing, public realm improvements, and economic development initiatives to create a vibrant downtown. Funded by $4.8M in property assessments plus $1–2M in grants and sponsorships, DSFP is a leading voice in reimagining downtown as a dynamic, mixed-use hub that drives up to 70% of San Francisco’s GDP. The organization is expected to grow in 2026, with an early renewal of its boundaries and increase in programs and services. An executive assistant role may be hired at a later date and will assume related duties.

Our Mission: We lead the way in building a thriving downtown where business gets done, people feel welcome, come to explore, and make memories.

Our Values: Collaboration, Entrepreneurialism, Impact, Celebration

Requirements/Qualifications

·      Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field (master's degree preferred).

·      7 years of progressive experience in administration, operations, finance, or HR—preferably in a nonprofit, public sector, or urban place management setting.

·      Advanced understanding of service/vendor contracts, terms and conditions and requirements.

·      Strong knowledge of nonprofit finance, HR practices, compliance, and governance.

·      Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail.

·      Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.

·      Ability to work collaboratively with staff, board members, and external stakeholders.

·      Commitment to the mission of urban placemaking and place management.

·      Advanced skills in Microsoft Office & experience working with Bill.com, Xero and Ramp is a plus.

·      Discretion of sensitive and confidential matters and documentation.

·      Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Position Specifications, Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000

·      100% employer paid healthcare, dental and vision plan

·      3-weeks PTO, 14 paid holidays, plus the office is closed for winter break

·      Monthly commuter benefit

·      401k plan with a 3% employer match

·      Life insurance policy

·      Professional opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and community networking events.

Hours & Environment: Work hours are typically 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday in-person. Enthusiasm and willingness to support DSFP during evening and weekend functions are required. The work environment is highly-collaborative, fast-paced, evolving, and dynamic, offering exposure to impactful projects and decision-makers shaping downtown San Francisco.

To Apply

The Downtown SF Partnership is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

To be considered for this position, you must send a resume AND a brief cover letter and writing samples to Robbie Silver, President & CEO at careers@downtownsf.org with “Admin” in the subject line. Applications without these requirements will not be considered.

The deadline to apply: November 24, 2025