Manager of Business Administration and Operations

Annual Salary Range: $ 121,347.20 - $188,094.40
First Review of Applications: August 31, 2025
Expected Start Date: October 2025

Description 

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. 

Typical 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.
• 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. 

Benefits 

SANDAG offers comprehensive benefits, to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs. Additionally, SANDAG offers the following:

• Hybrid work options
• 9/80 flexible work schedule
• Pay-for-performance merit increases
• Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya
• Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents
• Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
• Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees
• Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
• Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
• Manager and Principal level positions are offered a three-year At-Will employment contract, which provides an annual $5,000 contribution to their defined contribution plan.

Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag? to apply.

First review August 31, 2025. EOE.