Dr. Seuss Foundation is hiring: Administrative Services Manager in San Diego

WHO WE ARE

The Dr. Seuss Foundation (DSF) is a catalyst for early literacy development in all its forms through strategic community partnerships and investments that inspire learning, spark imagination, and expand opportunities for all children. Inspired by the boundless imagination and enduring legacy of celebrated author, Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), the Dr. Seuss Foundation is dedicated to unlocking the potential in every child by serving as a powerful catalyst for improved literacy, broadly conceived, through strategic partnerships and investments.

Since 1958, the Foundation has gifted more than $300 million to philanthropic causes. Based in San Diego, DSF supports nonprofit efforts that ensure children have the foundation needed to develop a lifelong love of reading. Working with the local community, DSF primarily invests in early literacy initiatives, with a recognition of the importance of social-emotional development, playful learning and experiential activities that integrate arts, music, and the environment. While the organization was established over 60 years ago, we have recently embarked on a strategic plan that will support growth and increased community engagement and impact.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

DSF fosters a culture built on collaboration, innovation, and trust. The organization is led by Katie Rast, who joined the Board of Directors in January 2024 and was appointed CEO in September 2025. DSF is a small team, and it is expected that the Administrative Services Manager and Program Manager will collaborate closely.

BENEFITS & FEATURES

• Salary – $70,000 - $90,000 DOE
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• PTO: 10 Vacation Days, 12 Sick Days, 12 Paid Holidays

LOCATION

This role will be hybrid, with the ability to attend in-person meetings in San Diego, CA, required.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Operations and Impact, the Administrative Services Manager (Manager) provides critical support for internal planning and operations, as well as essential administrative and logistical support across all areas of the Foundation.

The Administrative Services Manager is a skilled project manager who will ensure the Foundation’s annual operating plan is tracking all important dates and deliverables, while providing comprehensive organizational support. This includes managing vendor relations, planning and preparing for board meetings, overseeing record-keeping, and developing operational policies and procedures. The Manager provides comprehensive Board and CEO support, including coordination of high-level meetings (scheduling, agendas, packets, minutes, and logistics).

The Administrative Services Manager will collaborate closely with the Program Manager to ensure organizational alignment and a continuous improvement mindset to help the Foundation scale effectively. Ultimately, this position provides the operational excellence needed to support organizational efficiency and impact.

Year one priorities include:

• Conduct a comprehensive systems analysis across the organization.
• Standardize the Foundation’s digital file system using SharePoint.
• Create a clear framework for the annual operating cycle.
• Take full ownership of project management for the annual plan within Asana.
• Implement SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to systematize processes.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Operations

• Provide ongoing project management for the Foundation’s annual operating plan, utilizing Asana and other tools. Collaborate with other Foundation staff and contractors to ensure that all appropriate deliverables and deadlines are represented and tracked.
• Oversee operational policies and procedures and ensure adherence to all deadlines and deliverables across the team.
• Manage vendor relations, including IT, ensuring contracts meet requirements, and the organization has knowledge of IT support services and related best practices.
• Provide general administrative support, including proactively looking for ways to ease the administrative load on the CEO.
• Support the monthly accounts payable process, working with contracted accounting services and staff to ensure the process is completed efficiently each month.
• Handle event planning for small-scale engagements, such as board luncheons and holiday gatherings.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to ensure the Foundation's grantmaking activities are supported.

Executive & Board Support

• Serve as the key administrative support for the CEO, managing their calendar and supporting the coordination of communications with diverse constituencies, including the Board, staff, grantees, and the public.
• Serve as the Board liaison, preparing agendas, PowerPoint presentations, and related content, and assisting the CEO with board meeting planning and preparation.
• Organize and manage high-level meetings (CEO, Board, committees), including scheduling, preparing packets, recording accurate minutes, and handling all necessary logistics (e.g., catering, IT/technical support, travel).
• Prioritize tasks to ensure time-sensitive items are managed promptly.
• Address confidential matters with professionalism and tact.
• Manage special projects and other duties as assigned.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of related experience in project and administrative management. Experience managing complex offices and working with Boards and CEOs leading impactful organizations is considered a plus.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously while providing exceptional attention to detail.
• Motivated and able to take initiative, bringing a positive approach and excellent follow-through to projects.
• Strong written and verbal skills, with experience in the development of polished presentation materials and content that is edited, final, and appropriate for public consumption.
• Relationship management experience with excellent communication skills, providing superior customer service and communicating effectively, collaboratively, and diplomatically across a broad range of internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated experience in project and administrative management, including fundamental knowledge of budget tracking, contract oversight, and operational expense management.
• Proficiency with office technology platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Asana). Grantmaking management platform experience a plus.
• Professional discretion and commitment to confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree required.