J.S. Held

Associate Director

J.S. Held · Solana Beach, CA, United States
Solana Beach, CA, United States $120K–$160K Posted 2026-08-05
Salary
$120K–$160K
Type
Full-time
Experience
5+ yr

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead and shape our project support initiatives in San Diego, CA. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in real estate, operations, and financial consulting. The role offers a unique opportunity to engage in a variety of tasks, ranging from low-to-mid-level responsibilities to higher-level strategic initiatives within our firm. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding or quick ability to grasp our work, with a background in real estate operations or finance preferred. Travel could include up to 40% on-site at client engagements, requiring hands-on operational oversight.  The position is based in the San Diego County area with expectations to work in the office 5 days per week full-time.

Job Responsibilities

  • Support in real estate, operational, project management and financial analysis.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive financial models and cash flow forecasts. Play an active role in restructuring, turnaround, wind-down processes, and sell-side M&A..
  • Prepare high-quality operational assessment reports, court reporting, and client presentations.
  • Conduct due diligence for complex transactions and provide strategic recommendations.
  • Collaborate closely with senior management and client stakeholders to achieve project goals.
  • Manage deadlines and deliverables across multiple projects and industries with varying levels of involvement.
  • Drive process improvements and operational excellence across projects.
  • Maintain a strong focus on project timelines, deliverables, and budget management.
  • Contribute to the development and enhancement of internal processes and procedures.
  • Demonstrate proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment.
  • Uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain credibility in all interactions.

Required Qualifications:

  • 5-8 years of progressive experience in financial analysis, Audit, Big 4 Accounting, Banking, Finance and/or distressed asset consulting or restructuring, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to manage and mentor a team.
  • Strong proficiency in financial modeling, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
  • Proven track record in managing complex projects and delivering superior results.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally as required by client engagements.
  • Experience in corporate finance, banking, consulting or accounting preferred
  • CPA, CFA, CTP, and CIRA credentials are a plus
  • Should be motivated, demonstrate a high degree of energy, and be a self-starter; someone who is enthusiastic, proactive and who takes initiative to get the job done
  • Must have the ability to multi – task, often in a time pressured urgent environment
  • Excellent financial, analytical and interpersonal skills. Excellent project management skills and proven capabilities to support project teams
  • Highest ethical standards and credibility. Someone who demonstrates exceptional business judgment and character traits
  • Ability to independently develop and write superior quality work product with limited oversight
  • Ability to work both independently, as well as a team member
  • Must be willing to travel as warranted by client service requirement

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

  • Must be able to sit for long period of time
  • Must be comfortable to work in a remote and/or hybrid environment
  • Must be flexible to work outside of the 8:30am – 5:30pm business hours if needed
  • Must be flexible to travel

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm providing technical, scientific, and financial expertise. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high-stakes events demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, and clear-cut analysis. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services enabling clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.  We have over 100 locations worldwide. We are highly committed to all members of our community, both employees and clients. Our organization focuses on promoting a sense of community and inspiring our people to achieve results that exceed goals.

Some of the Benefits We Have Include

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs.

  • Generous FTO Policy
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401k Match
  • Commuter Benefit

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $120,000-$160,000. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the  J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice  and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click  here  to learn more about the personal information we collect and  here  to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.

Please explore what we’re all about at  www.jsheld.com.

EEO and Job Accommodations

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal!

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email  [email protected]   and include “Applicant Accommodation” within the subject line with your request and contact information.

#LI-PF1

$60K — 10th pctl $230K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $140K vs. market median $125K for Operations roles
+10%
above median
Based on 18,000+ Operations roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
J.S. Held

J.S. Held

Consulting · Private · Jericho, USA

Stage & Valuation
Private
Key Investors
Kelso & Company, Harvest Partners
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J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that provides specialized technical, scientific, financial, and strategic advisory services. The company advises clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk across various industries, including high-stakes events and litigation.
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