Website Sunflower Star Laboratory
Mission-driven Conservation Nonprofit
Administrative Manager (Finance and HR)
How to Apply: Email a single PDF including a cover letter, resume (2 pages max), and three references to careers@sunflowerstarlab.org. Application review will begin November 2nd, and continue until the position is filled.
About Us:
Founded in 2021, Sunflower Star Laboratory (SSL) is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that leads research and conservation to recover the sunflower star, building kelp forest resilience with our communities. Sunflower stars play a key role in maintaining healthy kelp forest ecosystems by preying on and influencing the behavior of urchins and other grazers, which would otherwise overgraze and devastate kelp habitats. Since the outbreak of Sea Star Wasting Disease, sunflower star populations have collapsed, leaving California’s kelp forests vulnerable, out of ecological balance, and degraded. In collaboration with universities, aquariums, research laboratories, and other partners, Sunflower Star Laboratory develops applied methods and mobilizes resources to grow sunflower stars at the scale needed for recovery, and leads groundbreaking research and outplanting trials to restore this keystone predator.
SSL has grown rapidly into a marine conservation leader, and has cemented a stable financial future through multi-year funding commitments and a diverse portfolio of support. The Administrative Manager will serve as SSL’s 10th employee, and join an expanding, mission driven team in the heart of Monterey Bay.
Position Overview:
The Administrative Manager is Sunflower Star Laboratory’s lead for financial and human resources management, ensuring that the organization’s administrative processes flow smoothly to support SSL’s conservation efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, this full-time position manages grant and restricted-fund accounting, accounts receivable and payable, budgeting, financial reporting, recordkeeping, and payroll. SSL is funded through a mix of restricted and unrestricted grants from governmental and private sources, along with substantial private donations. This position will optimize and maintain the financial systems and internal controls that keep each of these funding streams accurately tracked and the organization audit-ready and compliant. This position also helps administer human resources for staff, interns, and volunteers, and assists in a limited capacity with workplace management tasks, including accountable property tracking and IT for SSL’s office facilities in Moss Landing, CA.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000. Exact placement within the range is determined by experience, skills, and qualifications.
Benefits:
18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year
Anthem Medical Insurance Coverage (employer covers 75% of premium cost, both HMO and PPO available)
Roth IRA Retirement Savings Plan through Calsavers
Hybrid workplace options
A full job listing can be found at www.sunflowerstarlab.org/careers
