Operations and Finance Manager

Location: Remote/San Luis Obispo

Job Type: Part-Time; 20 hrs/week

Reports To: Executive Director

Pay Rate: $31.50/hr. + benefits

OUR VISION AND MISSION

The SLO Climate Coalition is a community organization committed to creating a vibrant, just, and climate-resilient Central Coast. Our mission is to bring together community expertise, creativity, and resources to champion high-impact regional climate solutions that inspire other communities to do the same.

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations and Finance Manager provides high-level administrative support to the organization, ensuring efficient operations and enabling the executive director and other staff to focus on strategic tasks. The role will initially focus on operations and human resources related activities providing support and accountability to department directors and managers with the expectation to create/improve/document systems and processes that institutionalize inclusive (where all people feel appreciated and supported), productive, and service/impact oriented behaviors and culture. The Operations and Finance Manager will be supported by a professional bookkeeper and CPA.

SLO Climate Coalition is a remote-based organization, with several in-person meetings and events, typically in San Luis Obispo.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Develop, implement, and document policies, procedures, and processes to improve workflow and organizational transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency.
2. Develop work plans for Operations and Human Resources Department staff and provide support and accountability for those work plans. Responsible for:
   • Budget & Finance
   • IT (Volunteer IT Manager)
   • Grant Management (Contract Grant Writer)
   • Human Resources (Volunteer HR Director & HR Associate)
3. Grant management:
   • Budget Management:
     • Managing grant budgets.
     • Ensuring that grant expenditures are in compliance with the budget and funding requirements.
   • Compliance and Reporting:
     • Ensuring that all grant activities comply with funder guidelines and regulations.
     • Preparing and submitting progress reports and final reports to funders.
     • Maintaining accurate records of grant activities, expenditures, and outcomes.
   • Grant Administration:
     • Coordinating with project staff to ensure timely and effective execution of grant activities.
     • Monitoring project progress and making adjustments as necessary.
   • Communication and Collaboration:
     • Serving as the primary point of contact with funders.
     • Communicating grant requirements and expectations to relevant staff and stakeholders.
   • Evaluation and Improvement:
     • Assessing the effectiveness of grant-funded projects.
     • Identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance future grant applications and project outcomes.
4. Monthly financial mgmt and reports
5. Accounts receivable / Accounts payable
6. Payroll
7. Insurance
8. Tax & compliance: Establish reporting calendars, ensure compliance for 501(c)(3) status
9. Mail
10. Coordinate leadership team agenda / facilitate leadership team meetings
11. Lead annual budget and work-planning
12. Coordinate development of annual report
13. Maintain comprehensive administrative calendar
14. Attend leadership team meetings and board meetings, annual kick-off, at least 1 other monthly public-facing meeting

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and environments.
• Technology Savvy: Familiarity with current remote workplace technologies and tools.
• Project Management: Ability to manage projects from inception to completion.
• Confidentiality: High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive information discreetly.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to develop and implement operational strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Understanding of business processes and operations management.
• Ability to optimize operational efficiency and productivity.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and budget management.
• Familiarity with Quickbooks Online and general bookkeeping functions.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions promptly.
• Excellent time management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior management, staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Ability to manage timelines and resources effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to foster a positive work environment and company culture.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree in business is preferred. However, we recognize that valuable skills and experience can be gained through various means. We also welcome candidates with:
  • Relevant certifications.
  • Practical experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise gained through non-traditional educational paths or hands-on experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in operations management or a related field.
• Experience in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring processes.
• Experience in budget development and financial planning.
• Proven ability to manage financial performance and achieve cost savings.
• Experience in implementing operational best practices and process improvements.
• Proven ability to drive operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Understanding of climate change issues, trends, challenges, and solutions.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Commitment to improving climate health and sustainability of the planet.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to diversity and inclusion issues.
• Ability to create an inclusive and equitable workplace.
• Self-reflective: The ideal candidate possesses the ability to critically assess their own performance and behaviors, recognizing strengths and areas for improvement.
• Commitment to self-improvement: Demonstrates a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, actively seeking out opportunities for development and continuous learning.

Applications can be submitted by going to: https://forms.gle/sTVxy7QZuwygVWAC8

SLO Climate Coalition values each employee and offers a generous benefits package, including paid time off, paid holidays, sick leave, stipend for phone and internet use, and contributions towards medical expenses.

DIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT

​​The San Luis Obispo Climate Coalition strives to be an organization which is diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible for all. We work to ensure that our efforts benefit all members of our community, including those in marginalized and underrepresented groups. 

Climate action and climate justice work faces unique challenges responding to and dismantling historic patterns of exclusion. Climate justice work provides opportunities for social change, and thus, a more sustainable future demands equitable and inclusive action, including the importance of acknowledging indigenous rights and relationships to land, as well as ensuring that the concerns of the wealthy are not privileged over the challenges and circumstances of disadvantaged communities. 

The wisdom, expertise, and unique perspectives and experiences brought by members from diverse groups will enable us to better address climate needs and to strengthen engagement with our local communities. We are dedicated to making continual improvements which will increase diversity in all aspects of our organization. We are also intentional in our efforts to build partnerships with other diverse organizations that are focused on climate justice.

We recognize that even in being committed to this work, we have much to learn, and thus we encourage and appreciate feedback from those with whom we interact.

For more information about the SLO Climate Coalition please visit our website at https://sloclimatecoalition.org/