Director of Business & Administration

Ganna Walska Lotusland • Santa Barbara, CA

1d • $70,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Ganna Walska Lotusland is a 37-acre botanical garden and historic estate located in Montecito featuring a collection of over 3,000 plant species from around the world as well as historically significant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Since opening to the public in 1993, Ganna Walska Lotusland has grown to become one of the world’s premier botanical gardens and a center for sustainable garden practices, horticultural education, and plant conservation.

Our mission is to preserve and enhance the distinctive botanical gardens and estate of Madame Ganna Walska. Lotusland educates and inspires visitors with its collections, sustainable horticulture practices, and plant conservation.

The Director of Business Administration (DBA) is a member of the senior leadership team responsible for overseeing the organization’s business and financial operations and core administrative functions to support Lotusland’s long-term sustainability and mission.
Working closely with the CEO, external accounting partners, and Board committees, the DBA coordinates and reports on investment management, insurance, finance status, analysis and decisions, and manages the annual audit, compliance, and training and development programs. The DBA drafts and coordinates with the department directors the annual business plan as well as revenue generation, expense, and financial analysis. The role also provides oversight for human resources, benefits administration, and staff and administrative operations with the support and supervision of the Human Resources Manager and Associate Director of Administration.

The DBA supports organizational effectiveness by maintaining sound financial practices, strengthening internal controls, and fostering collaborative operational processes across departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, accounting, finance, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or nonprofit administration required.
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, compliance requirements, and GAAP standards.
• Strong organizational, analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to connect and communicate financial and other information clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong interpersonal skills.
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Strong project management capabilities, with the ability to effectively prioritize and initiatives to drive successful outcomes.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience managing nonprofit financial operations, budgeting, and audit processes preferred.
• Experience supervising administrative or HR-related functions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget and multi-year forecasts
• Provides CEO, Board and senior leadership financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with applicable nonprofit financial regulations, reporting requirements, and internal controls.
• Train and support Department Directors and Program Managers regarding reporting, budgeting, and planning.
• Monitor annual compensation program review, adjustments, and analysis
• Monitors with COO capital improvement budgets and cash flow.
• Support grant budgeting and financial reporting in collaboration with the accounting firm and Development team.
• Oversees procurement, contracts, and vendor negotiations
• Manage of corporate credit cards, including issuance, payment, and software oversight.
• Manage annual audit process, meetings, administration, and IRS Form 990 preparation and filing with external accounting partners, internal staff support and the Audit Committee.
• Oversee payroll processing, benefits administration, and financial recordkeeping in partnership with the HR Manager and accounting firm.
• Develops internal financial controls, policies, procedures, and risk management program.
• Directs cash management, banking, and investment oversight and serves as the liaison to financial institutions, accounting firm, and audit firm
• Communicate monthly financial reports, investment and cash flow monitoring, and budget analysis; present and interpret financial results and reports to the CEO, Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Board of Trustees.
• Supervision of administrative functions and potentially of administrative associate director.
• Support contract administration and vendor coordination in collaboration with department leaders.
• Assist with organizational risk management activities including insurance renewals and compliance tracking.
• Oversee licensing and reporting to the county or state.
• Support annual and long-range operational planning and cross-department coordination
• Lead and oversee all Human Resources functions including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits administration, compliance with employment laws, training and development, and organizational culture initiatives.
• Ensure alignment with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Support administration of employee benefits, retirement plans, and related programs.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight of recruitment, onboarding, and employee retention initiatives.
• Budget and report on financial elements of HR, professional development, benefits administration, and employee engagement programs.
• Oversee policy administration, employee relations matters, and performance management processes.
• Promote a professional, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture aligned with Lotusland’s values.

Benefits

• Health, dental & vision.
• Voluntary Supplemental Insurance, life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• 403(b) & ROTH Retirement plans with an employer match after two years and up to 5%.
• Paid vacation and sick leave; Eleven paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director