Title :
- Director of Finance and Administration Classification : Full-Time 40-hour work week, Exempt Department : Administration Reports To : Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Compensation : $120,000. - $160,000. annually Schedule : The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8 : 30 am -5 : 00 pm.
Occasional weekend or evening hours are required. About Lotusland :
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. Mission : 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. Position Summary :
The Director of Finance and Administration (DFA).This role is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for managing the financial operations and administrative functions of the organization to ensure long-term health and sustainability. The DFA oversees, with the support of the outside accounting firm and fractional CFO, all financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and financial analysis, working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors.This role also provides oversight for human resources administration and office operations, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration aligned with Lotusland’s mission, values and goals. Provide leadership and collaboration with the Human Resources Manager for the direction of all human resources functions to ensure compliance, equity, and alignment with organizational values.Oversee and implement policies and practices that foster a positive, high-performing, and inclusive workplace culture.Oversee employee-related legal, insurance, and retirement programs. Key Responsibilities :
Financial Management (50%) Provide financial oversight for the organization, managing the full range of financial functions—from daily operations to strategic planning. Lead the annual finance and budgeting process; prepare and manage the annual operating budget. Collaborate with staff and board committees to develop, monitor, and adjust program and organizational budgets. Oversee monthly financial statements, including profit / loss, balance sheet, and cash flow reports. Monitor, interpret, and present financial results to the CEO, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Chief Experience Officer (CXO), and the Boards Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees. The DFA will serve as the staff liaison to the aforementioned committees. Coordinate the annual audit process and preparation of IRS Form 990 with an independent CPA. Maintain compliance with licensing, Secretary of State reporting, annual property tax exemptions, insurance, and regulatory requirements. Supervise payroll, benefits, and PTO accruals in collaboration with the HR Manager and external accounting firm. Maintain and strengthen financial controls, policies, and procedures. Ensure accurate documentation for all financial systems including receipts, disbursements, billing, bookkeeping, and accounting. Prepare budgets and financial reports for foundation grants; collaborate with the Development team to support grant proposals and report submissions. Business Operations (15%) Oversee administrative operations and office management. Coordinate with leadership team and project-related agreements with consultants, contractors, and suppliers engaging in contract negotiation and approvals. Ensure effective and efficient administrative systems to support overall organizational operations. Oversee risk management for the organization, including the maintenance and execution of our General Liability, Umbrella Policies, and all legal and binding contracts. Human Resources (35%) In collaboration with the Human Resources Manager, provide leadership and direction for all human resources functions, ensuring practices align with organizational values and legal compliance. Ensure HR policies and procedures to promote a positive, equitable, and high-performing workplace culture. Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and sustain a talented and diverse workforce. Collaborate with the CEO and HR Manager to ensure effective benefit selection.Oversee HR administration, including compensation, health insurance, retirement, recognition, and leave programs. Provide oversight for compensation, recruitment, performance appraisals, and professional development. Experience overseeing HR functions, performance reviews, and policy implementation. Oversee employee-related legal, insurance, retirement, and benefit programs. Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture; recognize staff milestones and successes. Support Board-related committee coordination. Qualifications & Experience :
Education Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, accounting, finance, or related field required. Master’s degree or CPA certification preferred. Experience Minimum of 5 years of management experience required; 10 years preferred.Demonstrated success in nonprofit, corporate, or government finance and administration. Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting standards, reporting requirements, compliance practices, and general GAAP standards in accounting. Proven track record in leadership, HR management, and strategic organizational development. Leadership and Management Exceptional leadership and team management skills. Ability to build trust, empower staff, and foster accountability. Strong emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style. Strategic Vision and Organizational Development Ability to think strategically, anticipate trends, and align financial planning with organizational priorities. Skilled in designing and managing organizational structures that support growth and efficiency. Work Environment :
Lotusland’s administrative offices are on a historic 2-story estate in a 37-acre garden. Frequent sitting and standing, walking, bending, and climbing stairs with occasional lifting of light loads (25 lbs.) Requires working outside at times and the ability to comfortably move around the garden. Frequent work on the telephone and computer (repetitive movement – typing) Frequent standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs and bending with occasional lifting of light to moderate loads (25 lbs.) Occasional driving of company electric golf carts. The responsibilities and deliverables listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the individual in the position.They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and / or skills.Other tasks will be assigned as needed. Benefits Health and dental care. Voluntary Colonial Supplemental Insurance, life insurance, and vision. Flexible Spending Account. 403(b) and ROTH Retirement plans with an employer match after two years and up to 5%. Paid vacation and sick leave; Eleven paid holidays. Additional Information Employment background / criminal check is required. Lotusland Core Values :
Accountability : We take ownership of the commitments we make, holding ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions, both to ourselves and those we lead. Teamwork and Collaboration : Our roles are interdependent, requiring intentional collaboration within teams to consistently achieve our mission. Communication : Effective communication is crucial for building trust among our staff, board, and the larger community.We strive to share information clearly, consistently, and in a timely manner to foster understanding and commitment across our organization. Trust :
We aim to cultivate mutual respect and open communication throughout the organization.Employees are encouraged to openly share their perspectives and feel secure in taking risks to enhance the organization's effectiveness. Integrity :
Aligned with our guiding principles of honesty, fairness, and decency, we promote a strong ethic of integrity among individuals and leaders. Lotusland is an equal opportunities employer.We acknowledge that equal employment opportunities for all people are fundamental to human value.Each employee will be considered based on individual ability and merit, without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sex, or marital status. No recruiters or agency calls please.Powered by JazzHR