NatCap Operations Manager

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring pause.

This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

About Us

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to create solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

For more information on the school, click here.

The Natural Capital Project (NatCap) operates as a partnership between Stanford University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Minnesota, the Stockholm Resilience Centre, The Nature Conservancy, and the World Wildlife Fund. NatCap’s mission is to pioneer science, technology, and partnerships that enable people and nature to thrive. We do this to help make the world a more livable place; to secure human well-being with thriving ecosystems; to harmonize conservation and human development goals, by developing scientific tools and technology to model and map the distribution of biodiversity and to demonstrate the services provided by ecosystems. NatCap at Stanford is located within the Woods Institute of the Environment within the Doerr School of Sustainability.

For more information on The Natural Capital Project, please click here.

The purpose of the NatCap Operations Manager role is to provide leadership and management for NatCap operations and build strong partnerships with other entities-within and outside of Stanford. This position will support researchers, faculty, and engagement leads in executing their core work by overseeing programmatic and operational details and creating an environment where academic innovation and impact can flourish. The position will report to NatCap’s Executive Director and will be part of NatCap’s leadership team.

The NatCap Operations Manager will shape and implement strategies, manage activities and staff, and plan and execute multifaceted programs. They will oversee the administration and operations of various programs and projects, ensuring compliance with policies and alignment with organizational objectives. The NatCap Operations Manager will foster collaboration and resource development by cultivating partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, they will mentor and manage a professional team, promoting a culture of innovation and excellence within the organization.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Lead strategic planning and analysis for complex functions or programs with significant business, regulatory, and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise, from initial concept to implementation.
• Assess efficacy relative to strategic plans and objectives while preparing, in collaboration with the Grants and Finance Manager, annual financial reports (e.g., for our Advisory Committee).
• Co-design, co-develop, and oversee the implementation of NatCap’s programs, establishing vision, strategy, goals, and resource development in consultation with the Executive Director.
• Manage the administration and operations of programs or functions, overseeing interpretation, implementation, and compliance with policies and regulations. Recommend actions and resolve complex issues that span organizational boundaries.
• Oversee the NatCap Operations team.
• Collaborate with and coordinate across NatCap staff in administration, science innovation and impact, outreach, and software areas on resource mobilization, contracting, supporting hiring and other HR-related dimensions within NatCap and in coordination with the Woods Director of Finance and Operations (flagging contract renewals, coordinating on raises, promotions, extensions, maintaining up-to-date NatCap org chart).
• Work with Woods and SDSS leaders and staff to ensure smooth operations of grant administration, staffing, program development, and other needs.
• Develop and manage an internal and external outreach strategy that includes relationship development, communications, and compliance for an expanding network of collaborators and funders.
• Support new partnerships with national, international, and multilateral institutions.
• Help identify and manage grant opportunities and coordinate grant proposal submissions.
• Build strong relationships across Stanford to ensure efficient operations and support for NatCap activities in collaboration with the Faculty Director, Executive Director, Woods Director of Finance and Operations, and other NatCap leaders.
• In coordination with the Executive Director and Woods finance team, help develop, maintain, and control the financial budget related to programs.
• Provide insights on programs and staffing throughout the budgeting process.
• Drive the development of contracts and training programs with NatCap’s leadership team.
• Coordinate contract design and negotiations with DoR and ICO as well as the Woods Director of Finance and Operations, particularly in developing proposals and conducting pre-negotiation discussions for resources from international finance sources, private sector, and external consultants.
• Collaborate with the Faculty Director, Executive Director, Woods Director of Finance and Operations and other NatCap leaders on fundraising.
• Collaborate with Grants and Finance Manager and NatCap leaders to prepare donor reports and presentations as needed.

* - The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.