Inside Higher Ed
NatCap Operations Manager
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. This position provides leadership and management for NatCap operations and builds strong partnerships both within and outside of Stanford. The NatCap Operations Manager 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 role will report to NatCap’s Executive Director and will be part of NatCap’s leadership team.
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.
Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time‑sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness.
Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision‑making skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals.
Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills.
Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
Significant (8+ years) experience in operations and program management with at least 4 years of Stanford experience.
Familiarity with contract negotiations, ideally with both academic institutions and International Finance Institutions (IFIs).
Attention to detail, problem‑solving, logistical prowess, can‑do attitude.
Compensation The expected pay range for this position is $120,038 to $153,486 per annum.
Benefits At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
How to Apply We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.
Equal Opportunity Statement Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. If applicants require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, they should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full‑time
Job Code: 4122
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: J
Requisition ID: 106905
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible
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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.
Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time‑sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness.
Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision‑making skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals.
Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills.
Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
Significant (8+ years) experience in operations and program management with at least 4 years of Stanford experience.
Familiarity with contract negotiations, ideally with both academic institutions and International Finance Institutions (IFIs).
Attention to detail, problem‑solving, logistical prowess, can‑do attitude.
Compensation The expected pay range for this position is $120,038 to $153,486 per annum.
Benefits At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
How to Apply We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.
Equal Opportunity Statement Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. If applicants require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, they should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full‑time
Job Code: 4122
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: J
Requisition ID: 106905
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible
#J-18808-Ljbffr