Lotusland

Title: Director of Business Administration
Classification: Full-Time 40-hour work week, Exempt
Department: General Business Operations
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Compensation: $120,000 - $140,000 annually DOE
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm. Occasional weekend or evening hours may be required.

Ganna Walska Lotusland is a 37‑acre botanical garden and historic estate located in Montecito featuring a collection of over 3,000 plant species and historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Since opening to the public in 1993, the estate has become a premier botanical garden, a center for sustainable horticulture practices, horticultural education, and plant conservation.

Mission: Preserve and enhance the distinctive botanical gardens and estate of Madame Ganna Walska. Educate and inspire visitors with 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.

Key Responsibilities Financial Management (60%)

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget and multi‑year forecasts.
• Provide CEO, Board and senior leadership financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial regulations, reporting requirements, and internal controls.
• Train and support Department Directors and Program Managers on reporting, budgeting, and planning.
• Monitor annual compensation program review, adjustments, and analysis.
• Coordinate with COO on capital improvement budgets and cash flow.
• Support grant budgeting and financial reporting with the accounting firm and Development team.
• Oversee procurement, contracts, and vendor negotiations.
• Manage 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 record‑keeping in partnership with the HR Manager and accounting firm.
• Develop internal financial controls, policies, procedures, and risk management program.
• Direct cash management, banking, and investment oversight and serve as 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.

Administration & Operations (15%)

• Supervise administrative functions and potentially the 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.

Human Resources (25%)

• 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.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, accounting, finance, or related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or nonprofit administration required.
• Experience managing nonprofit financial operations, budgeting, and audit processes preferred.
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, compliance requirements, and GAAP standards.
• Experience supervising administrative or HR‑related functions preferred.

Leadership & Skills

• 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 initiatives to drive successful outcomes.

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).
• Occasional driving of company electric golf carts.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lotusland is an equal opportunity employer. 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.