Operations Associate

Job Title: Operations Associate

Location: Remote (must be able to work pacific time business hours)

Salary Range: $55k-$65k annually

Reporting To: VP, Operations

Who We Are

Sunstone Strategies is a mission-driven communications and public affairs firm focused on equitable solutions to the climate crisis. We lead state and federal communications campaigns to phase out the nation's largest sources of fossil fuel pollution.

Sunstone was established in 2018, but our roots run deep—with a staff that pulls from decades of experience in issue communications, justice-oriented advocacy and climate policy. Sunstoners offer a rare mix of policy expertise, campaign strategy, digital communications and the best public relations skills in the business.

About the Role

We’re looking for an exceptionally organized, detail-obsessed operations-savvy teammate who thrives in creating structure and making systems work better for people. You’ll play a vital role in keeping our internal operations running smoothly – supporting senior leadership, managing day-to-day logistics and strengthening the infrastructure of an organization that powers bold, justice-driven campaigns.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn the ins-and-outs or deepen their experience in operations, administration and executive support. You’ll work closely with staff at all levels to help ensure our work is set up for success and that we are tracking all the details, big and small, throughout all our work. The ideal candidate has a strong can-do attitude, a solutions-oriented mind set and a desire to learn and grow.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support (30%)

• Provide administrative support to the Principal & Founder (and occasionally other senior leaders, as needed) including scheduling, calendar management and travel coordination
• Prepare materials for meetings, take notes and capture action items

Operations, Administration and Systems Support (50%)

• Manage and coordinate general administrative functions such as internal documentation, team logistics and day-to-day virtual office systems
• Help maintain key platforms (e.g. Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, etc.) in coordination with Sunstone’s IT partners
• Document and help optimize business processes and procedures; help implement and maintain operational tools and workflows across teams
• Support compliance-related tasks such as training, insurance renewals and recordkeeping
• Track contracts, subscriptions and renewals
• Assist with vendor management (outside partners, contractors and service providers)
• Coordinate internal team meetings and other internal/organizational calls; plan and organize the logistics of events such as Sunstone’s annual staff retreat

Finance and HR Support (20%)

• Assist with accounts receivable, accounts payable and expense reconciliation
• Support timesheet collection and billable-hour reporting
• Maintain internal policies and employee handbook documentation
• Assist with onboarding/offboarding employees
• Support recruitment efforts including but not limited to job postings, applicant processing and applicant tracking

Qualifications

Sunstone values the unique contributions each individual candidate may provide. We encourage candidates who may not fulfill the qualifications listed below to still apply!

• 0-3 years of experience with focused work in an administrative, operations or executive support role (agency or nonprofit experience a plus)
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; highly reliable and self-motivated
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and/or confidential information
• Ability to learn on the job, meet strict deadlines, juggle many competing priorities and work well under pressure
• A service-oriented and team player mindset and willingness to take on both big-picture coordination and small, but essential, tasks
• Tech-savvy (or ability to learn new software quickly), with experience in using platforms like Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom or similar tools
• Ability to understand, manage, organize and analyze various data sets; an understanding or ability to quickly learn basic spreadsheet functions (e.g. vlookup, pivot tables, etc.)
• Commitment to policies related to the protecting the climate and securing a more just society
• Openness to giving and receiving direct, compassionate feedback.
• High level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness, with ability to engage empathetically

Why Choose Sunstone?

Sunstone is a team of seasoned high-performers, dedicated to delivering unparalleled campaign communications support to partners. Our partners turn to us for our policy campaign expertise and ability to do what it takes to further the climate movement and to develop and lead winning media strategies.

While we work on the edge of what most think is impossible, we take care of ourselves and one another. We hold a highly effective and distinctive work practice, that is diligent and one that equitably centers care.

Our Commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Climate Justice:

Sunstone Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to transparent and equitable recruitment, hiring and promotion processes that foster inclusion and belonging. The climate movement has long suffered from, and been less effective, due the absence of partnership with impacted communities and racial and social justice movements.

We believe that diversity in our team is not just a value but brings different lived experience and perspective that is essential to solving the climate crisis. We strongly encourage applicants from communities that have been underrepresented in this space to apply for this position. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email us at jobs@sunstonestrategies.org.