LabStart Operations Manager

about 1 month ago
Full time role
$80k-$90k/Year
Hybrid · California, US · Colorado, US... more

Job Title: LabStart Operations Manager

www.labstart.co

Company Overview:

LabStart is a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking climate innovations from premier research laboratories and empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs to bring these technologies from lab-to-market. The LabStart Fellowship is a full-time, one year, cohort-based program, where fellows are supported in launching new climate startups built around intellectual property licensed from U.S. national labs and universities. The fellowship is tailored to reduce common systemic barriers to entrepreneurship such as access to funding, access to networks, and capacity building. We also believe in democratizing access to climate intellectual property to enable more breakthrough climate solutions to get to market.  Accessibility and inclusion are the core of our mission, program, and partner network.  As we grow, we are seeking an Operations Manager to help streamline our operations and support our strategic goals.

Job Summary:

LabStart is seeking an enthusiastic and versatile person to join our small team as an Operations Manager. We seek someone who is highly organized and energized by supporting an innovative climate and innovation focused nonprofit. This is an opportunity to positively impact our organization, our entrepreneurs, and the planet. This position is designed for a professional who can bring operational expertise to our team. The Operations Manager will work closely with existing leadership to optimize processes, manage resources, and ensure the successful execution of our mission.

We're very excited to meet with people with exceptional attention to detail, financial management skills, grant reporting experience,  and people skills.  We are looking for folks who are willing to roll up their sleeves and dive into operational tasks in a fast paced environment.  

Responsibilities:

Operations Management:

  • Develop and document operational policies, workflows, and SOPs

  • Coordinate team activities, including regular check-ins and planning sessions

  • Monitor and manage deliverables and address operational roadblocks

  • Implement cross-functional project management practices to improve team collaboration and workflows

  • Maintain inventory of office resources and operational tools

Financial Management:

  • Collaborate with the CEO and COO to create and manage budgets, ensuring financial sustainability

  • Oversee financial reporting and maintain oversight of income and expenses

  • Oversee payroll processing, including compliance with tax regulations

  • Review and approve expenditures and financial requests

  • Create quarterly financial projections and scenario analyses

  • Establish and track financial KPIs

Human Resources:

  • Lead recruitment, onboarding, and training for new hires

  • Manage staff performance reviews and development plans

  • Establish HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legal standards

  • Coordinate employee benefits and manage HR vendors or outsourced services

 Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including nonprofit governance standards

  • Maintain insurance policies and renewals for general liability, D&O, etc.

  • Implement internal controls to protect the organization from fraud or liabilities

  • Oversee regulatory filings and renewals to maintain tax-exempt status

Technology & Systems Management

  • Maintain CRM and donor management systems

  • Maintain relationships with external tech vendors and consultants

  • Manage tools, software, and IT infrastructure

Fundraising & Development Support

  • Develop processes to streamline fundraising operations and reporting

  • Track progress on grants and assist with grant reporting

  • Support donor and partner outreach activities

Candidate Preferences:

  • Based in Colorado or Bay Area, but flexible for the right candidate

  • Excitement for and alignment with LabStart's mission and values

  • Overflowing passion for climate action and clean energy transitions

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills

  • At least 5 years of experience

  • Meticulous attention to detail

  • Comfort in a fast-moving startup environment

Work Environment:

This position offers a hybrid work environment, with team members based in California and Colorado. Collaboration with contractors and partners may occur across various locations and time zones.


Compensation Philosophy:

LabStart offers competitive base compensation, robust benefits and quarterly performance bonuses (determined by personal and company performance) to attract and celebrate people aligned with our mission and values. Our compensation program reflects our commitment to fairness, transparency, and excellence in nonprofit management.

  • Anticipated compensation of $80 - 90K annually (dependent on experience)


Application Process:

We require the following in order to consider your application:

  • Email contact@labstart.co with the subject line “LabStart Operations Manager  - [Your Name]"

    • Resume

    • In lieu of a cover letter, we ask that all candidates share in their email:

      • 1. Why are you interested in LabStart?

      • 2. What is the most relevant experience you have to this role?