Administrative Operations Manager
Joshua Tree Foundation for Arts & Ecology (JTFAE)
dba Lou Harrison House
Location: Joshua Tree, California
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $55,000–$65,000 annually, commensurate with experience
About Joshua Tree Foundation for Arts & Ecology
Since 2007, the Joshua Tree Foundation for Arts & Ecology (JTFAE, formerly Harrison House
Music, Arts & Ecology) has cultivated creativity and cultural vibrancy by hosting gifted artists
and bold thinkers for residencies, performances, workshops, and educational programs in a
world-class historic setting.
Our programs are centered at the historic Lou Harrison House and the adjacent Arts &
Ecology Center, where drylands ecology, the arts, and community engagement come together.
Public programs invite audiences into close exchange with resident artists, while our Arts &
Ecology gardens and demonstration site explore water-wise design, food security, and climate
resilience through programs for the public and youth, including field trips and classes. Through
our school music and cultural assembly programs, we also reach more than 4,000 students
annually, bringing interactive arts and cultural experiences to schools throughout the region.
As JTFAE approaches its 20th anniversary, we are entering an important period of organizational
growth, reflection, and long-term planning.
Position Overview
The Administrative Operations Manager is a key member of JTFAE's small and collaborative
team, helping ensure that the organization operates efficiently, professionally, and with care.
Working closely with Founder and Executive/Artistic Director Eva Soltes, the Administrative
Operations Manager will support the day-to-day administrative and operational needs of the
organization while helping coordinate communication among the Board of Directors, staff,
contractors, volunteers, artists, consultants, and community partners.
Eva Soltes brings more than five decades of experience across nonprofit management, music and
arts production, documentary film and photography, permaculture, and Indian dance. This
position offers an opportunity to work closely with an experienced artistic leader and contribute
to an organization at an exciting moment of transition and long-term planning.
The ideal candidate is exceptionally organized, resourceful, congenial, and adaptable, with the
ability to move comfortably among administrative, financial, artistic, and operational tasks.
Because JTFAE has a small core staff supported by contractors and volunteers, flexibility,
initiative, good judgment, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed are essential.Key Responsibilities
Administrative & Office Operations
- Manage day-to-day administrative operations and help ensure that organizational systems
and processes run smoothly.
- Schedule Board of Directors meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as requested.
- Prepare agendas, meeting materials, correspondence, and follow-up as needed.
- Maintain office supplies, marketing materials, program materials, and organizational
inventory.
- Coordinate printing, mailing, filing, and distribution of organizational materials.
- Maintain organized electronic and physical files, records, and confidential documents.
- Assist with calendars, deadlines, correspondence, and general admin. follow-through.
Artist & Program Administration
- Assist with administrative coordination for artist residencies, performances, workshops,
educational programs, and other activities.
- Prepare and manage Letters of Agreement and related documentation for artists and
program participants.
- Communicate professionally and courteously with artists, educators, vendors, community
partners, and other stakeholders.
- Assist with logistics and administrative details related to the organization's expansive
calendar of concerts, educational activities, and community programs.
Financial & Bookkeeping Support
- Assist with bookkeeping and routine financial administration.
- Process transactions, invoices, reimbursements, and other financial documentation.
- Maintain accurate and organized financial records in coordination with the organization's
financial professionals and leadership.
- Support administrative aspects of fundraising and grant-related activities as requested.Marketing & Communications
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of marketing and promotional materials.
- Support the creation, proofreading, printing, and distribution of program announcements,
correspondence, and other communications.
- Help maintain consistent and professional organizational communications and materials.
Board & Organizational Support
- Provide administrative support to the Board of Directors and committees.
- Work as needed with the organization's fundraising consultant.
- Assist with organizational planning and administrative projects related to JTFAE's 20th
anniversary and long-term development.
- Provide flexible administrative and operational support to the Executive/Artistic Director
and staff as needed.
Qualifications & Attributes
The successful candidate will bring:
- Exceptional organizational skills and extreme attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people with
professionalism, warmth, and discretion.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent time management and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- The ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow projects through to
completion.
- The ability to collaborate effectively as part of a small, highly adaptable team.
- Strong problem-solving skills and resourcefulness.
- Experience with administrative operations, office management, bookkeeping, nonprofit
organizations, arts organizations, or a related field.
- Comfort handling confidential information and maintaining appropriate confidentiality
both internally and externally. Strong computer and organizational skills and the ability to learn new systems as needed.
- A flexible, open-minded, and solutions-oriented approach to work.
- Enthusiasm for the arts, music, ecology, education, and community engagement is highly
valued.
Because of the breadth of our programs and the small size of our core staff, no two days are
necessarily alike. The ideal candidate will be someone who enjoys variety, can shift priorities
when circumstances change, and is willing to contribute across many areas of the organization.
A sense of humor, collegiality, and enthusiasm are a must.
Work Environment
JTFAE is a small nonprofit with an unusually broad range of artistic, educational, and ecological
programs. We value collaboration, initiative, creativity, professionalism, and mutual respect.
The Administrative Operations Manager will work closely with organizational leadership and
interact with artists, educators, Board members, consultants, contractors, volunteers, students,
and members of the public. The position requires both independent work and active participation
in a collaborative environment.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references from previous work experience to
Executive/Artistic Director Eva Soltes at [email protected]. Applications will be
reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis until the
position is filled.
Joshua Tree Foundation for Arts & Ecology is an equal opportunity organization.
Pay: $55,093.65 - $65,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
