DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Kjersten Peterson

October 23, 2026

California

Deputy Director

Kjersten Peterson

October 23, 2026

California

Deputy Director

Job Type: Full-time, on-site

Location: Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance - Lakeport, CA

Pay: $95,000-$105,000/year

Application Deadline: Priority application due date is November 15, 2026

Description

Lead TERA's development and implementation of the administrative, human resources, financial, and operational systems and processes needed to support organizational growth, strengthen internal capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability.

An experienced supervisor, manager and non-profit leader, the Deputy Director provides collaborative, high-level leadership for TERA's internal operations, including business development, finance and grant management, human resources, IT, as well as facilities and office management. In close partnership with the Executive Director and staff, the Deputy Director develops and implements the administrative, human resources, financial, and operational systems that strengthen TERA's internal capacity, support TERA's growth, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Success in this role will require experience in non-profit organizational development, a deeply collaborative spirit, strong attention to detail and the ability to integrate finance, administration, grant portfolio management and internal operations workflows in support of our mission.

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Administrative Specialist, Grants/HR Manager, Facilities Manager, Finance Controller, and key consultants (IT, HR and Finance).

Location: The TERA team is based at our EcoCultural Fire & Stewardship Training Center, on 140 beautiful acres near the town of Upper Lake in Lake County, California. The working location for this position is primarily in person, minimum 4 days/week in the office, with the occasional possibility of additional remote work.

Time Commitment: 40 hours/week preferred, may be reduced to 32 hours/week if desired by the selected candidate. TERA's work schedule is Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm PT.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Support the Executive Director in organizational decision-making, providing reporting, assessment and analysis of TERA's financial, administrative and operational performance.
• Provide collaborative, transparent, and supportive leadership to TERA's administrative and operational teams, ensuring compliance with all contractual, fiscal, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee TERA's internal operational and financial systems, and develop policies and procedures to ensure long-term organizational viability and health. Bottomline the development and lead the coordination and implementation of TERA's Policies and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure TERA operational effectiveness and compliance with federal and state funding requirements.
• Design, implement, and train staff on efficient, user-friendly operational systems that strengthen coordination, accountability, and overall team effectiveness.
• Lead Safety Committee and oversee TERA's extensive set of safety policies and procedures with support of Operations Coordinator & Safety Coordinator.
• Financial and Administrative Management
• Coordinate with key administrative and finance staff to bottomline the overall business functions of the organization.
• Work with ED, finance staff and grant managers to lead development of annual budget.
• Develop reporting systems to monitor monthly and quarterly financial variances, coordinate plans of correction, and inform longer-term decision-making.
• Oversee management of large-scale billable grants; assess opportunities and concerns within the funding portfolio to meet broad organizational objectives; and develop strategies for effective and timely grant spend-down.
• Ensure federal compliance with all federally funded projects; in coordination with Finance and Admin staff bottomline the annual Financial and Single Audit processes.
• Review and support the development and implementation of new financial policies and procedures as required to maintain adequate internal controls.
• Oversee comprehensive organizational insurance policies and ensure that they are renewed and secured, including General Liability, Directors & Officers Insurance, Worker's Comp, and other policies as needed.
• Support the team in the management, drafting, and execution of TERA's contracts, including ensuring contract compliance and creating maximum revenue opportunities for TERA to sustain its mission.
• Human Resource Management
• Provide supervision and guidance to part-time HR Manager who oversees the HRIS system, paperwork, and supports people and culture.