Application Guide

How to Apply for Global Stock Plan Administrator

at Planet

🏢 About Planet

Planet operates the world's largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily global data that empowers governments, businesses, and researchers to monitor environmental changes, agriculture, and infrastructure. Working at Planet means contributing to technology that addresses global challenges like climate change and deforestation through actionable insights. The company's mission-driven culture attracts professionals who want their work to have tangible environmental and social impact beyond typical corporate roles.

About This Role

As Global Stock Plan Administrator at Planet, you'll manage all aspects of equity compensation for a global workforce, ensuring compliance with SEC regulations while supporting employees in a fast-paced space technology company. This role directly impacts employee retention and financial reporting accuracy for a publicly-traded company that relies on equity as a key component of compensation. You'll bridge legal, finance, HR, and external partners to maintain the integrity of Planet's equity programs during periods of growth and regulatory change.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves reviewing equity transactions in E*Trade's Equity Edge Online, coordinating with Morgan Stanley representatives on employee exercises, and preparing compliance reports for finance and legal teams. You might draft Form 4 filings for executives, respond to employee questions about vesting schedules, and collaborate with HR on international grant agreements while ensuring all activities align with SEC regulations and Planet's equity plan documents.

🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For

  • Has 6+ years specifically administering equity plans for publicly-traded technology companies, with demonstrated experience handling Section 16 filings and proxy statement preparation
  • Holds CEP Level III certification and has hands-on expertise with Morgan Stanley E*Trade's Equity Edge Online platform, including reporting and transaction processing
  • Possesses advanced Excel skills for equity data analysis and reporting, plus experience with Google Workspace collaboration tools common in tech environments
  • Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail in regulatory compliance while effectively communicating complex equity concepts to employees across global locations

📝 Tips for Applying to Planet

1

Quantify your experience with specific numbers: mention how many equity transactions you've processed annually, the size of employee bases you've supported, or SEC filings you've completed

2

Highlight any experience with space tech, satellite companies, or mission-driven organizations to show alignment with Planet's purpose beyond just technical qualifications

3

Demonstrate your Morgan Stanley E*Trade EEO platform expertise by describing specific modules you've used (grants, exercises, reporting) and any process improvements you implemented

4

Include examples of collaborating with legal counsel on grant agreements, particularly for international employees or during equity plan amendments

5

Show how you've supported remote or distributed teams, since this is a remote role at a company with global operations

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with Section 16 filings (Forms 3, 4, 5) and proxy preparation for publicly-traded companies, specifically in technology sectors', "How you've partnered with external record-keepers and consultants to improve equity administration processes or accuracy", 'Examples of translating complex equity information for non-finance stakeholders (HR, employees, executives) in clear, actionable ways', "Why Planet's mission resonates with you personally and how equity administration supports retaining talent working on global challenges"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Planet's recent SEC filings (10-K, proxy statements) to understand their current equity plans, executive compensation, and growth trajectory
  • Planet's mission and specific applications of their satellite data (like monitoring deforestation or agriculture) to speak knowledgeably about their impact
  • Recent news about Planet's business developments, partnerships, or expansions that might affect equity plan administration or hiring
  • The company culture through employee reviews on Glassdoor or LinkedIn, focusing on how equity compensation is perceived by current employees

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your process for ensuring timely and accurate Section 16 filings during quarterly blackout periods
2 Describe a time you had to coordinate equity transactions across multiple time zones or international jurisdictions
3 How would you handle an ad-hoc request from Planet's finance team for stock-based compensation data needed for an upcoming 10-Q filing?
4 What challenges have you faced when working with legal counsel to update grant agreements, and how did you resolve them?
5 How do you stay current with regulatory changes affecting equity compensation, and how would you apply that knowledge at Planet?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without CEP Level III certification or significant Morgan Stanley E*Trade EEO experience, as these are explicit requirements
  • Generic equity administration experience without specifics about SEC compliance, Section 16 filings, or working with publicly-traded companies
  • Failing to demonstrate how you handle the remote collaboration aspects of this role, given it's fully remote at a globally distributed company

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Planet!