Director of Operations

About Us

Karmê Chöling is a Buddhist meditation center located in Barnet, VT that offers mindfulness programs in a welcoming community for both new and experienced practitioners. Established in 1970, our 450-acre property includes trails, retreat cabins, an organic garden, and a main building that hosts up to 60 residents. Residential staff form the heart of our community and commit to:

• Working 30 hours per week, plus ~5 additional hours of community-related tasks
• Attending weekly staff & community meetings and periodic staff trainings
• Participating in daily meditation practice and cultivating a culture of kindness and mindfulness

In return, staff receive a monthly stipend commensurate with experience, room & board, 28 days of paid-time-off and other benefits, and support for a rich meditation practice, including free access to qualifying programs, daily community sittings, and a personal meditation instructor.

Overview of Position

The Director of Operations guides the day-to-day functioning of Karmê Chöling’s physical plant and operating needs. The position coordinates multiple projects, budgets, and staff by planning and prioritizing needs and engaging in daily problem-solving and decision-making. This person must have practical know-how and excellent management skills and be able to communicate effectively with a variety of team members. The position supervises other department managers and staff and reports to the Executive Co-Director.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily operations within affiliated departments
  • Work with the Facilities Manager, Kitchen Manager, Garden Manager, Retreats Master, and IT Specialist to set goals, priorities, and strategies for maintaining the physical plant and performing daily operating needs
  • Establish quality and safety standards and systems for accountability with department managers
  • Work with department managers to implement goals and establish work schedules, coordinate duties, and provide supervision for staff within each department, including Operations Associates
  • Work with department managers to plan and manage budgets, expenses, and timelines, and identify areas for improving efficiency
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for improving operations performance
  • Work with the Executive Co-Director and department managers to identify existing and potential problems and find solutions
  • Establish standardized tools for performance evaluation, such as industry-based checklists, and systems for constructive feedback and improvement
  • Conduct performance reviews with department managers and Operations Associates, and support department managers in reviewing their staff and providing feedback
  • Identify and coordinate staff trainings as appropriate
• Foster effective communication and collaboration across departments
  • Identify issues and projects of shared interest or requiring interdepartmental collaboration
  • Establish consistent and creative systems of communication and collaboration between departments
  • Facilitate monthly interdepartmental meetings

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years working in facilities management, commercial kitchen management, or a related field
• Excellent leadership and people skills to inspire and energize team members
• Excellent communication and management skills to clearly convey expectations and hold team members accountable
• Excellent organizational skills, including big-picture thinking and attention to detail
  • Demonstrated success in addressing practical needs, managing complex projects, and managing teams preferred
• Ability to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently to address complex challenges, assess risk, and allocate resources
• Skilled at using computers and standard email and office applications, including Google and Microsoft Suites
• Established connection with the Shambhala Buddhist path of practice and study

Compensation

• Monthly stipend commensurate with experience
• Room and board valued at $2,000 per month, including a personal room, daily meals, and access to community spaces, such as staff exercise room
• 28 personal days per year
• Free access to qualifying programs
• Supports for meditation practice, including a personal Meditation Instructor and time dedicated to meditation in the daily schedule
• A generous guest policy

To Apply

Please select “Apply Now” on the “Job Opportunities” page of our website: https://www.karmecholing.org/about/jobs-volunteer/job-opportunities