Programs Director

The Programs Director is a visionary senior leader who brings new ideas, creative energy and strategy to the year-round programming at Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC). You are a natural relationship-builder and feel as comfortable with public speaking as you do with approaching global thought leaders about teaching at BBRC. Your people skills combined with your revenue and financial acumen will serve you well when recruiting and growing your team, developing annual program strategies and leading by example in the retreat center community. You value a culture that centers authenticity, direct communication, equity and innovation. You are excited by the challenge of delivering on BBRC’s organizational mission through its programming, while maintaining the financial health of the department.

You will collaborate closely with the Operations and campus team to deliver exceptional retreat experiences.

• On-campus presence required regularly - providing guidance, support and leadership to program team and for cross-departmental collaboration
• Hybrid or remote flexibility, as appropriate for business needs
• Presence during key periods of on-campus programming is ideal for relationship building with presenters and teachers
• Longer stay during initial onboarding ideal to meet and work with teams in-person and learn on-campus processes

Compensation Range: $80,000-$95,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Housing might be available, depending on availability.

BBRC Overview

Big Bear Retreat Center is a non-profit, residential retreat center that provides space for mindfulness, compassion, respite, and healing with the purpose of fostering individual and collective transformation and illuminating our interconnectedness with nature, one another, and society. We do this by offering a mix of silent Insight Meditation retreats, and by partnering with organizations supporting various communities including Global Majority, LGBTQIA+, first responders, veterans, and mindfulness communities.

Big Bear Retreat Center is located a 2.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, nestled in the ancient Juniper forests of the San Bernardino Mountains at a 7,000-foot elevation (four mountain seasons) near the town of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. BBRC is immersed in nature located amidst about 100 acres of forested land with direct access to several hiking trails connected to the property. With an emphasis on accessibility and belonging, our Center provides a refuge for people of all faiths and walks of life.

Role and Responsibilities

• Drive and execute the vision and strategy of BBRC’s program offerings
• Set annual booking and occupancy targets of and lead the organization towards a break-even budget, in collaboration with General Manager
• Identify new opportunities for revenue and social impact through a thoughtful analysis of market trends, guest feedback, and partnerships
• Lead Programs team, in line with revenue and target profit margins, that will support the implementation of your articulated program vision
• Plan and implement an annual calendar of retreats and programs that deliver on BBRC’s mission and is optimized towards profitability
• Attract local and global thought leaders and wisdom teachers to BBRC
• Act as an ambassador for BBRC, promoting the vision / mission internally and externally
• Collaborate with thought partners to build inspiring and responsive program themes and see through program ideas
• Develop and implement annual budget, with revenue targets, projected operating costs and profit margins
• Track monthly revenue and expenses against budget and projections
• Oversee program marketing to create promotional material for programs/retreats, and outreach to new and existing audiences

Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in a director level role or equivalent experience.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to create accountability and set boundaries.
• Communications and marketing / outreach experience an asset
• Masterful at stewarding relationships, especially with busy people who have demanding schedules - excellent at follow-through.
• A self-starter who leans towards ‘can-do’ and is always seeking creative solutions.
• Exceptional people skills, in person and online - thorough and responsive.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging
• Strong negotiation and public speaking skills.
• Quick thinker and easy adaptor to ever-changing environment.
• Proficient at using technology in project management processes.
• Adept at handling tricky circumstances or challenging conversations.
• Shows good judgment and intuition in situations that may not have a clear solution.
• Acts from a place of groundedness and calm rather than being reactionary.
• Grant-writing and fundraising experience an asset

Employee may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time (% of average workday):

• Sitting, standing, walking (25%)
• Working at a computer or on calls (60%)
• Other activities - carrying, lifting 20-50 lbs (15%)

Flexibility:

• BBRC functions best when all staff work toward the common mission. With this in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on BBRC’s and your team’s needs.

Big Bear Retreat Center is an equal opportunity employer. At BBRC we strive for equity, celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.