Director of Operations

Overview of Position

The Director of Operations is the point person guiding the day-to-day functioning of Karmê Chöling’s physical plant and operating needs. The position works closely with employees and volunteers serving operations and special projects, as well as the departments of Facilities, Kitchen, Garden, Retreats, and Information Technology (IT). In coordinating multiple tasks, budgets, and staff, the Director of Operations must prioritize needs and balance big-picture planning with daily problem-solving. 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 the Facilities Manager, Kitchen Manager, Garden Manager, Retreats Master, IT Specialist, and Operations Staff, and reports to the Executive Co-Director.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily operations among departments to ensure quality and reliability
  • Establish work schedules, coordinate duties, and supervise staff within the Operations Department, including floating staff and special projects staff
  • Supervise and support the Facilities Manager, Kitchen Manager, Garden Manager, Retreats Master, and IT Specialist in meeting departmental needs
    • Facilitate individual meetings with department managers to review performance, coordinate goals, identify staffing needs, troubleshoot problems, and provide other support
  • Develop and maintain systems for communicating and enforcing regulatory and safety standards with department managers and staff
    • Establish standardized tools for performance evaluation, such as state guidelines and industry-based checklists
    • Coordinate regular staff performance reviews and delivery of feedback with department managers 
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for improving operations performance
  • Work with the Executive Co-Director and department managers to develop and implement objectives, strategies, and initiatives
    • Identify existing and potential problems and find solutions
    • Establish systems of transparency and accountability for work done
    • Identify and coordinate staff trainings as appropriate
  • Plan and manage budgets, expenses, and timelines, and identify areas for improving efficiency
    • Supervise fiscal planning, budgeting, and purchasing with department managers
• Foster effective communication and collaboration across departments
  • Facilitate monthly interdepartmental meetings
  • Identify issues and projects of shared interest or requiring interdepartmental collaboration
  • Establish consistent and creative systems of communication and collaboration between departments
    • Identify and address communication needs and gaps with department managers

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

About Us

Karmê Chöling is a Buddhist meditation center located in Barnet, VT. Established in 1970, Karmê Chöling offers mindfulness programs in a welcoming community setting for both new and experienced practitioners in Shambhala meditation. 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