For more than two decades, Knoll Farm has been a national refuge for organizers working in social justice and a working family farm, both of which have transformed the field of place-making.
We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented retreat manager (could be a couple sharing responsibilities) to implement impactful retreats that support Knoll Farm’s mission – like the Better Selves Fellowships – and to engage its community. In addition to excellent communication and multitasking skills, the ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of and experience with client engagement and project management.
The Retreat Manager is a gracious host and capable leader of a team, a self-motivated problem solver excited to bring their skills to support social justice leaders. This is a leadership position, prior experience in building and managing a team is essential. The retreat manager will be joining an experienced team that include the executive director, a business manager, and a program manager. They are expected to hire, build and support a team that includes the chef, any kitchen assistants, and assistant retreat managers.
This position is responsible for the experience of retreat and event participants. It is also responsible for client relations before, during and after each program, ensuring that the experience and quality of care provided are in line with our core radical hospitality philosophy.
Key Responsibilities:
Retreat and Event Planning:
– Collaborate with potential and existing private clients to plan their retreat.
– Develop comprehensive event plans, including schedules, timelines, and task assignments.
Staff:
– Hire and train new staff members and create schedules. The retreat manager will supervise the chef, any kitchen assistants, and assistant retreat managers.
Budget and Resource Management:
– Prepare and manage budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
– Track expenses and ensure financial goals are met.
– Retreat Promotion and Registration:
– Coordinate with the team to promote public or ticketed events.
– Manage attendee registrations, RSVPs, and guest lists.
Logistics and On-Site Execution:
– Oversee retreat and event setup, breakdown, and overall flow.
– Address last-minute changes and troubleshoot issues during the retreats and events.
– Supervise retreat and event breakdown.
Post-Event Activities:
– Conduct post-retreat and event evaluations to assess success and gather feedback.
Qualifications:
Experience:
– Minimum 5 years of experience in managing teams and group processes.
– Proven ability to manage retreats and events of varying scales (e.g., workshops, retreats, weddings, campaigns).
– Previous experience as guide, group leader, educator can be helpful.
Skills:
– Strong organizational and project management abilities.
– Excellent verbal and written communication.
– Proven ability inspiring those who work alongside them.
– Proficiency with spreadsheets, social media.
– Commitment to work evenings and weekends during the retreat season.
Technology:
– Microsoft 365, Quickbooks Tsheets, Google Workspace, Canva, Instagram.
Preferred Traits:
– Creative problem solver with a can-do attitude and hands-on approach.
– High emotional intelligence to create good relationships through different experiences.
– A passion for creating meaningful experiences for others and a strong eye for detail.
– Proven consistent desire and experience working across human differences.
Yearly Seasonal Schedule:
January 1 – March 31
Administrative work: 20 hrs per week with the option of remote work. Some of the tasks: Hiring seasonal staff, creating schedules, communicating with upcoming private clients and planning retreats and events.
April 1- June 30
Administrative and outdoor work, event coordination: 40 hrs per week on-site, planning retreats and events, working out details, coordinating staff, vendors, working alongside the Land Steward in setting up the Refuge (including the Yurt Village) for the upcoming season.
July 1- September 15
Administrative work and event coordination: 6 days/60 hours per week on-site. The work will consist of coordinating retreats and events, communicating with guests and vendors. Leading the hired seasonal team.
September 15 – October 31
Administrative work and event coordination: 40 hrs per week on-site. Coordinating retreats and events, communicating with guests and vendors. Leading the hired seasonal team. Following up with guests from the season, engaging past retreat participants for their possible return.
November 1- December 31
Time off.
Compensation: $65,000 salary with option for lease of a three-bedroom home on-site.
To apply:
Please send us your resume and a cover letter that includes your thoughtful response to the following question:
How has your previous work and personal experience prepared you to be our retreat manager?
Applications will be accepted until February 14, 2025. Please send your cover letter and resume. We intend to complete the hiring process in March.
Inclusivity Statement: Much of our work seeks to reshape the legacy of place-making. As part of that, we hope to recruit, mentor, and support employees in this work who bring different backgrounds, stories and experiences to this field. We encourage applicants from all cultures, ethnicity, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity to apply.
