Director of Dharma Institute

Spirit Rock Meditation Center•Woodacre, CA

2d•$125,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Dharma Institute is a full-time staff position reporting to the Executive Director. The Dharma Institute is a newly formed offering at Spirit Rock that aims to provide distinct pathways to pursue Buddhist studies, opportunities to integrate Buddhist practices into everyday life, unique residential retreats and learning experiences and the ability to join an extensive Buddhist community. The Dharma Institute is in an exciting phase of its evolution, with a set of established programs and classes and with the potential for creative expansion into new, imaginative areas to spread the Dharma. A creative, flexible and entrepreneurial mindset with a core commitment to expanding Buddhist teachings will find the Dharma Institute a fulfilling and highly rewarding environment. This role oversees the planning, development, and management of Spirit Rock’s Dharma Institute and collaborates closely with teachers, staff, and other departments to support programs that deepen the study and practice of the Dharma.

Requirements

Deep Buddhist practice and experience
Understanding of Spirit Rock’s mission and the Insight tradition
Experience supervising staff and supporting team effectiveness
Experience with budgeting, planning, and operations
Demonstrated business acumen, including the ability to align mission, program design, enrollment strategy, and financial sustainability
Strong communication and organizational skills
Experience in networking and engaging organizational partners
Ability to work collaboratively and think strategically

Nice To Haves

Significant experience developing and managing programs
Experience integrating market research into planning and operations
Experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
Experience working with teachers, faculty, or adult learning programs
Experience supporting equity and inclusion in teams and programs

Responsibilities

Leads the overall direction and oversight of the Dharma Institute
Creating two clear streams of classes: A Buddhist path and curriculum based on Sila, Samadhi and Panna from beginner to advanced practitioners
A Practice in the World Path that develops a set of leading classes and trainings. These more secular classes, based on Buddhist principles, aim to have a broad appeal.
Oversees the planning, development, and evaluation of programs and learning pathways
Establishes pricing for classes, forecasts yogi participation and develops a clear annual business plan
Uses data, budgeting, and market-informed analysis to guide program decisions and assess performance
Provides ideas and perspectives on the marketing of the programs to MarComs
Oversees the online learning platform and associated technologies
Helps ensure that offerings are aligned with Spirit Rock’s mission, values, and priorities
Identifies opportunities to strengthen and grow the Dharma Institute in sustainable ways
Develops ideas with the Advisory Board and oversees the planning for Dharma Institute residential retreats
Works closely with Dharma Institute Advisory Board, teachers, guest faculty, and staff on Dharma Institute programming
Partners with other departments to support planning, communication, and delivery of offerings. Ability to work very closely and collaboratively with Marketing and all external marketing consultants.
Serves as a key internal partner on matters related to the Dharma Institute
Supervises staff responsible for Dharma Institute coordination and operations
Supports clear priorities, accountability, and staff development
Oversees key workflows and department operations
Manages the Dharma Institute budget in partnership with Finance
Monitors program-related expenses, revenue, and resource needs
Keeps the Executive Director and key stakeholders informed about priorities, progress, and needs
Supports clear communication with teachers, staff, and other departments regarding Dharma Institute programming