Retreat Instructor

Inns of Aurora•Aurora, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Instructors hired for specific Retreat Dates and not on-going regular programming. Position Summary: The Retreat Instructor is responsible for planning, facilitating, and delivering engaging retreat experiences that support participant growth, learning, wellness, team development, or personal transformation. This role creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, leads retreat sessions, and ensures participants achieve meaningful outcomes aligned with the retreat's objectives.

Requirements

Experience facilitating group programs, workshops, retreats, or educational sessions.
Strong presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to engage diverse audiences and create inclusive environments.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing circumstances.
Facilitation and public speaking
Leadership and coaching
Emotional intelligence
Group engagement
Conflict resolution
Adaptability and problem-solving
Collaboration and teamwork
Cultural awareness and inclusivity
Ability to stand and facilitate sessions for extended periods.
Ability to move throughout retreat facilities and activity spaces.
May require occasional travel and overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Certification or training in coaching, wellness, mindfulness, leadership development, team building, education, or a related field.
Experience working with adult learners and group dynamics.
First Aid/CPR certification (if applicable).
Experience leading outdoor, wellness, corporate, or personal development retreats.
Certification in wellness coaching, health coaching, mindfulness instruction, yoga, meditation, fitness training, or a related discipline.
Knowledge of holistic wellness principles, behavior change techniques, and stress management practices.
Experience facilitating wellness, self-care, resilience, or personal development programs.
Strong understanding of participant confidentiality, boundaries, and ethical facilitation practices.

Responsibilities

Lead retreat workshops, classes, discussions, and experiential activities.
Deliver content in an engaging, interactive, and professional manner.
Adapt teaching approaches to accommodate diverse participant needs and learning styles.
Foster a positive, safe, and supportive environment for all attendees.
Collaborate with retreat organizers to develop schedules, curricula, and session plans.
Assist in designing activities that align with retreat goals and participant expectations.
Prepare instructional materials, handouts, and resources as needed.
Coordinate with other facilitators, guest speakers, and support staff.
Build rapport and establish trust with participants.
Encourage meaningful participation and group interaction.
Provide guidance, coaching, and support throughout the retreat experience.
Address participant questions and concerns with professionalism and empathy.
Maintain awareness of participant safety and wellness throughout all activities.
Follow organizational policies and emergency procedures.
Ensure activities are conducted responsibly and within appropriate risk-management guidelines.
Collect participant feedback and evaluate program effectiveness.
Recommend improvements to enhance future retreat experiences.
Participate in post-retreat reviews and planning meetings.
Lead wellness-based activities such as mindfulness practices, meditation sessions, breathwork, gentle movement, stress management workshops, and holistic wellness experiences.
Educate participants on wellness principles, healthy lifestyle practices, self-care strategies, and work-life balance.
Create a calming, supportive, and psychologically safe environment that promotes personal well-being and growth.
Support participants in setting and achieving wellness goals during the retreat experience.
Provide individualized encouragement and guidance while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Monitor participant engagement and adjust wellness activities to accommodate varying fitness levels, abilities, and comfort levels.
Collaborate with wellness professionals, fitness instructors, nutritionists, coaches, or healthcare practitioners to enhance retreat programming.
Promote emotional resilience, mindfulness, stress reduction, and healthy coping strategies.
Ensure wellness programming aligns with evidence-based practices and organizational standards.
Model healthy behaviors and wellness practices that reflect the mission and values of the retreat.
Encourage ongoing wellness habits by providing participants with tools, resources, and action plans to support continued growth after the retreat.
Stay current on trends, best practices, and emerging research in wellness, mindfulness, and holistic health.