Retreat Manager

Big Bear Retreat Center • Big Bear City, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Retreat Managers at Big Bear Retreat Center support and run the on-site execution of our retreats (primarily residential 5 - 7 day Insight meditation retreats). Retreat Managers (typically 2 per retreat) are hired to work for all the days of the retreat, starting morning of arrival day to afternoon of departure day. During retreats, Retreat Managers are the main points of contact for all teachers and guests. They assist in setting up before the retreat and coordinate with BBRC staff to ensure operations run smoothly during the retreat, and clean up and reset the space with volunteers after the retreat closes. They help to ensure every detail is taken care of, every guest need is addressed, and teachers are fully supported throughout the retreat. They report regularly and directly to the Program Production Manager, including reporting, documenting, addressing, and communicating any major incidents during the retreat. Responsibilities are onsite only during retreat days, brief prep/training call 1-2 weeks prior. Typically 2 Retreat Managers per retreat. Reports to Program Manager or Lead Retreat Manager.

Requirements

• All staff are required to be vaccinated for Covid-19.
• Comfortable with basic technology or quick to learn: Microphone and audio setup, Hybrid/Zoom support, Basic troubleshooting for AV needs.

Nice To Haves

• Meditation retreat experience, especially residential retreat experience, is highly valued but not required.
• Grounded, dependable, and self-directed
• Calm under pressure and able to respond thoughtfully in dynamic environments
• Organized, clear communicators, and detail-oriented
• Community-oriented and supportive in nature
• Flexible, collaborative, and able to shift priorities as needed
• Warm, professional, and discreet in all interactions
• Strong at listening, assessing needs, and redirecting appropriately rather than over-solving

Responsibilities

• Support participants and teachers with questions, needs, and logistical guidance
• Offer calm, practical assistance when issues arise
• Redirect requests to the appropriate BBRC staff or department when needed
• Help maintain clear communication across retreat teams
• Stay accessible and present throughout the retreat (includes use of phone for communication needs with the on-site team)
• Help interpret needs and coordinate responses
• Bridge communication between participants, teachers, and staff team
• Escalate or redirect issues appropriately rather than independently resolving operational decisions outside their scope
• Join a briefing call with the Program Production Manager (PPM) to review retreat logistics, expectations, and support structure.
• Review retreat details and participant information in advance when provided.
• Review the Retreat Manager checklist and retreat schedule.
• Review participant profiles and key notes.
• Attend the teacher meeting to align on retreat flow and support needs.
• Support guest arrival, check-in, and orientation.
• Assist with opening announcements and initial retreat communications.
• Serve as a primary on-site support contact for participants and teachers.
• Maintain a visible, calm, and approachable presence throughout the retreat.
• Listen to questions, concerns, and needs, and either provide appropriate support within RM scope, or redirect/escalate to the correct BBRC team member or department
• Coordinate closely with BBRC staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Monitor the yogi board and retreat communication channels.
• Meet daily with teachers to stay aligned on retreat flow and needs.
• Support clarity, communication, and participant care throughout the retreat.
• Support closing announcements and final participant communications.
• Assist with retreat space reset and cleanup in coordination with staff and volunteers.
• Participate in post-retreat debriefs with the Program Production Manager and/or retreat team as requested.
• Share relevant feedback, observations, or follow-up items from the retreat.

Benefits

• Paid hourly for hours worked, up to 8-hour days
• Lodging and meals are covered during retreats working
• Sit retreats at BBRC (contact for more details)
• A community of retreat managers, practitioners, and other gatherings at the center

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed