The General Manager position is appointed by and reports to the seven-person Board of Directors of the Orcas Island Foundation, which oversees Indralaya. The General Manager is responsible for leading and managing the other management and staff that includes operations staff, seasonal staff and Fellowship* volunteer staff. The GM also coordinates program participant volunteers, some of whom exchange volunteer work for reduced accommodation fees. The General Manager is expected to work collaboratively and in community with the Board of Directors, other staff, fellowship volunteers, volunteers, program participants, and the Indralaya community. The position entails living at Indralaya year-round with suitable accommodation provided.
The Ideal Candidate’s Qualities
- Has a desire to be of service
- Is a “hands-on” participant in the Indralaya community
- Has a strong ethical code, high emotional intelligence, and reflective self-awareness
- Enjoys being part of a dynamic team
- Can effectively coordinate and manage other staff and volunteers with kindness and sensitivity to achieve common goals
- Has excellent communication and time management skills
- Can adapt to and work well with moving priorities, chaos and ambiguity
Responsibilities of the General Manager
Note: The responsibilities and compensation are listed for an individual General Manager, but couples will be considered.
Note: All responsibilities are carried out with Indralaya’s Mission as the foundational touchstone.
Leadership: Serve as Indralaya’s resident manager and the public face of the Indralaya community including:
- Encouraging understanding and protecting Indralaya’s traditions,
- Bringing Theosophy to life for the community,including integrating theosophical tenets (“form a nucleus of the university brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color; encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy and science; to investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity”) into everyday life.
- Building and nurturing the Indralaya community by welcoming participants and making them feel valued, and included.
- Maintaining a presence at Indralaya during programs and work parties
- Identifying and participating in events in the larger Orcas Island community gatherings, for example: Winter library offerings
- Leading staff responsibility for governance of Indralaya (the Orcas Island Foundation) and its finances, cash flow management, facilities, volunteers, staff, and programs
- Reporting to Board of Directors – including developing board meeting reports, and committee participation/management reports
Planning: Lead collaborative efforts including:
- Working with the Board of Directors to lead, facilitate, and communicate recommendations for an annual plan and a long-term strategic plan
- Assessing the needs and coordinating the development of revised/new policies and procedures for Indralaya’s physical plant (facilities, cabins, kitchen, water system, garden, orchard), food, programming, volunteers, board, staff
- Exploring ways to expand theosophical and other spiritual offerings
Program Development: Responsible for developing annual Indralaya program schedule including:
- Developing an annual program calendar to build and nourish the Indralaya community
- Setting the annual program schedule, with committee and Board approval
- Securing program presenters and negotiating program details
- Working with the Board of Directors to develop program fee structures
Staff Management: Recruit, train, and retain staff including:
- Managing, training, and retaining management team for operations, hospitality, kitchen, maintenance, etc.
- Creating and posting job descriptions in collaboration with the Personnel Committee
- Creating and updating training manuals
Fundraising: Work with the Board of Directors fundraising committee to:
- Create and implement fundraising campaigns
- Explore grant sources for funding
Administration: Responsible for key administrative activities including:
- Budget projections, reporting, and oversight
- Cash flow management (with Finance/Investment committee)
- Overseeing Office Coordinator (who leads bookkeeping, payroll, insurance and license renewals)
- Maintaining Archives
Compensation
Compensation is offered as a package that includes a monthly salary, housing, meals, and benefits valued at a starting range of $60,000 per year and includes:
- Salary $3,000 per month and Social Security contributions
- On-site private housing in a 2-bedroom house with kitchen and laundry facilities; utilities, including internet and cell service are provided. Attached office used by bookkeeper.
- Food provided from standard Indralaya food stock
- Health Savings Account contribution
- IRA contribution after one year of employment
- Six weeks of paid vacation time (primarily in the winter)
- Participation in a variety of programs at no cost, including opportunities for deeper conversations with program presenters and participants
Work Schedule
The General Manager can expect to work 40 hours per week on average across a calendar year. Due to the nature of Indralaya’s seasonal programs and work parties, it is anticipated that all resident staff work more during programs and can receive comp time during non-program times and/or off-season.
- 40 hours per week – with an option to work 50 hours per week during peak season, and 30 hours per week during off-season in a commensurate amount
- Two days off per week
- Six weeks of paid vacation during non-program times
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis upon receipt and accepted until the position is filled.
Next steps: Filling the position of General Manager is a multi-stage process. Preferred candidates will be invited to an interview and will be invited to participate in Indralaya programs.
