Indralaya.org, Orcas Island, WA
Indralaya is searching for a dynamic duo or individual to fill the residential General Management role in this unique environment, community and ethos. The ideal candidates will be service-oriented team players who can effectively coordinate and manage staff and volunteers with kindness and sensitivity. The responsibilities and compensation are listed for an individual General Manager, but duos will be considered. All responsibilities are carried out with Indralaya’s Mission as the foundational touchstone.
About Indralaya
Indralaya’s Mission
Indralaya is both a sanctuary and a dynamic community engaged in an ongoing experiment in theosophical living and study. We honor and work with nature and aspire to live according to the principles of altruism, peaceful engagement with the world (Ahimsa), tolerance, conscious simplicity, love, and the pursuit of truth. All who choose to participate are welcome.
Indralaya was founded in 1927 by members of the Theosophical Society (an organization whose mission statement is “to encourage open-minded inquiry into world religion, philosophy, science, and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore spiritual self-transformation.” Indralaya is a practical experiment in applying the theosophical principles of kindness, doing no harm, inclusivity, and oneness with nature. These principles continue to form the basis of our philosophy, community life, and programs. Indralaya offers a wide variety of programs attended by individuals and families of all ages, many of whom have attended for multiple generations. Programs begin in Spring and end in late Fall, along with work parties at the beginning and the end of the seasons.
Setting
Located on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands in Washington State on 78 acres of forest meadows and trails situated along ¾ of a mile of coastline, Indralaya houses a rustic camp consisting of sleeping and plumbed cabins, a communal dining hall and bathrooms. Indralaya derives its name from Sanskrit and means “a home for the spiritual forces in nature.” We share the space with bald eagles, deer, rabbits, sea otters, and other wildlife. In this unique environment, facilitated by on-site general manager(s),* participants come for weekend- to week-long programs and work parties. All are encouraged to live in cooperative harmony with nature and each other, experiencing the interconnectedness of all forms of life while exploring individual pathways to wholeness. In keeping with this principle, no meat, fish, drugs, alcohol, or smoking/vaping are permitted on the premises, and that there are no dogs, cats, or other domesticated pets.
Community
Volunteerism is at the core of Indralaya throughout its programs and work parties. Indralaya serves vegetarian/vegan meals, prepared by kitchen volunteers supported by a kitchen manager in a community dining room. Everyone shares in after-meal chores. Indralaya is sustained throughout the year by community work parties. The maximum occupancy is 95 people who are accommodated in rustic sleeping cabins, plumbed cabins, and shared communal space.
General Manager Job Summary
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 GM is responsible for implementing policies, strategic budgetary and visionary plans, overseeing programs and operations, and leading and managing staff that includes operations staff and Stewardship* volunteers. The GM also coordinates program participant volunteers. The GM is expected to work collaboratively and in community with the Board of Directors, other staff, volunteers, program participants, and the Indralaya community. The position entails living at Indralaya year-round with suitable accommodation provided.
Qualities of Ideal Candidate(s)
- Inspiring and effective leader
- Excellent clear and direct communication and delegation skills
- Active listener
- Coordinate and manage other staff and volunteers with kindness and sensitivity to achieve common goals
- Desire to be of service
- “Hands-on” participant in the Indralaya community
- Strong ethical code, high emotional intelligence, and reflective self- awareness
- Enjoys being part of a dynamic team
- Adapts to and problem solves with moving priorities, chaos, and ambiguity
- Strong computer skills
Responsibilities of the General Manager(s)
Leadership: Serve as Indralaya’s residential GM and the public face of the Indralaya community including:
- Lead responsibility for governance of Indralaya and its finances, cash flow management, facilities, volunteers, staff, and programs
- Encourage understanding of Indralaya’s traditions
- Represent and be knowledgeable about theosophical values.
- Maintain a presence at Indralaya during programs and work parties
- Report to Board of Directors – including developing board meeting reports and committee participation/management reports.
Planning:
- Work with the Board of Directors to lead, facilitate, and communicate recommendations for an annual and long-term strategic plan.
- Collaborate with staff and board committees to assess the needs and coordinate the development of revised/new policies, procedures, and operations.
- Explore ways to expand theosophical and other spiritual offerings.
Program Development: In collaboration with the Program Committee:
- Develop an annual program calendar to build and nourish the Indralaya community
- Secure program presenters and negotiate program details
- Work with the Board of Directors to develop program fee structures
Staff and Volunteer Management:
- Manage, train, and retain a team for operations, hospitality, kitchen, maintenance, etc.
- Create and update training manuals
Fundraising: Work with the Fundraising Committee to:
- Create and implement fundraising campaigns
- Explore grant sources for funding
Administration: Responsible for key administrative activities including:
- Budget projections and reporting
- Cash flow management (with Finance/Investment committee)
- Handles program registration process
- Coordinates with Bookkeeper who handles accounting, report generation, payroll, insurance and licensing.
- Adhere to and enforce Indralaya’s on-site prohibitions (no meat, fish, or fowl; no smoking/vaping; no pets; no drugs or alcohol)
- Maintain archives
Compensation
Compensation is offered as a package that includes a monthly salary, housing, meals, and benefits valued at a starting range of $80,000 per year.
- Salary minimum $3,000 per month
- On-site private housing in a 2-bedroom house with kitchen and laundry facilities; utilities, with internet provided. Attached office shared with bookkeeper.
- Food provided during program time
- Health Savings Account contribution
- IRA contribution after one year of employment
- Cell phone stipend included
- Four weeks of paid vacation time (primarily in the winter)
- Participation in a variety of programs at no cost
Note: Roles and compensation are subject to change if the role is filled by two people.
The GM 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 longer hours during program time and fewer hours during non-program times and/or off-season.
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.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume with three professional references to board@indralaya.org
Indralaya is operated by the Orcas Island Foundation (OIF), a 501(c)3 non-profit. OIF is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, age, disability, marital status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
