Permanent Staff

Tara Mandala permanent staff are asked to make a long term commitment to Tara Mandala. We work as a community providing assistance to retreatants, facilities maintenance, bookkeeping, practice-study, hospitality, food service, registration, construction, cottage industry product development, gardening, desktop publishing, website work, mailing list updates, and bookstore services.

Transition in the Mandala: Executive Director Position
During the Tara Mandala trustees meeting the first weekend in May our executive directors Pieter Oosthuizen and Charlotte Rotterdam began the process of transitioning from executive directors into trustees of Tara Mandala. They will be moving back to Boulder in the fall for Mateo to start school in a Waldorf kindergarten with a garden, animals and experienced teachers while they evolve into the next step in their careers.

They will be starting a Tara Mandala practice group in Boulder with frequent trips back to Tara Mandala for board meetings and connecting with the community and the land.  They are key people in our mandala and though we'll miss them in the center of the mandala we are looking forward to a Boulder Sangha.

Their transition opens the search for the next executive director(s) of Tara Mandala. While Pieter and Charlotte shared one position, their replacement might be a couple or a single person. This is a job that requires a heart connection with the vision and mission of Tara Mandala, the desire to live in our practice community and experience in the day to day running of an organization, which is now in a stage of exciting development with the building of the temple, and the completed residence and community buildings.  For a more detailed job description, housing and necessary qualifications see below; for further information contact charlotte@taramandala.org or 970-731-3713 ext 111. 

Job Description Overview
Tara Mandala Executive Director/s
(a more complete job description will be made available during the interview process)

The Executive Director manifests and supports the vision and mission of Tara Mandala through  day-to-day direction and management of staff, budget, program, outreach, and facilities.  The ED works in collaboration with the Trustees, Lama Tsultrim and David Petit, and the staff. In this capacity, the person(s) holding the ED position must have a personal commitment to the core mission of Tara Mandala, and have a direct involvement with its lineage, practices and teachings.

This position calls for exceptional competence in inter-personal skills, working with people both within and outside of the organization.  This position also requires a high level of organizational and strategic planning skills during this time of great growth and expansion at Tara Mandala. The ability to translate Tara Mandala’s vision into the everyday workings of the organization is key. We are looking for someone who exhibits creativity, flexibility, precision and compassion in holding both the overview of this quickly growing organization and the details of daily management. This is an incredible opportunity to become part of a vibrant practice community located in the heart of pristine wilderness, about 20 minutes from the town of Pagosa Springs, CO (with hot springs, health food stores, etc). This position is suited for one individual or could be shared by a couple.

Suggested Skills/Education: BA or higher (Graduate degree preferable); significant experience in: directing an organization of a similar nature (e.g. religious or educational non-profit); staff management and team building; budget management; educational programming; marketing/outreach; fundraising. Also necessary are excellent communication and inter-personal skills. Preferable: a sense of humor.

Areas of responsibility include:

Strategy
Help develop and execute a strategic plan to manifest the vision of Tara Mandala; orient day-to-day tactical management and decisions toward manifesting these goals.

Management 
Day-to-day management of the various aspects of the business through clear communication with the Executive Council (consisting of founders Lama Tsultrim and David Petit along with the ED) and providing leadership, vision, and supervision to the staff members.
Office Management: ensure efficiency of day-to-day activities of TM office.
Community/Practice: take leadership role in promoting staff participation in the activities of Tara Mandala as well as the overall mission.
Staff Supervision: supervise existing staff; set goals; oversee pay/benefits packages; recruit and hire; facilitate community events; develop policies related to staff.

Business Management of Cost Centers
Provide strong leadership for and oversee effective management of Tara Mandala’s bookstore, herb, and body care business.

Program Planning
Participate in planning of on-site and away programs and creation of new education offerings. 

Outreach & Marketing
Oversee creation and execution of marketing plan to continuously increase Tara Mandala’s exposure, and serve as leader in public outreach.

Budget & Finances
Create and track annual operational budget and actively participate in improving the financial health of the organization.

Fundraising
Assist with fundraising and fundraising planning for both capital projects and operational budget, and oversee proper administration of donations.

Administration
Create and monitor all Tara Mandala policies and oversee management of IT and office systems.

Board
Maintain correspondence with Board of Trustees regarding all relevant organizational activities and issues.

Compensation: Annual salary, lodging on the land, subsidized health insurance after 6 months of employment, food during the summer season. Two months of time off: one for retreat and one for either retreat or vacation are allotted per year, in addition to Tara Mandala holidays.

Come Volunteer With Us!
Click here to view permanent job positions (or scroll to the bottom of the page)

Summer Staff & Volunteer Opportunities

We are currently accepting applications for summer staff positions for Summer 2008. Our intention for summer staff is to provide a place where people can incorporate their Dharma practice into their work and lives.  In contrast to spending a short time doing a retreat, this is an opportunity to bring the Dharma into life in community.  Interpersonal relations, physical work tasks, community life and meditation practice merge to create an experience of work that is far different than anything you've experienced.  Tara Mandala is located in a remote area and access to the distractions of modern life will be limited.   You will be in a reflective environment close to nature, learning meditation and other contemplative disciplines, as well as learning the art of council and community life.   If interested, please contact Beth at admin@taramandala.org.

Instruction in sitting meditation will be offered at the beginning of the season. We will have the precious opportunity to practice together daily (in the early morning) and to meet in circle regularly. During circle time, we will share our ongoing experiences in taking service and teamwork as part of our spiritual path.  Staff will also be welcome at most evening practices and teachings when those take place. However, most day-time teachings will probably conflict with work duties, and staff may attend these only on days off. Being on summer staff is not only a great opportunity to practice, but also a way to bring work and community living onto the spiritual path.

We are hiring cooks that receive a small stipend and lead meal prep, and cook assistants who help to prepare meals.  In addition to cook positions we will also be hiring a land manager to oversee various land projects, a participant coordinator to assist with retreat management, an experienced gardener to work in our grow dome and gardens, a bookstore assistant to help in the bookstore, and floaters to do a variety of tasks as needed.  All positions are full-time and can be strenuous; regular days off and meals are supplied for the duration of the summer.  All staff camp on Tara Mandala land and are expected to bring their own tent, sleeping bag and camping gear.

Summer Staff Application (Electronic Form in MS Word)
Summer Staff Application (Printable PDF)

For more information or to request an application by mail, please call 970-731-3713 x107, and speak to Beth or email admin@taramandala.org.