Solo Retreatant Care
About Tara Mandala
Tara Mandala is a vibrant international Buddhist Community with groups around the world. It was established in 1993 by Lama Tsultrim Allione and her late husband, David Petit, to foster the development of innate wisdom for the benefit of all beings. The hub of the Tara Mandala community is the 700-acre dharma center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Through the center, its online programs and the Global Sangha, Tara Mandala offers a complete path of meditation practice, study, and deep retreat in the tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism. Tara Mandala is dedicated to bringing people to realization through Buddhist teachings. Tara Mandala is committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all people to explore the teachings of the Buddha, and we are committed to cultivating a community that values diversity and inclusion.
“Tara Mandala was created to bring people together to support each other, practice, and do retreat in order to reach realization. The second purpose of Tara Mandala is to be a temenos for the emergence of the sacred feminine, through the lens of Vajrayana, leading to the balance of genuine partnership between the masculine and feminine in our world.” – Lama Tsultrim Allione
Tara Mandala seeks candidates who are familiar with and live by Buddhist principles, including the 5 precepts and the 10 virtuous actions. We strive to have an open heart, cultivate compassion and empathy for others whether co-workers, visitors, or retreatants. We are here to serve the Dharma first and foremost.
Tara Mandala Leadership Values can be reviewed here
Job Summary
The Solo Retreatant Care position works with the retreat manager to care for solo retreatants and assist the retreat manager. Areas of responsibility for SRC include:
- This role manages all aspects of solo retreatant care from processing applications, interviewing candidates, checking references, placing retreatants into and out of retreat cabins, and providing weekly care, including shopping for their food, water and other necessities. Additionally overseeing the maintenance and cleanliness of the cabins working with the Operations Director and Work Manager.
- Assisting the Retreat Manager and Operations Director to make sure all retreats run smoothly at Tara Mandala. During the retreat season, the Retreat Manager is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of all the programs and retreats at Tara Mandala and the SRC assists as needed.
Essential Job Duties and Areas of Responsibility
Solo Retreat Care Role:
- This position from May thru September each year.
- Day to Day supervisor for this position is Clifton Carmody, Operations Director.
- The hours will vary weekly and change each week depending on the overall onsite retreat schedule. The retreatant care schedule is described below. per week, and overtime required approval in writing in advance by either the Operations Director.
- An example of the Solo Retreatant Care schedule (hours vary depending on how many people are in solo retreat):
Mon.: Pick up trash and grocery lists: 10-11AM 1 hr.
If someone is coming out of a cabin – assist them: 10AM – 12PM up to 2 hr
If someone is going into a cabin – assist them: 2-5PM up to 3 hrs.
Tues.: Retreat Shopping in Town and mail run: 9AM – 3PM up to 6 hrs
Wed.: Deliver Groceries: 9:30-10:30AM 1 – 2 hrs.
Fri.: Red flag run: 10AM 1 hr.
If someone is coming out of a cabin – assist them: 10AM – 12PM up to 2 hrs.
If someone is going into a cabin – assist them: 2-5PM up to 3 hrs.
Other duties as weekly hours allow:
- Monitor first aid kits and retreatant cabinet
- Schedule CPR trainings for staff onsite
- Proof and post schedules
- Assist with visitors, orientation, become a point – person for people on retreat
- Solicit feedback forms at end of retreat
- Assistance with weekly Community Tsogs, including food runs from community bldg to temple
- Occasional airport pick up and return for visiting teachers
- Assistance with live streaming practices and onsite teachings during non-retreat season months.
- Other miscellaneous tasks as needed
Required Education, Skills & Competencies
- Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and meet competing deadlines.
- Kind and hospitable to staff and guests alike.
- Excellent command of English (spoken and written) and good communication skills.
- Comfortable speaking and addressing an audience with ease and with the capacity to be spontaneous when needed.
- Self-motivated, responsible, and able to work independently.
- Extremely well-organized and an exceptional eye for detail.
- Proficient with Google Suite.
- Willingness and capacity to learn new software and other online platforms as needed.
- Exceptional customer service and hospitality experience, including knowing how to diffuse tense situations with members or retreatants.
- Ability to respond quickly and skillfully to problems during a program and coordinate with team members including Programs Manager/Programs Director during an emergency.
- Outgoing and able to communicate clearly, confidently, and warmly on a screen.
- Team player that is level-headed, flexible, and compassionate.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to hear and appreciate other points of view, including those of a diverse and cross-cultural nature.
- Highly organized and resourceful with ability to prioritize, problem solve, and take initiative.
- High level of dependability, integrity, and honesty.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality in regard to customers’ information and other sensitive matters.
Other Requirements
- Experience in a similar role.
- Must have a regular and committed meditation practice.
- Dedicated Buddhist practice; strong connection to the lineages at Tara Mandala preferred.
- Have excitement about being part of emerging Dharma in the West.
- Strong understanding and demonstrated ability to work in an organization professionally while upholding Buddhist values and conduct.
- Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct, and acts as a role model.
Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time as needed by the organization.
Tara Mandala is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity with respect to race, religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, and physical abilities.