General Manager

Indralaya, a Theosophical retreat camp and community

Indralaya.org * Orcas Island, WA

Background

Indralaya was founded in 1927 by members of the Theosophical Society as a practical experiment in applied theosophical living. These principles continue to form the basis of our philosophy, community life, and programs. 

The rustic camp is 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 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, individuals and families 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, it is mandatory that no meat, fish, drugs or alcohol are used on the premises, and that there are no dogs, cats, or other domesticated pets. 

As participants in an ongoing experiment in theosophical living, volunteers, staff, and camp program participants partake in vegetarian meals in a community dining room and share in after-meal chores and other endeavors. Indralaya is sustained throughout the year by community work parties. The maximum occupancy is 95 people and visitors are accommodated in rustic sleeping cabins, plumbed cabins, and shared communal spaces. 

The Theosophical Society is a worldwide organization founded in 1875 and dedicated to understanding our place in the universe as well as the purpose and meaning in our lives. As a theosophical camp, Indralaya offers the participation of all peoples of all races, religions, and beliefs. The three founding principles of Theosophy are to form the universality of all humankind, to encourage the study of comparative religion and science and philosophy, and to encourage exploration of the latent powers within humankind. To this end Indralaya offers a wide variety of programs starting in April and ending in October, along with work parties at the beginning and the end of the seasons.

General Manager Job Summary

The position entails living at Indralaya year-round with suitable accommodation provided. The General Manager (GM) position leads Indralaya and the Orcas Island Foundation, and is appointed by and reports to the seven-person Board of Directors. The GM is responsible for leading and managing the other management and staff that may consist of on- and off-site management and operations staff and seasonal staff. The GM is expected to work collaboratively and in community with the Board of Directors, other staff, fellowship volunteers, volunteers, OIF program participants, and the Indralaya community.

Responsibilities

Leadership: Serve as Indralaya's resident manager and the public face of the Indralaya community including:

• Encourage the care, tending, and protection of Indralaya’s traditions, including bringing Theosophy to life for the community, integrating theosophical tenets into everyday life.
• Building and nurturing the Indralaya community; which includes making the community members feel welcome, valued, and included.
• Maintaining a presence at Indralaya during programs, work parties, and community gatherings; for example:
• Identifying and participating in community events—at Indralaya, on Orcas, and in the broader community
• Winter library offerings
• Lead staff responsibility for governance of the OIF and its finances, cash flow management, facilities, volunteers, staff, and programs
• Board of Directors collaboration – including board meeting preparation, and committee participation/management

Planning: Lead collaborative efforts to bring Indralaya’s mission to life including:

•  Work with the Board of Directors to lead, facilitate, and communicate recommendations for an annual plan and a long-term plan
• Assessing the needs and coordinate 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
• Explore 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
• Training on-site program coordination team

Staff Management: Recruit, train, and retain staff including:

• Manage, train, and retain management team for operations, hospitality, kitchen, maintenance, etc.
• Create and post job descriptions
• Create and update training manuals

Fundraising: Work with a 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)
• Archives
• Legal liaison

Compensation

Compensation is offered as a package that includes a monthly salary, housing, meals, and benefits valued at a starting range of $52,500 per year and includes:

• Salary $2,750 per month
• On-site housing and utilities including internet and cell service
• Some food costs (personal and group/program meals)
• Health Savings Account contribution
• IRA contribution after one year of employment
• Indralaya program participation
• Six weeks of paid vacation time (primarily in the winter)

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 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

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis upon receipt and accepted until position is filled.

Indralaya is operated by the Orcas Island Foundation (OIF). 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.