Retreat Manager

The Retreat Manager is the person most responsible for the overall experience of retreat participants including client relations before arrival. This position ensures that the client experience and quality of care provided are in line with our philosophy of radical hospitality, and are also expected to assist with the management and coordination of staff.

Responsibilities include:

Working closely with program leaders to fully understand the needs and expectations of each client.

Managing the timely and professional response to client needs via email or by phone. Communications are expected to be timely and professional, beginning 14 days prior to their arrival, and ending with evaluations/debriefs of the client’s experience after their departure.

Ensuring a positive experience for guests during their stay at the farm. 

Clearly communicating the needs of all guests to the staff.

Coordinating staff tasks, and acting as the point-person for Assistant Retreat Managers and Refuge Crew members.

Assisting in the training of new staff members.

The ideal Retreat Manager is a strong communicator and problem solver, hands on, and with the ability to transition quickly from task to task. They believe strongly in service to others, and are dedicated to making connections with all visitors. As this is a leadership position, prior experience managing others is important. This front of the house position is customer facing, the applicant must have a strong work ethic and a sense of humor.  Experience with Google Workspace is important. We look for gregarious, self-aware people who appreciate our mission of connecting people to the land through radical hospitality.

This position reports to the Business Manager. The exact work schedule is arranged around the retreat calendar, which means that intense work periods are followed by blocks of days off. The calendar is usually full by March. Nearly all programs begin with dinner the first day and end before lunch the last day. 

The position is seasonal from May 1 to October 15 and includes salary, benefits. Housing may be negotiated.

The Retreat Manager will join a 20-year-old social profit venture, Knoll Farm, and its supporting foundation, New Learning Journey, both based in Mad River Valley of Vermont with programs there and beyond.  We are an organic family farm with a nationally recognized learning center that has been supporting social change efforts and leaders for two decades. Knoll Farm is a beloved part of its immediate community in central Vermont and, as well, has alumni from 50 states. New Learning Journey, its nonprofit partner, runs the Better Selves Fellowships, First Light in Maine and Oregon Land Justice Project.

The core work of both Knoll Farm and New Learning Journey is the convening of people around their differences to advance equity and justice, therefore this retreat manager must embody those goals in their personal and professional life.   

How to Apply 

To apply, please send a resume to info@knollfarm.org