Sufi Order International – North America and Abode of the Message
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Director of Operations
Search Reopened: October 20, 2009
The Sufi Order International (SOI)/Abode of the Message, Inc. is seeking a full-time Director of Operations at our headquarters in New Lebanon, NY. We are a dynamic, nonprofit spiritual organization and retreat/conference and residential community located on 300+ acres cradled in the Taconic-Berkshire Mountains of Upstate New York at the former Mt. Lebanon Shaker community. The Operations Director will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a complex facility with varied business operations. The ideal candidate would be a mid-career professional with a proven track record of success in operations and facilities management. Also essential are excellent communication skills, computer skills, flexibility and ability to multitask. Position is full-time, salary is commensurate with experience and benefits are included.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Operations has primary responsibility to lead, manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Abode of the Message; ensuring that the operations and maintenance of the physical plant and related enterprises i.e. retreat/conference services, are carried out according to high managerial and professional standards.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations will be responsible for all aspects of management of the Abode campus and Abode business functions while enhancing the internal organization processes and infrastructure that will allow the SOI/Abode to continue to grow and fulfill its mission. As a member of the management team, the Director of Operations develops and implements practices to improve service quality, increase revenue, and reduce costs.
Programs and Guest Services
- Ensure that operations of the conference/retreat center are carried out in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Abode Business Plan.
- Oversee program and guest service functions ensuring customer satisfaction and financial outcomes are achieved.
- Supervise and support the Programs Manager, working to increase facility utilization and profitability of individual events.
Kitchen
- Supervise and support the Kitchen Manager and all kitchen functions, ensuring efficient, safe and profitable kitchen operations
- Work with the Kitchen Manager to support development and oversight of the kitchen budget.
- Monitor kitchen management, meal preparation and staffing to ensure community and programs meals are provided within budget and with consistently high community and guest satisfaction ratings
Facilities/Campus Management
- Ensure that all facilities meet required health and safety regulations.
- Oversee the maintenance and development of the campus buildings and grounds; supervise the Property and Facilities Manager.
- Coordinate space utilization between the SOI/Abode administrative functions, programs, supporting enterprises and residents/community members. Approve all changes to space use.
- Participate in and support the implementation of the Abode Master Plan
- Oversee development and operations of the Abode Farm, supervising and supporting the Abode Farmer.
- Oversee maintenance and development of the grounds, supervising and supporting the grounds staff.
Resident relations
- Manage residential rentals including the allocation and pricing of residential space.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to effectively manage residential rentals and to ensure smooth and effective communications with residents.
- Liaise with the Residence Committee, the Community Council and the Community; attend meetings as requested or appropriate.
- Develop and implement strategies to maintain or improve occupancy rates.
Supporting enterprise relations
- Manage rentals for “supporting enterprises” – regular nonprofit or small business tenants.
- Develop and execute effective leases.
- Respond to and manage requests from supporting enterprises.
Planning, Administrative Systems and Risk Management
- Establish, maintain and monitor appropriate systems to manage work flow, tasks and other information, i.e. a maintenance and repairs tracking system
- Manage and control departmental expenditures, ensuring that finances are targeted to achieve maximum effectiveness in line with policies and procedures
- Ensure that appropriate systems are in place to maximize income collection
- Identify development opportunities and manage change that delivers continuous improvement
- Oversee purchasing functions; establish relationships with vendors, ensure competitive quotes are obtained above specified expenditure amounts, and monitor performance of vendors.
- Ensure up-to-date safety policies and procedures are adopted and followed by staff, residents, community members and guests.
- Oversee risk management pertaining to operations functions; ensure adequate and cost effective business insurance is obtained and utilized appropriately.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of business and staff management experience preferably in retreat/conference center or hospitality management
- Strong problem solving, group work and leadership skills
- Customer service background/experience
- Knowledge of and application of best practices in facilities management, space planning, energy management and related areas
- Demonstrated success developing and monitoring systems to manage both operational and programmatic work that involve high levels of collaboration
- Excellent people skills, with an ability to effectively communicate with staff, residents, vendors, guests and the public.
- Proficient with e-mail and Microsoft products including Word and Excel.
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the missions of the SOI/Abode
- Flexible and able to multi-task; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities.
- Ability to work flexible and sometimes long hours including evenings and weekends
- Understanding of and commitment to environmental stewardship
To apply submit cover letter and resume via e-mail or regular mail to:
Alima Lucinski
Executive Director
Sufi Order International/Abode of the Message
PO Box 480
New Lebanon, NY 12125
jobs@sufiorder.org
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.