Employment Opportunities

About  Namchak:

Namchak is dedicated to sharing one of the oldest forms of Tibetan Buddhist practice and making the teachings newly accessible to Westerners. Students learn from Tibetan masters as well as Western teachers and receive support from a vibrant community. We serve students on every step of the path, from those exploring meditation for the first time to more experienced students. We offer various learning programs, including in-person teaching, small group learning, bi-coastal retreats, online courses, and soon-to-be-established residential retreats at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Montana. In coming years, we will offer everything from introductory retreats to Dzogchen, the most profound practice in our tradition, and weekend retreat, to the traditional three-year retreat.

Operations Manager

Reports to: Managing Director

Role Type: 40 hours/week; 52 weeks/year

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm

Rate of Pay: 92,000

Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plan Location: Missoula Office

Role Description 

The Operations Manager will collaborate with the Managing Director to evaluate, improve, and implement operational systems in support of Namchak’s mission. They will manage the day-to-day activities of our operations and execute company policies, procedures, and initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess a natural inclination for operational excellence. They will ensure that our systems and processes are well-designed and utilized by the team. They understand the positive impact these systems and processes have on our organization’s effectiveness.

They utilize project management to assist operational projects as assigned. They help develop reporting and auditing processes, such as ongoing company-wide surveys, to analyze operational effectiveness within the organization. They will support information flow and organizational planning. They will play a significant role in support of long-term planning, including initiatives geared towards operational excellence. They participate in the execution of tasks and projects required to achieve our goals and fulfill our mission.

Namchak strives to create and maintain a supportive and harmonious working environment. Compassion, kindness, awareness, honesty, and accountability are essential to maintain healthy relationships. Clear, honest, forthright, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) helps us operate with integrity and effectiveness as we work collectively to achieve our shared goals.

Areas of Responsibility

  • Improves and optimizes systems, processes, and policies to provide organizational efficiency across all departments
  • Supports and coordinates the tasks and goals of the different departments to ensure efficient cross-functionality and aligned efforts to achieve shared goals
  • Supports the hiring process of new team members by organizing the 30-60-90 day onboarding and training process
  • Oversees and manages Asana and the overall timeline of projects and tasks. Coordinates and communicates with the various departments to track the status of tasks to accomplish company goals and objectives
  • Provides support to the organization as the primary Project Manager for various company-wide initiatives
  • Delegates tasks and accountabilities when appropriate. Coordinates the scheduling and planning of team meetings and oversees follow-up for decisions and actions as needed
  • Supports the Managing Director by helping to organize the annual performance review process
  • Supports the CFO and Managing Director by helping to organize the annual budgeting process
  • Communicates and collaborates with the (IT) Information Technology department to ensure our systems, tools, and technology are used efficiently and collaboratively in the organization
  • Supports Namchak’s commitment to ongoing team training and development by helping to organize and schedule team training, such as Nonviolent Communication, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, etc.
  • Fulfills additional duties and manages projects as requested by the Managing Director

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • A minimum of five years of experience in a similar role
  • Great organizational skills
  • History of working with highly effective teams
  • Proficient in Asana, Slack, Google Workspace, Zoom, and calendar management, with a willingness to learn new software programs
  • Experience supporting a team using a project management tool similar to Asana
  • Demonstrated ability to develop healthy collaborative working relationships
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and exercise judgment with limited supervision or direction
  • Ability to prioritize projects
  • Creative problem solver with solid analytical and research skills
  • Ability to view and handle confidential information with discretion
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent business experience
  • Typing speed of 60 words per minute (preferred, not required)

Cultural and Leadership Behaviors

  • Interested in personal transformation, health, well-being, and growth mindset
  • Possesses and exhibits emotional intelligence – To be aware of, to control, and to express one’s emotions and to handle interpersonal relationships with good judgment and empathy
  • Uses Nonviolent Communication – A needs/values-based framework that constructively and peacefully resolves conflicts. NVC supports compassionate connection in which everyone’s needs are valued and met through collaboration.
  • Communicates up, by keeping the Managing Director informed about project updates, challenges, concerns, and successes
  • Raises issues or concerns promptly
  • Is timely and responsive to all communications, especially with team members
  • Shares information across all roles and functions
  • Shares proposed objectives and solutions clearly with openness for collaboration to help meet our goals
  • Consistently follows­ through and takes ownership of duties and tasks
  • Plays well on a team
  • Is accountable and responsible. Owns mistakes and grows from them
  • Demonstrates our principles.

We are a collaborative team. If our mission resonates with you, if you enjoy being of service and working in a positive and inspiring work environment, and if you’re a self-starter who naturally takes the initiative and follows through, then this job may be a good fit for you.

If Interested

If you would like to apply for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The role will be open until filled.

Writing Sample Instructions

Using Google Docs or Microsoft Word, please submit a writing sample in Arial, size 12, 1” margins, and no more than 1,000 words about why you think you would be the ideal person for this role. Please include real-life experiences from your professional career.

Thank you for your interest in this position.

Program Coordinator

Role Type: This position will start at 30 hours per week. The work schedule will generally be between 8 am-5 pm in Missoula, with some evenings and weekends required. This position is based in Missoula, Montana.

Compensation:

Salary starting range $28 – $30

Benefits include 401k, health insurance, and paid time off. 

Namchak is dedicated to sharing one of the oldest forms of Tibetan Buddhist practice and making the teachings newly accessible to Westerners. We serve individuals on every step of the path, from those exploring meditation for the first time to more experienced practitioners. Students learn from Tibetan and Western teachers and receive support from a vibrant community. We offer various learning programs, including in-person teaching, small group learning, bi-coastal retreats, online courses, and soon-to-be-established residential retreats at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Montana. In the coming years, we will offer everything from introductory retreats to Dzogchen, the most profound practice in our tradition, and weekend retreats to the traditional three-year retreat. 

Role Description

The Program Coordinator will support Education & Outreach (E&O) in planning and coordinating programs and activities. This position supports E&O by improving operational systems and processes by implementing best practices and providing ongoing logistical support. This may include outlining new procedures, coordinating event logistics, and conducting research. Furthermore, the Program Coordinator will manage inquiries and monitor social media comments.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who proactively takes the initiative. This person can change roles and “wear multiple hats” to drive outcomes and integrate with the team. They have excellent organizational skills and can balance various programmatic tasks and timelines. Experience with non-violent communication, anti-oppression, and a history of working on collaborative teams is valued. 

Project Coordination:

  • Work with the E&O Director to administer weekly snapshot and priorities emails, which includes getting a report from each member of E&O on their projects, progress, and important dates
  • Monitor and update E&O program activities calendar as needed
  • Prepare monthly activities to report for E&O balloon
  • Design and maintain clear “SOPs” to ensure consistency of operations (retreat processes, calendar, how-to, etc.)
  • Analyze post-event surveys, tabulate results, and create recommended action plans and follow-up tasks for staff for testimonials, etc.
  • Conduct research for various needs like retreat venues and catering options.
  • Take on special project management as needed.

Event Logistics:

  • Create preparatory event sheets and program outlines for all retreats.
  • Work with the E&O team and teachers to secure dates for the annual teaching cycle.
  • Research and secure potential venues for events and retreats.
  • Coordinate logistics of events, including rentals, catering, participant releases, etc.
  • Send registration emails to retreat registrants.
  • Manage logistics of events, including rentals, catering, releases, etc.
  • Develop working relationships with facility management at in-person events to ensure event success and continuing relationships.
  • Staff in-person and virtual events when needed.

Administrative & Community Support:

  • Compile and mail welcome packets for Learning Circles, Compassion in Action chapters, and new students.
  • Provide ongoing support for eCourse user engagement through monitoring online discussion boards, tracking eCourse student progress, and fielding support-related questions.
  • Manage meeting coordination and other scheduling needs
  • As needed, assist with travel arrangements for staff, students, teachers, and advisors.
  • Track and maintain inventory of Namchak retreat materials, including stickers, inspiration cards, and retreat handouts.
  • Work with the Community Steward to support students in their journey through high-touch outreach efforts.
  • Provide administrative and logistical support related to programs and services of the department.
  • Manage [email protected] email account.

Community Management Support:

  • Perform weekly scans of all Namchak websites for content updates.
  • Instagram: Share stories, like, comment, reply to comments, and share related posts.
  • Twitter: Re-tweet, comment, reply to comments, and like tweets from related accounts.
  • Facebook: Like, comment, and reply to comments.
  • YouTube: Reply to comments.
  • InsightTimer: Monitor and reply to comments.
  • TikTok: Like and comment on relevant material from other accounts.
  • Monitor private Facebook group, Namchak Sangha: accept new members, post, and reply to comments.

Qualifications

  • Interested in meditation and personal transformation
  • Previous experience with program coordination is a must
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Natural self-manager; proactive and problem-solving orientation
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Experience working within project management systems, calendar management, and email systems
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, and Google Docs
  • Experience with HubSpot or other CRM platforms (desired)

Leadership Behaviors for this Role

  • Works independently and exercises judgment with limited supervision or direction, and exercises discretion and independent judgment concerning all activities and projects
  • Reliable and consistent follow-through
  • Able to respond to changing circumstances
  • Outcome-focused and personally accountable
  • Articulate and effective communicator
  • Able to raise issues and resolve differences and conflict, but also calm and respectful in delivery, maintaining professionalism
  • Timely and responsive to all communications, especially with team members
  • High level of transparency, shares information across all roles and functions
  • Courteous, professional, and supportive relationships with team members
  • Demonstrates the Company’s principles and values through their behavior
  • An eager learner who habitually develops new skills
  • Team player

We are a collaborative team. If our mission resonates with you, if you enjoy being of service and working in a positive and inspiring work environment, and if you’re a self-starter who naturally takes the initiative and follows through, then this job may be a good fit for you.

Supervised & Supported by: The role collaborates, coordinates, and interacts with team members across Namchak and will be primarily guided by Namchak’s Director of Outreach & Education. 

Submit a Cover Letter & Resume

If you would like to apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will be open until filled.