Common Ground looking for Part-time Office Manager

Dear Friends,

Common Ground is looking for a part-time office manager. Debbie Norgaard our current office manager will continue to be the Center’s Bookkeeper but is interested in devoting more time to her teaching and healing work. We are looking for someone with excellent written and verbal communication skills and a fluency and interest in office computer systems. The new office manager should also have the skills and experience to manage volunteers and to prioritize and manage a diverse set of tasks. Finally, we are looking for a person with a deep commitment to the values and practices of the Center, including residential retreat experience. If you have these skills and are interested in a 10 – 15 hour per week job please send a resume, references and a cover letter to the center. All applications should arrive by Monday, February 22nd. The hourly salary is expected to fall in the range of $12 – $15 without benefits. The job description follows.

Peace,
Mark Nunberg
Guiding Teacher

Common Ground Meditation Center
Job Description
Position Title: Office Manager

Definition: This is multifaceted administrative and supervisory work to support the Center and the Guiding Teacher.  It requires a high degree of independent judgment and action.  Supervision is received from the Guiding Teacher.

Responsibilities:
Holds the intention and heart of the organization
Coordination with Guiding Teacher
Meets weekly and as needed to develop and clarify priorities
Interacts with the Guiding Teacher regularly for updates and feedback
Provides regular updates regarding hours and tasks
Assists Guiding Teacher with special projects related to programs, communication, and spiritual advising

Communication
Responds to inquiries via telephone, email and drop in visits to the Center in a skillful manner
Maintains (with volunteers) program registration and waiting lists, and communicates appropriately with the community as needed
Maintains contact data systems and trains volunteers to update information and make labels for mailing
Manages all program communication systems: such as the web calendar, web newsletter,  printed newsletter, blog, bulletin boards and weekly emails to the community

Volunteer Coordination and Supervision
Communicates with Guiding Teacher and other leaders in the community to assess volunteer needs
Recruits volunteers via email, bulletin board and announcements
Provides training for volunteers based on the values of the Center, and provides ongoing feedback
Provides supervision and guidance for office and communication volunteers
Oversees and ensures the timely and appropriate response to all incoming requests via email, telephone, or walk-in

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to skillfully communicate with the Guiding Teacher, the Center’s Leaders, and the community in a variety of situations
Ability to receive direction and ask clarifying questions in order to learn and integrate new information
Ability to maintain a high level of discretion when dealing with confidential/sensitive information
Knowledge of the Center’s mission and values and how its program offerings relate to these principles
Ability to supervise volunteers and provide training within Common Ground’s spiritual framework
Ability to document and maintain clear records regarding the position’s work, hours, and tasks
Ability to manage the job’s priorities when working in a complex and social work environment
Ability to write with clarity and to present written material in a style consistent with the values of the Center
Proficiency and ease with computer/internet office systems and an interest in mastering new systems as they come along
Willingness to attend weekly programs
Ability to work independently and to exercise skillful judgment
Commitment to a personal meditation practice
Interest in the spiritual growth of the community, the volunteers, and participants

Experience and Education
Training and experience in office software
Residential meditation retreat experience
Two or more years of supervisory experience with volunteers or staff

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