Director of Dharma Institute

Summary of Role

The Director of Dharma Institute is a full-time staff position reporting to the Executive Director.  

The Dharma Institute is a newly formed offering at Spirit Rock that aims to provide distinct pathways to pursue Buddhist studies, opportunities to integrate Buddhist practices into everyday life, unique residential retreats and learning experiences and the ability to join an extensive Buddhist community. The Dharma Institute is in an exciting phase of its evolution, with a set of established programs and classes and with the potential for creative expansion into new, imaginative areas to spread the Dharma. A creative, flexible and entrepreneurial mindset with a core commitment to expanding Buddhist teachings will find the Dharma Institute a fulfilling and highly rewarding environment.

This role oversees the planning, development, and management of Spirit Rock’s Dharma Institute and collaborates closely with teachers, staff, and other departments to support programs that deepen the study and practice of the Dharma.

Primary Responsibilities

Dharma Institute Leadership

• Leads the overall direction and oversight of the Dharma Institute
  • Creating two clear streams of classes:
    • A Buddhist path and curriculum based on Sila, Samadhi and Panna from beginner to advanced practitioners
    • A Practice in the World Path that develops a set of leading classes and trainings. These more secular classes, based on Buddhist principles, aim to have a broad appeal.
• Oversees the planning, development, and evaluation of programs and learning pathways
• Establishes pricing for classes, forecasts yogi participation and develops a clear annual business plan
• Uses data, budgeting, and market-informed analysis to guide program decisions and assess performance
• Provides ideas and perspectives on the marketing of the programs to MarComs
• Oversees the online learning platform and associated technologies
• Helps ensure that offerings are aligned with Spirit Rock’s mission, values, and priorities
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen and grow the Dharma Institute in sustainable ways
• Develops ideas with the Advisory Board and oversees the planning for Dharma Institute residential retreats 

Collaboration and Program Support

• Works closely with Dharma Institute Advisory Board, teachers, guest faculty, and staff on Dharma Institute programming
• Partners with other departments to support planning, communication, and delivery of offerings. Ability to work very closely and collaboratively with Marketing and all external marketing consultants.
• Serves as a key internal partner on matters related to the Dharma Institute

Staff and Operations

• Supervises staff responsible for Dharma Institute coordination and operations
• Supports clear priorities, accountability, and staff development
• Oversees key workflows and department operations

Budget and Resource

• Manages the Dharma Institute budget in partnership with Finance
• Monitors program-related expenses, revenue, and resource needs

Communication

• Keeps the Executive Director and key stakeholders informed about priorities, progress, and needs
• Supports clear communication with teachers, staff, and other departments regarding Dharma Institute programming

Qualifications

Essential

• Deep Buddhist practice and experience
• Understanding of Spirit Rock’s mission and the Insight tradition
• Experience supervising staff and supporting team effectiveness
• Experience with budgeting, planning, and operations
• Demonstrated business acumen, including the ability to align mission, program design, enrollment strategy, and financial sustainability
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Experience in networking and engaging organizational  partners
• Ability to work collaboratively and think strategically

Preferred

• Significant experience developing and managing programs
• Experience integrating market research into planning and operations
• Experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
• Experience working with teachers, faculty, or adult learning programs
• Experience supporting equity and inclusion in teams and programs