Job Opportunities

Join us in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a peaceful, purpose-driven work experience. Seven Oaks is a Buddhist-inspired, nature-based retreat center seeking part-time, full-time, and seasonal staff. Individuals and couples are welcome. Inclusive and diverse workplace.

Immediate Positions Available:

Seven Oaks Retreat Host

Department: Guest Services
Reports to: Director, Seven Oaks Retreat Center (SORC)
Job Type: Part Time
Location: On-site (Madison, VA)

Position Summary

The Retreat Host holds the container for SORC customers so the Retreat Leaders, retreat participants can all focus on their healing and their care.  Activities to meet this end goal are the Retreat Hosts tends to all aspects of the retreats so retreats run smoothly and reflect the welcoming, intentional atmosphere of Seven Oaks—from group selection, group contract review, pricing, group retreat scheduling, room assignments, meeting space assignment, dietary request management and group arrivals & departures to handling any issues that may come up during retreats. This is a guest-facing leadership role requiring excellent communication, excellent organization, attention to detail, and a heart for hospitality and care.

The ideal candidate combines a positive attitude, skills, operational organization, and a calm, collaborative spirit. 

Key Responsibilities as Seven Oaks Retreat Host:

  • Sales Support:

    • Act as the primary liaison supporting Seven Oaks Sales staff in scheduling retreats on Seven Oaks campus, taking reservations, making room assignments, and managing the retreat calendar so that events don’t conflict and capacity is maximized.  

    • Drafting of event contracts for all new retreats, ensuring accuracy in dates, room availability, meeting space assignments, and all relevant details. 

    • Collaborate with Sales to optimize calendar dates, seasonality, to maximize revenue opportunities.

    • Bring collaborative support to the sales person to give Seven Oaks the best chance of winning business that is appropriate and profitable. 

    • Serve as SORC primary contact for IMCW Teachers & IMCW Retreat Managers who desire to host events at Seven Oaks. 

    • Conduct tours for prospective renters when a salesperson is not available, or Sales needs support. 

    Primary responsibility of crafting the Event contract for new events; ensuring accuracy of event date, rooms availability, meeting space assignment, travel arrangements, dietary requirements, and all additional contract details to ensure Seven Oaks can meet what is promised in the contract. 

    Retreat support

    • Develop and implement detailed plans for each retreat and online program, from group selection and contract review through scheduling, setup, delivery, and evaluation.

    • Serve as primary liaison for retreat leaders and their retreat managers

    • Retreat Host will greet the group retreat leader and orient the leader to the SORC site. 

    • Retreat Host may assist retreat leaders in orienting participants to the site and be available to handle questions and problem solve during the program.  

    • Communicate directly with kitchen, housekeeping, and grounds staff of all upcoming retreats and each retreats specific requirements, facility setup. 

    • Greet and orient guests; provide ongoing support during stays.

    • Troubleshoot issues with grace and efficiency.

    • Prepare retreat schedules, room assignments, and facility setups. 

    • Apprising SORC staff of registration status, concerns and special requests during residential retreats, daylong events, classes, and web-based offerings. 

    • Retreat Host will be responsible for ensuring SORC policies are followed by rental groups.

    • Maintain clear records of group logistics, feedback, and needs.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Retreat Host provides support through all customer interactions. Start to finish; supporting sales, then retreat leaders once the contract is signed, through the end of the program and departure, including customer satisfaction surveys. 

    • Monitor program logistics through data tracking and quality-assurance systems; extract and analyze metrics to inform planning and budgeting

    • Liaise with internal teams and external vendors; serve on committees or working groups to support overall center operations

Deliverables  

  • Accurate and maximized calendar schedule of retreat events 

  • Accurate and timely event contracts  

  • Accurate and timely receipt of payments by retreat leaders or organizations that rent SORC

  • Accurate retreat schedules and room assignments communicated to internal and external stakeholders

  • Facility setup plans communicated to internal stakeholders in timely manner

  • Communication logs with clients and SORC internal teams 

  • Post-retreat feedback from clients

  • SORC post-retreat operational debriefing meetings; focus on improvement of SORC performance. 

Desired Competencies and Qualities:

  • 2+ years in hospitality, events, or retreat coordination

  • Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, customer service focused

  • Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to pivot quickly in response to shifting needs

  • Technical proficiency with Zoom, AV equipment, Salesforce (or similar CRM), WordPress, GSuite, and MailChimp

  • Proficiency with basic scheduling tools and email communication

  • Able to work weekends and variable hours during retreats

  • Calm, grounded presence aligned with contemplative community settings

  • Reliable team player who can also work independently; high degree of integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality

  • Genuine interest in contemplative practice, spirituality, and Buddhist principles

  • Compassionate, inclusive mindset; motivated by serving diverse communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and low-income practitioners

  • Heart for hospitality and creating accessible, welcoming retreat experiences for all participants

Compensation and Schedule

  • Hourly rate: $23–$26

  • Estimated hours per week: 10-25 depending on season.

  • Part-time schedule aligned with retreat calendar; evenings and weekends required

  • Occasional remote coordination days, as agreed with leadership

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and résumé detailing your relevant experience and why you are drawn to the mission of Seven Oaks Retreat Center. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Info@sevenoaksretreat.org 

Location: 403 Pathwork Way, Madison, Va 22727

Contact: Scott Cunningham Info@sevenoaksretreat.org for interview. 

Drug, alcohol, and smoke-free workplace.

Kitchen Staff - Seasonal Part-Time

Reports to: Kitchen Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Kitchen Staff team member to join our culinary team for seasonal employment. As a Kitchen Staff team member, you will play a key role in supporting the kitchen, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities, and providing excellent food service to our customers. The ideal candidate should be eager to learn, have a positive attitude, and be willing to assist in various tasks.

A Kitchen Staff team member supports kitchen operations by assisting with food preparation, cooking, and serving, while maintaining a clean and organized workspace and ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are met. Key responsibilities include following recipes, preparing ingredients, washing dishes, managing inventory, and collaborating with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient service and high-quality food delivery.

Why Join Our Team?

We offer the opportunity to be part of a supportive, professional team that plays a key role in food service for contemplative-based retreats. You’ll work alongside a chef, and team, who are passionate about healthy food, plant-based cuisine, hospitality, education, and professional development. For the right candidate, this position can be a great entry point into future culinary roles and growth within our team. You will have meals provided for every shift and also have the opportunity to attend Insight Meditation retreats.

Compensation is $18-20/hour, based on experience.  

What You’ll Do:

  • Assist with cleaning, restocking supplies, and assisting with basic prep and food service.

  • Collaborate with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient service and high-quality food delivery.

  • Maintain a safe and sanitary work environment in line with health standards.

  • Operate dishwashing equipment to clean and sanitize dishes, glassware, cookware, and utensils.

  • Keep kitchen spaces organized, stocked, and running smoothly.

What We’re Looking For:

  • A dependable team player who enjoys working in an environment that at times is high-energy.

  • Ability to work efficiently under pressure while staying positive.

  • Willingness to learn and grow in a professional kitchen.

  • Flexibility for daytime and early evening shifts, both during the week and on weekends.

Required Skills / Abilities:

  • License/Certification: ServSafe (Preferred), or willingness to obtain certification once hired.

  • Detail-oriented and thorough, can understand and follow directions independently.

  • Ability to understand and meet food service standards for health, sanitation, safety, and excellence.

  • Ability to function well during stressful situations.

  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently.

  • Ability to work well as part of a team.

  • Ability to maintain personal hygiene.

  • Ability to remain alert and focused in an environment that can be noisy and fast-paced.

  • Ability to work quietly for the entire shift during silent retreats.

 Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, and/or holidays as needed.

  • Prolonged periods walking or standing.

  • Must be able to lift, carry, and place up to 60 pounds at a time.

  • Must be able to bend, stoop, and frequently immerse hands in water 

  • Must be able to work in a hot and damp or cold environment.

Location: 403 Pathwork Way, Madison, Va 22727

Contact: Rissa Stiefel kitchen@sevenoaksretreat.org for interview. 

Drug, alcohol, and smoke-free workplace.