Support Staff

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Title: Support Staff

Status: Seasonal, Part-time; Non-Exempt

Reports to: Programs & Events Coordinator or their designee

Residence: No residency requirement

The Abode of the Message, Inc. is a retreat and conference center located on over 300 acres within an historic Shaker complex in New Lebanon, New York. Founded in 1975, the Abode began as a residential community with a spiritual base and a variety of enterprises. Today the Abode is advancing its focus as a retreat center and sanctuary, promoting collective and individual discovery through meaningful experiences and opportunities for growth.

Support Staff assists with a variety of functions related to regular Abode programming, retreats, and other events.

Responsibilities and Duties

​​Assists the management team with executing successful and enriching programs and events by ​​providing outstanding hospitality and service to all people who visit or stay at the Abode;

Supports the check-in and check-out processes and communicates any issues or concerns related to the guest experience, materials, signage, or space;

Runs appropriate errands for The Abode and guests, including but not limited to buying or picking up programming supplies, emergency needs such as toiletries, dropping off packages, et cetera;

Distributes and maintains welcome materials for guests and visitors as directed;

Supports the preparation and set up of Abode facilities and grounds for retreats, regular programs, or other events as directed;

Supports all aspects of program and event preparation and execution as needed to ensure satisfaction, safety, and a positive experience, including but not limited to:

housekeeping;

kitchen and scullery;

communications;

procurement of supplies and materials;

guest registration; and

guest relations.

Promotes the Abode’s mission and values; and

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

No specific experience required;

Prior professional or volunteer experience with hospitality or customer service preferred;

Specific projects and tasks may be assigned based on the incumbent’s skills related to: cooking, baking, culinary arts; carpentry, painting, basic repairs; copywriting and content creation.

Good interpersonal skills, with well-developed written and oral communication skills;

Ability to receive instructions and complete tasks with minimal direct supervision;

Comfort working with people of different faith traditions;

Volunteer or professional experience with a spirituality-based hospitality or non-profit organization;

Prior history or relationship with the Abode is desirable.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 20 pounds regularly;

May occasionally require lifting heavier objects;

Ability to walk, stand, bend, and stoop for extensive periods;

Ability to work a variety of hours to accommodate events; and

May be required to use personal vehicle for work-related activities.