Support Staff

Job Description

Job Description

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.