Retreat Manager

Position Summary 

Retreat Managers at Big Bear Retreat Center support and run the on-site execution of our retreats (primarily residential 5 - 7 day Insight meditation retreats). Retreat Managers (typically 2 per retreat) are hired to work for all the days of the retreat, starting morning of arrival day to afternoon of departure day. During retreats, Retreat Managers are the main points of contact for all teachers and guests. They assist in setting up before the retreat and coordinate with BBRC staff to ensure operations run smoothly during the retreat, and clean up and reset the space with volunteers after the retreat closes. They help to ensure every detail is taken care of, every guest need is addressed, and teachers are fully supported throughout the retreat. They report regularly and directly to the Program Production Manager, including reporting, documenting, addressing, and communicating any major incidents during the retreat.

*8-hour shift during retreat days, from arrival day to departure day (including pre-arrival briefing)

*Responsibilities are onsite only during retreat days, brief prep/training call 1-2 weeks prior

*Typically 2 Retreat Managers per retreat

*Reports to Program Manager or Lead Retreat Manager*

BBRC Overview

Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC) is a retreat destination located on +/-100 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest - and bordering 800 acres of protected forest. Founded in 2018, BBRC was envisioned as a Southern California meditation residential retreat destination. Our main offerings continue to be silent meditation retreats, but part of BBRC’s mission also includes providing retreat space for other groups, with a focus on being an accessible center to people who may not otherwise experience retreats.

BBRC offers meditation, dharma, and respite retreats, as well as non-meditation retreats for other mission aligned organizations and individuals. BBRC has collaborated with partners to provide inclusive meditation retreats including the first residential transgender and gender expansive retreat, Spanish language retreat, Black Women’s retreat, teens of color retreat, and more. Big Bear Retreat Center has also partnered with or hosted non-profit and social justice organizations across Southern California. 

Big Bear Retreat Center is located a 2.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, nestled in the ancient Juniper forests of the San Bernardino Mountains at a 7,000-foot elevation (four mountain seasons) near the town of Big Bear Lake.

BBRC Mission

Big Bear Retreat Center is a residential retreat center that provides space for mindfulness, respite, and healing to foster individual and collective transformation and illuminate our connection with nature, one another, and society. 

BBRC Vision

Big Bear Retreat Center provides quality hospitality and care in a beautiful natural setting to foster connection, build community, and shape positive social change. We engage across world views, practices, and backgrounds to cultivate generations of leaders and change makers that promote greater compassion, equity, and justice in the world. One retreat at a time.

Role and Responsibilities

Retreat Managers (RMs) support the on-site execution of retreats from arrival day morning through departure day afternoon. Rather than managing people or directing teams, RMs serve as key support leads and reliable points of contact during the retreat.

They help ensure a smooth, grounded retreat experience by:

• Supporting participants and teachers with questions, needs, and logistical guidance
• Offering calm, practical assistance when issues arise
• Redirecting requests to the appropriate BBRC staff or department when needed
• Helping maintain clear communication across retreat teams
• RMs typically work in pairs and are present throughout the retreat to help keep things organized, responsive, and running smoothly.

Role Orientation

Retreat Managers are not supervisors or decision-makers for BBRC departments. Instead, they function as on-site support leads who:

• Stay accessible and present throughout the retreat (includes use of phone for communication needs with the on-site team)
• Help interpret needs and coordinate responses
• Bridge communication between participants, teachers, and staff team
• Escalate or redirect issues appropriately rather than independently resolving operational decisions outside their scope

Retreat Managers work closely with:

• Guests (Yogis)
• Guest Services
• Teachers
• On-site Operations Support
• Program Production Manager (PPM) - The Program Production Manager oversees retreat logistics and coordination. RMs support this structure by helping ensure smooth communication flow and directing needs to the appropriate team members.

Retreat Support Responsibilities Overview:

Before the Retreat

• Join a briefing call with the Program Production Manager (PPM) to review retreat logistics, expectations, and support structure.
• Review retreat details and participant information in advance when provided.

Arrival Day

• Review the Retreat Manager checklist and retreat schedule.
• Review participant profiles and key notes.
• Attend the teacher meeting to align on retreat flow and support needs.
• Support guest arrival, check-in, and orientation.
• Assist with opening announcements and initial retreat communications.

During the Retreat

• Serve as a primary on-site support contact for participants and teachers.
• Maintain a visible, calm, and approachable presence throughout the retreat.
• Listen to questions, concerns, and needs, and either:
  • Provide appropriate support within RM scope, or
  • Redirect/escalate to the correct BBRC team member or department
• Coordinate closely with BBRC staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Monitor the yogi board and retreat communication channels.
• Meet daily with teachers to stay aligned on retreat flow and needs.
• Support clarity, communication, and participant care throughout the retreat.

Closing & Post-Retreat

• Support closing announcements and final participant communications.
• Assist with retreat space reset and cleanup in coordination with staff and volunteers.
• Participate in post-retreat debriefs with the Program Production Manager and/or retreat team as requested.
• Share relevant feedback, observations, or follow-up items from the retreat.

Typical Retreat Manager Shifts:

During full days of retreat a typical schedule may look like: (varies based on retreat schedule)

1. AM: 6:30am - 3:30pm (1 hour lunch)
2. PM: 12:30pm - 9:30pm (1 hour lunch)

During opening and closing days, the schedule is slightly different. RM’s schedules will be approximately:

• Arrival Day: 11:30am - 9:30pm
• Departure Day: 7am - 2pm (with 30 minute break within 6 hours of start time)

Benefits offered to Retreat Managers:

• Paid hourly for hours worked, up to 8-hour days
• Lodging and meals are covered during retreats working
• Sit retreats at BBRC (contact for more details)
• A community of retreat managers, practitioners, and other gatherings at the center

Employee may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time: 

• Sitting, standing, walking
• Working at a computer or on calls
• Bending, reaching, kneeling
• Driving golf cart

We value candidates who are:

• Grounded, dependable, and self-directed
• Calm under pressure and able to respond thoughtfully in dynamic environments
• Organized, clear communicators, and detail-oriented
• Community-oriented and supportive in nature
• Flexible, collaborative, and able to shift priorities as needed
• Warm, professional, and discreet in all interactions
• Strong at listening, assessing needs, and redirecting appropriately rather than over-solving
• Comfortable with basic technology or quick to learn:
  • Microphone and audio setup
  • Hybrid/Zoom support
  • Basic troubleshooting for AV needs

Meditation retreat experience, especially residential retreat experience, is highly valued but not required. 

COVID-19 considerations: All staff are required to be vaccinated for Covid-19. Masks and testing may be required at certain times depending on the groups we are hosting.

Big Bear Retreat Center is an equal opportunity employer. At BBRC we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Qualified candidates who self-identify as a Black Indigenous Person of Color (BIPOC) and/or are part of the LGBTQI community are especially encouraged to apply.