GENERAL MANAGER

At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow’s psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities”, the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.

Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world.

OVERVIEW

• The General Manager oversees all aspects of operations and property management in accordance with the Esalen mission statement, including maximization of financial performance, guest satisfaction, and staff development. This position is a key member of the executive leadership team and is instrumental in crafting strategic vision, culture formation, and establishing and administering organization policies. This position is on site and reports to the CEO.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in formulating and administering company policies, directing and coordinating all operations and activities to develop and implement long-range goals and objectives to meet business and profitability growth objectives
• Reviews analyses of activities, costs, operations and forecast data to determine operational departments’ progress toward stated goals and objectives
• Confers with other members of the Esalen leadership team to review achievements and discuss required changes in goals or objectives resulting from current status and conditions
• Develops, reviews, updates and implements strategic planning, including financial performance and new revenue development
• Creates an operating environment that assures consistent superior guest and employee satisfaction
• Oversees operational departments to review productivity, service levels, and operating reports and resolve operational, service and facility problems to ensure minimum costs and prevent negative guest impact and to meet future growth
• Oversees key projects, processes and performance reports, data and analysis
• Ensures good safety practices of employees and guests, assisting in the maintenance of proper emergency and security procedures
• Reviews and approves preparation of accounting analysis for budgetary planning and implementation, production efficiency, financial reporting, budgetary planning and submittal for capital expenditures
• Communicates and creates a free flowing environment for effective exchange of information, up and down and across the organization. Holds responsibility as the primary liaison to interpret organization policies, disseminate all relevant information and answer staff member questions
• Cultivates a culture of curiosity, growth, and empowerment to nurture internal leadership through Esalen's recruitment model—a residential, extended educational program designed to enhance work-life integration
• Plan, set priorities, organize, delegate, and follow-through to completion on all areas of responsibility in a timely manner
• Overnight onsite Manager on Duty (MOD) coverage as needed
• Other various tasks as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of professional experience in the following competencies: Leading Teams, Performance Management, Staffing, Coaching and Mentoring, Developing Standards, Financial Planning and Strategy, Process Improvement, Decision Making, Strategic Planning, Quality Management. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Promote transparency, open communication, and emotional intelligence by actively participating in feedback processes, addressing concerns with honesty, and leading with respect and vulnerability.
• Proven expertise at successfully driving operational performance and achieving business objectives in the education, wellness, & hospitality industries
• Knowledge and experience of property management and operations
• Must be detail oriented, with strong self organization and communication skills
• Promotes an atmosphere of teamwork with the ability to lead by example
• Must be able to execute goals and expectations with exceptional attention to detail
• "Hands-on" leadership approach to management and team development
• Must be effective at setting and meeting ongoing deadlines
• Proven experience in strategic planning and operational execution
• Cultivate service-oriented leadership, fostering a culture of trust and autonomy, supporting each department, and empowering staff to make mission-aligned decisions.
• Strong aptitude in financial management, financial reports and analysis

FLEXIBILITY

• Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to maneuver on uneven ground, sit for long periods of time, occasionally carry and lift up to 25 pounds, and be able to perform daily repetitive hand motions as it pertains to computer mouse and keyboard.

COMPENSATION

• This role offers a generous benefits package including competitive pay commensurate with experience, medical and dental insurance, and paid time off. In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.