HEAD OF WORKSHOP EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

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 60 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.

• The heart of Esalen’s mission is transformative educational programming. It is through educational programming – the delivery of public courses and seminars, invitational conferences and conversations, staff education, internships, and other educational programs – that Esalen catalyzes and synergizes the new thinking and approaches that make its mission real. Every job and aspect of the department needs to be aware of and aligned with this larger mission.
• This is a remote position with quarterly trips to the campus in Big Sur, CA. Each visit requires a stay of 3-5 days (travel, food, & lodging will be provided).

• Reporting to the Director of Education and as a leader on the Education Team, oversee direct reports, the members of the Workshop Programming Team
• Work closely with team members to co-create, implement the vision, and supporting strategies and processes established by the Programming Committee and the Board of Trustees
• Demonstrate high-levels of collaboration, ideation and problem-solving with stakeholders including committee members, team members, direct reports, and colleagues.
• Represent the Workshop Programming Team  throughout the organization, in support of the organization’s operational needs, by reporting out to the organization programming events, content, as well as metrics

• Lead the Workshop Programming Strategy to ensure workshops align with the organization's goals and programming initiatives, this includes:
• Oversight of the programming master calendar and forecasting tools with adherence to programming methodology and metrics which ensure maximization of all resources (occupancy, revenue profitability, faculty bedlines and venues)
• Schedule all Phase One programming to include Esalen’s own programming (CTR, BoT, EDGE, LEEP, SGE and Campus-wide events) as well as Esalen’s core faulty with returning programming 
• Identifying and exploring emerging industry trends and ideas for future programming and lead the committee in the selection process of new workshop programming and new faculty

• Lead the Workshop Programming Team 
• Supporting and prioritizing the work of the workshop programming teams members to ensure outcomes are met
• Overseeing and support the team in Phase two of the programming strategy which includes the recruiting and scheduling of complementary workshop programming offered by returning faculty and new programming once identified
• Modeling and fostering exemplary team collaboration and ideation while inspiring team members to excel in current work while growing into future work and roles

• Provide primary oversight of Workshop Programming Process from program selection and curation, through publishing, to delivery, and evaluation that includes:
• Working with faculty to define workshops’ contents and edit workshops’ titles and descriptions in preparation for publishing - no this would be the role of the program specialists 
• Overseeing and participating in the monitoring workshops to ensure faculty’s teaching and content is mission aligned and the attendee’s experience is of the highest quality by giving relevant feedback as wells as tracking outcomes for use in making future workshops programming decisions
• Overseeing the communication and delivery of supplemental programming to include digital programming, and other programming initiatives as identified by the Director of Education

• Successful team leader with history of developing and leading high functioning teams with an ability to navigate complex conversations and build an inclusive team culture
• Engaged industry leader with experience and knowledge in the fields of wellness, social impact, and/or environmental sustainability with a displayed awareness of emerging trends and ideas
• Innovative leader with history of bringing in new ideas and iterating on current models as well as designing and executing complex systems used to oversee programming and measure success
• Exceptional communicator in all forms with deep experience presenting and crafting clear, concise, creative and inspiring communications that articulate knowledge and key concepts to various constituencies
• Strong relationship manager with demonstrated history of developing, cultivating, and maintaining productive and meaningful relationships and networks
• Mission-aligned and service-oriented leader with a deep desire to align with vision and mission of Esalen and past experience with Esalen or similar organization 
• Life-long learner with clearly evidenced history of commitment to personal and professional growth

• Demonstrated aptitude to engage in a  culturally competent and responsive  manner in support of diverse perspectives
• Proven understanding of and leadership in revenue generating programming and opportunity/risk analysis
• Ability to see the big picture and how the individual pieces interact with each other
• Big picture thinker with ability to design systems and processes necessary to execute on primary objectives 
• Strong proficiency in using Excel, Word, databases, and web-based applications (such as Google Suite)
• High emotional intelligence- self-awareness, emotional expression, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and self-motivation

• 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.

• 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.  

• 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.

Esalen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.