International Staff Coordinator

LJA Mission Statement:

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. 

Located in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Lake Junaluska is a Conference and Retreat Center that plays a vital role by providing a location for training and renewal.  Each year Lake Junaluska will host over 200,000 guests who are engaged in spiritual training, recreation or renewal events and activities.  Our guests include religious, non-profit and secular groups.  We are also a residential and vacation community.

About the Program

Each year, between May and October, Lake Junaluska Assembly hosts international staff through the Greenheart Exchange program. Greenheart Exchange is designated by the US Department of State as a J-1 Visa sponsor that allows foreign students to travel and work in the United States for up to four months. The Greenheart Exchange program emphasizes participation in cultural activities, developing work experience skills, and promoting leadership experiences. The International Staff Coordinator is an integral position to assist in creating a safe housing environment, a variety of cultural programming, transportation, and mentorship of international staffers throughout their seasonal employment at Lake Junaluska Assembly.  Approximately 20 international staff are anticipated for the summer of 2026. 

Seasonal Work Schedule

This is a seasonal position. Employment for the 2026 season will begin in May. Pre‑season onboarding may occur in April as scheduled by Human Resources.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for spearheading airport pick-up and drop-off of all international staff:  Coordinate drivers, and drive LJA vehicles when available. 

• Responsible for staggered scheduled on-site office hours to ensure availability to international staff. 

• Review Housing Rules and Regulations with each student as they arrive, check students in/out with prearranged room assignments. Manage room key assignments, door signs, etc.

• Conduct room inspections throughout the summer as needed and upon check out for cleanliness and safety

• Work closely with the Reservations team to manage student rooming assignments; serve as the lead contact for navigating and resolving complex rooming challenges or special housing requests.

• Coordinate voluntary worship opportunities for all residents in on site housing

• Assign and manage weekly house duties to ensure they are completed in a timely, efficient manner to maintain a clean and orderly living facility for all residents

• Distribute all housekeeping supplies and mail to residents

• Partner with LJA Management to plan and execute recreational outings and activities (ie: hiking, local restaurant outings, sporting events, shopping at the outlets, etc.)

• Coordinate with Human Resources to schedule and drive Lake Junaluska’s minibus to transport international staff to the Social Security Administration office in Asheville. 

• Schedule and drive Lake Junaluska’s minibus to transport international staff on weekly grocery trips, as well as recreational outings and activities, and to pick up/drop off at Airport or bus stations 

• Ensure all residents abide by the housing covenant to include quiet hours, curfew, and all policies and procedures as outlined in the Human Resources Policy and Procedures Manual

• Monitor resident housing – No Co-Ed housing allowed in on site housing unless married employees. Guests are not allowed in resident rooms. All residents are required to follow an open door policy with respect to guests in the kitchen and lounge public areas at the housing facility. Overnight guests are not allowed in resident housing. 

• Help resolve resident incidents and/or challenges in collaboration with appropriate area leaders (i.e. Guest Services, housekeeping manager, maintenance system, security, etc).

• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures and report any unsafe activities or conditions immediately to supervisor

• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Mature responsible adult with the ability to interact and supervise college age students in a “dorm” setting

• Must have excellent leadership skills and demonstrate Christian faith in daily life activities

• Evidence of a high level of maturity and responsibility

• Must maintain confidentiality

• Must possess excellent hospitality skills and a strong desire to foster an attitude of Christian hospitality to “exceed guest expectations”

• Hospitality experience strongly desired

• Knowledge and training in Safe Sanctuary strongly desired

• Must have demonstrated good communication skills, client relation skills, and a commitment to providing responsive and conscientious customer service

• Must be able to make presentations, speak publicly to groups or on a one-to-one basis

• Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing needs, multiple task demands, and work structures.

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, emails, and memos

• Ability to effectively present job related information upon request to customers, clients, and employees of the organization

• Proven computer skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills is required

• Ability to solve practical problems with customers, guests, and employees, handle a variety of questions or concerns, and recognize when to consult or escalate to a supervisor

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule formats

• Must have or willing to receive training in driving 15 passenger mini bus

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age, have a valid, clean driving record, and pass a background check

• Must be willing to live on site at the convenience of the employer

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule

Working conditions

• Moderate physical activity performing strenuous and non-strenuous activities with moderate to loud noise

• Outside work required with exposure to elements such as; heat, cold, rain and wind

• Ability to coordinate work, frequently  moves about, able to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk, sit, manual dexterity to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk to and hear staff and customer requests,  and also lifts or otherwise move objects weighing up to 50 pounds

• Must have adequate vision to carry out daily activities

• Work Schedule: Monday – Sunday; days, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as required

Lake Junaluska is an Equal Opportunity Employer