Executive Director

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Executive Director Job Description

May 2026

 

Drala Mountain Center (“DMC”) is seeking its next residential Executive Director.

The Executive Director is the primary leader of Drala Mountain Center and responsible for the overall management and direction of the center. Key areas of focus are driving organizational sustainability through revenue generation, fundraising, and strategic growth while ensuring operational excellence. This role serves as the public voice of DMC to articulate its vision, steward its brand, and build relationships that expand its reach and impact.

The Executive Director reports to the DMC Board of Directors. The intention is for this position to begin on September 1, 2026.

About DMC

Drala Mountain Center is a fully independent 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit that hosts a wide range of secular and non-secular programs. It attracts over 5,000 program participants annually as well as 10,000 visitors to The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya Which Liberates Upon Seeing. The center currently has a staff of approximately 43 employees, including a core residential community of 30 employees. Volunteers provide additional assistance throughout the year. The land, the Stupa, and the residential community are central to who we are.

Growth and Revenue Focus

  • Manage financial health of DMC in collaboration with the CFO
  • Create a fundraising strategy, lead execution of fundraising efforts to achieve fundraising goals up to $1M with a vision to make capital improvements and build on recent successes
  • Ensure high quality program planning consistent with the mission and vision of DMC
  • Work with the DMC Board toward a strategic financial vision

General Responsibilities

  • Lead overall management, strategy, and direction of Drala Mountain Center
  • Set direction for marketing and social media, program development, finance, fundraising, and human resources
  • Build and support a senior management team and lead a resident staff community based on sound business and dharma principles
  • Work with the DMC Senior Management Team to develop strategic plans in concert with the Board of Directors and guide plan implementation
  • Hire senior leaders to maintain an effective management structure and personnel procedures
  • Foster a healthy residential community by manifesting genuineness and openness in interpersonal interactions. Contribute to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and respected.
  • Serve as the primary ambassador and voice for the DMC brand and collaborative communication between DMC and other elements of the Buddhist and Shambhala mandala including the network of Shambhala retreat centers, Naropa University, and other dharma centers
  • Ensure the protection and physical maintenance of DMC and that the sacredness of the physical and energetic environment is well respected

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • An established meditation practice and ability to carry out responsibilities in a manner informed by practice is essential
  • Familiarity with standard financial statements and reporting and/or experience managing non-profit finances
  • Comfort articulating the vision and fundraising needs to a wide and diverse constituency including major donors
  • Experience working with diverse teams and fostering inclusive environments
  • Ability to make and communicate clear decisions; provide consistent leadership with vision, open heart, practicality, and integrity
  • Maintain and model high ethical standards in professional and residential settings
  • Demonstrable administrative competency, including prioritization, time management skills, and computer literacy

Desired Qualifications & Skills

  • Work experience at a retreat center or in the hospitality industry
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience

Compensation & Benefits

  • Full-time overtime exempt position with a minimum expectation of 45 hours per week
  • Seeking aspirational commitment of at least three (3) years
  • Salary negotiable based on experience ($70,000 – $90,000)
  • Compensation also includes housing, meals, health insurance, vacation/retreat benefits, and appropriate continuing education

To Apply

Submit a letter of interest along with your résumé by June 30, 2026. Please tell us about yourself, what interests you about the position, and what you feel you can bring to this key leadership post.

 

Expressions of interest should be sent to:

Cliff Neuman, Chair, Drala Mountain Center Board of Directors

clneuman@neuman.com

6800 N. 79th Street, Suite 200 Niwot, CO 80503