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Dechen Chöling is a place of beauty and bliss, the atmosphere is marked by timeless continuity of change and the willingness of everyone to create the space in which we can work with ourselves and others. Three months might feel like three years or vice versa.

Current Core Staff job opportunities

Head of Office

Paid position, private accommodation: Open - now

The Head of Office is responsible for overseeing, coordinating and organizing all the activities associated with the Front Office and Guest Reception at Dechen Chöling. Central to this position is creating and maintaining an uplifted and welcoming environment, and providing a responsive and professional service for the many people who have contact with Dechen Chöling, be it face-to-face, by email, by phone or by post.

The Head of Office reports to the Operations Manager, and is required to actively liaise with and coordinate their activities with other Heads of Department e.g. Programs, Kitchen, Household, Finance. Some of the key activities are processing registrations, assigning accommodation, organizing transports, receiving and responding to correspondence, ordering office supplies, supervising an office assistant in the summer, and attending operational management meetings.

Ideally, applicants will have excellent people and communication skills, and be able to quickly establish a genuine rapport with others, making them feel welcomed and their needs attended to. It is essential that applicants are able to speak French, in addition to English, and the ability to speak other European languages would be a plus. Applicants will be excellent organizers and coordinators with the ability to plan and prepare effectively for program arrivals and exits, to process influxes of registrations, and to remain calm, attentive and good humored when faced with many people and tasks all wanting attention at the same time. Applicants will also have excellent information and communication/computer technology skills and be able to skillfully use telephone systems, Microsoft Office software, databases, the internet and email etc. It is preferred that applicants are Shambhala practitioners, have prior experience in office and guest reception work (if possible, in a supervisory role), and can make a commitment for one year or longer. Apply here

Head of Practice and Study

Paid position, private accommodation: Open - now

This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of practice, study and meditation instruction for the entire Dechen Chöling staff, and assisting to plan and set-up the practice container for special events and major programs at DCL in consultation with the Head Of Programs. Key tasks include working with the resident Acharya to establish and maintain the DCL practice container e.g. shrine-rooms and shrine objects, practice & study materials, daily and monthly practice schedules; liaising with the Office of Practice and Education; participating in management meetings; and managing the budget for the Practice and Study department. This position requires a senior Shambhala Buddhist practitioner and meditation instructor. Ideally, you will have had some experience in the administration of Practice & Study and leading advanced practice intensives e.g. fire puja, feasts, and will be available for two years.

Head of Marketing and Publicity

Paid position, private accommodation: Open - now

This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of communications to promote and support the activities of DCL using a range of media and with an emphasis on the French and European communities. Key tasks include developing and executing marketing, publicity and fundraising campaigns; preparing and disseminating web, email and print based communications; and supervising web-developers, graphic designers and text translators. This position requires a Shambhala practitioner with excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French; an understanding of the principles and strategies required for successful marketing, publicity and fundraising; excellent organizational and time management skills; and the ability to work with others as part of a team. Ideally, you will be available for two years.

Job openings for Volunteers

Beginning in Feb 2010 and May 2010 Dechen Chöling will offer a Summer Volunteer Programme open to anyone with an interest in the Shambhala Buddhist teachings. Come spend all or part of the summer as a volunteer staff member, practicing and studying in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, and earning credit towards future programmes. Please see the Summer Volunteer programme page for more information.

Core Staff Application
Gender
For which position are you applying?
Name
Email
Address
City
Country
Postal/Zip Code
Telephone (home)
Telephone(work)
Birthday(mm/dd/yyyy)
If so, since when?
Current Centre Affiliation
Meditation Instructor name
Meditation Instructor email address
Name of a reference
Email of your reference
Telephone
Current practice
Current Occupation
Relevant Skills
When would you like to come?
How long would you like to stay?
Are you able to work 6 hours a day?
Restrictions to physical work?
Which languages do you speak?
 
To help us evaluate your application and find the right work for you please answer the following questions on a separate page and email it with the application form or include it with your printed application form:
  1. Please give a history of your spiritual practice and dharma training. Include information on any meditation disciplines you have been involved in. If you have taken the refuge vow, please give date of ceremony and preceptor. Give information on your main practice, frequency of practice and average length of sessions. Have you ever participated in intensive practice sessions? If you have taken courses at a Shambhala Centre or other Buddhist centre, indicate the extent of your studies.

  2. Please give an outline of your work history. Include skills that were required. Also list other skills, interests and hobbies. Give information on the type of skills you have that could be useful at Dechen Chöling (i.e. cooking, office skills, maintenance).

  3. Please give an accurate description of your psychological and medical history. Include information on dietary restrictions, allergies, and sleep issues. Do you snore? List major operations, illnesses and chronic conditions. Do you take any medications for psychological or physical conditions? Please explain.

  4. Tell us more about your motivation for coming to Dechen Chöling. Have you ever lived in a community before? If so, where and for how long? What interests you about living in a spiritual community?
If you are able we would highly appreciate if you can attach a digital photo to this application. (no larger than 90k)