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.

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.