Retreat Director

Job Description

SISTERS OF ST. BENEDICT
ST. MARY MONASTERY
Rock Island, IL 61201-7649

Job Description
Director of Benet House Retreat Center

Position Title: Director
Supervisor: Prioress or designated person
Status: Full Time Exempt

Primary Functions of this Position

The Director provides leadership and management to oversee programming that reflects the mission, philosophy, values, and vision of Benet House Retreat Center and of the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL. As a center for spiritual programs for individuals and groups seeking God, Benet House reflects the Rule of Benedict "All guests who present themselves are to be received as Christ." (RB 53:1)

Major Position Responsibilities and Regular Activities

Mission
• Provide a welcoming and positive environment to all who come to Benet House Retreat Center and to share the Benedictine values, the spirit and hospitality of the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Monastery.

Operations
• Manage all areas of operations for Benet House.
• Develop and implement the strategic goals and priorities of Benet House.
• Develop an annual budget in cooperation with the Sisters of St. Benedict Finance Director.
• Collaborate with the Benet House Administrative Assistant regarding registration and calendar of retreats.
• Arrange for and maintain the volunteer opportunities.
• Ensure maintenance of the environment for contemplative practice.
• Provide leadership and oversight of the Benet House Retreat Center staff, volunteers and convene staff meetings.
• Collaborate with the Food Service Manager to arrange meals for retreatants.
• Collaborate with the Head of Maintenance to prioritize maintenance issues and capital improvements.
• Oversee Housekeeping to ensure cleanliness of the facility and purchasing of necessary supplies.
• Maintain collaboration with local, regional, and national organizations to be aware of recent trends in retreat ministry.
• Maintain membership in the Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Programming
• Establish goals for Benet House Retreat Center programming.
• Create, monitor, and evaluate retreats to ensure all reflect the goals and mission of Benet House Retreat Center.
• Develop an annual calendar of programs in collaboration with Benet House Retreat Center staff, the Program Committee and the Sisters of St. Benedict.
• Ensure that all retreats reflect the theology and spirituality of the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Monastery.
• Maintain spiritual director contracts and policies.
• Convene Program Committee meetings as needed.
• Arrange for staff coverage of retreats.

Communication
Represent the Benet House Retreat Center and the Sisters of St. Benedict at interfaith, civic programs and conferences that are consistent with the mission.
Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications plan for the promotion of retreats
Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with Benet House Retreat Center staff and Sisters of St. Benedict to create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in Adult Faith Formation, Religious Education, Theology, or equivalent, preferred.
• Strong leadership and administrative experience (minimum 3 years).
• Strong interpersonal, communication and decision-making skills.
• Open to and have a respect for spirituality from diverse traditions and cultures.
• Have an attentiveness to one's own spiritual life, grounded in prayer, spirituality and ongoing renewal.
• Must have a willingness to meet the diverse and the changing needs of the Benet House Retreat Center and is hospitable with individuals and groups.
• Willingness to learn about the history and values of the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Monastery.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs and set and achieve goals independently.
• Ability to work as a team member while motivating and developing a spirit of cooperation.
• Awareness of Christian spirituality, theology and spiritual direction practices.
• Experience with online platforms and social media.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 programs Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher.
• Experience with or willingness to learn Adobe InDesign.
• Possess initiative, self-motivation, and problem-solving skills.
• Adaptable and flexible in work style and hours, some evenings and weekend availability.
• Proficiency with public speaking.
• Ability to stand for periods of time.

About the Employer

The mission of Benet House Retreat Ministry is to create a sacred space for people of all faiths who are seeking God through prayer, quiet, and spiritual guidance; and to provide spiritual opportunities rooted in the Benedictine tradition.