Northern California Shambhala Regional Director Job Description
Overview. The Director of Northern California Shambhala (NCS) is appointed by the Kalapa Court. The Director is a regional representative of the Sakyong, holds a seat on the Mandala Council and is accountable to the Executive Director of Shambhala. Apply today!
The Director is a strong and gentle leader who holds a view of Sacred Governance and aspires to take the Region to the next level of growth and richness so that the vision of Shambhala can shine and manifest in Northern California and beyond. The Director is inspired by the goal of uplifting others and society. The Director joins heaven and earth by connecting with the Sakyong’s vision for the Region and holding the principles of basic goodness and enlightened society while fully engaging with the practical details of administration such as raising funds, recruiting and managing volunteers, and coordinating regional activities. The Director strives to balance the qualities of space, wisdom and accommodation with skillful means and accomplishment while cultivating a culture of kindness, invoking both feminine and masculine principle.
Priorities for NCS Regional Director
- To develop and articulate a vision of expansion and richness for the NCS community based on the guidance of the lineage. This includes growth in membership, visibility, and financial stability, and growing the position of the Director from a part-time position to a full-time position.
- To act as a communications conduit for the Sakyong’s wishes for the Region, and for Shambhala mandala departments.
- Chair of NCS Council (goal to develop into Executive and Governing Councils)
- Chair of regional Directors’ Council
- To coordinate areas of activity in the region, including the three pillars of Governance, Practice & Education and Protection.
- To plan and oversee projects that are beyond the scope of single Center or Group to implement, g. Regional programs real estate purchases, retreats, gatherings for NCS sangha
- To lead the way in exploring and developing Shambhala community/society beyond programming.
- To support initiatives for increasing diversity.
- To ensure financial wellbeing of the region and Sharchen Dzong by providing support in stewarding membership and patronage, support of the region’s participation in Unified Giving, and writing grants.
- To maintain synergy with program development and production – e.g. Sakyong’s programs, children’s programming, leadership/internship programs.
- To help regional leadership connect with available resources such as assistance with conflict resolution and best practices in governance
Current Supporting Positions
Regional Head of Education: Coordinates WOS, Sacred Path
Regional Head of Practice: Plans regional practice events such as MI/AD/SG training, regional weekthun
Regional Head of Culture and Decorum: supports and advises Centers and Advisors in relating with forms and decorum
Regional Head of Diversity
Regional Head of Children and Family activities
Program Assistant
Marketing assistant and volunteer marketing team
To be appointed:
Chagzo: oversees financial health of region
Director of Development: cultivates relationships with outside donors, community organizations and businesses
Marketing Director: Oversees all marketing communications. Works with the various marketing teams including Newsletter, Social Media, Website, Posters, Regional emails, Program posting, Meet up descriptions, and Brochures to ensure consistent and magnetizing message.
Qualifications
- Shambhala Practice. Minimum 4 years of experience as a practitioner of the Shambhala tradition. Sadhaka and Rigden Abhisheka preferred (if not completed, is there plan for completion). Exhibits familiarity with Shambhala traditions and forms
- Shambhala Leadership. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects, organize people, events and programs within the Shambhala community. Understands Shambhala governance to be a significant part of the path of a practitioner.
- Achieve Outcomes. Ability to set goals, establish priorities and achieve outcomes within a designated timeframe.
- Communication Skills. Strong written and spoken communication skills including the abilities to effectively speak, listen and write to individuals, and large groups; skillfully interact with diverse populations; listen and acquire input from the community and make decisions for the future of NCS based on input; motivate others to work together cooperatively; and work with conflict and strong divergent opinions.
- Specific Experience and Enthusiasm. Evidence of both strategic and hands on operational experience in a nonprofit or entrepreneurial setting; financial and business planning and management; publicity and marketing; fundraising and development.
Availability Requirements
- Flexible work hours
- Daytime and evening participation
- Attendance at bi-annual meetings of Governing Council and quarterly meetings of Executive Council; special occasions when appropriate, e.g. teacher visits, ceremonies, teacher greetings, including travel to all NCS centers and relevant international meetings.
Term. The Regional Director position is a 3 year position with an option to renew by mutual consent of the Director and Kalapa Court. Performance evaluations will be done annually and the term limit assessed at the end of 2.5 years.
Salary and Benefits. The post is currently a half-time paid position (25 hours/week) with a salary of $30,000 per year. The goal is to grow this position into a full-time position. Additional benefits: Reimbursement of travel expenses and up to $300/month towards healthcare expenses. The Director receives two weeks of paid vacation and two weeks of paid retreat time annually. Retreat costs are not covered.
