Onsite General Manager — Retreat Center Leader

Big Bear Retreat Center; Big Bear City (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized employee housing

14 days paid time off first year

10 days paid sick leave annually

Healthcare reimbursement account

Monthly wellness stipend

Monthly technology stipend

Annual retreat participation

Job summary

Big Bear Retreat Center seeks an inspiring General Manager to lead the strategic and operational success of the organization in a serene mountain setting near Big Bear Lake. You will drive guest experiences, financial sustainability, and mission-aligned programming while collaborating with co-founders and the leadership team.

The role requires extensive hospitality leadership, great communication, and a passion for mindfulness-based retreat work in a small, mission-driven nonprofit environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an overnight retreat center, resort, hotel, or similar hospitality operation with responsibility for operations, guest services, housekeeping, dining, facilities, staffing, and financial oversight.
• Strong alignment with BBRC's mission and belief in mindfulness, healing, and community.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, prioritize effectively, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
• Proven leadership experience building, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Slack, and retreat or hotel management software (Retreat Guru preferred).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Guide the retreat center's long-term strategy by leading operations, finance, guest services, programs, and facilities to ensure a thriving, mission-aligned organization.
• Operational Leadership: Ensure smooth and effective operations across all functions. Partner closely with the Programs Director to support seamless retreat delivery and exceptional guest experiences.
• Financial Management: Drive financial sustainability through budgeting, forecasting, revenue growth, expense management, and resource optimization in partnership with leadership and the accounting team.
• Stakeholder Relations: Represent BBRC with community members, partners, donors, and stakeholders while cultivating relationships that strengthen the organization's long‑term success.
• Leadership & Team Development: Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team of staff and volunteers while fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Program Oversight: Provide oversight of the Programs Department to ensure retreats and events are mission-aligned, well executed, and continuously improving.
• Emergency Communication & Risk Response: Maintain effective systems for 24/8 emergency communications, on-call coverage, crisis response, and cross-functional coordination to protect guests and staff.
• Guest Experience: Oversee accommodations, guest services, dining, and hospitality to ensure an exceptional retreat experience.
• Facilities & Property Management: Oversee maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance across all facilities, grounds, and company-owned housing to ensure a welcoming, functional environment.
• Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with neighbors, local organizations, and community partners while positioning BBRC as a valued member of the community.

Skills

Leadership experience

Hospitality operations

Guest services

Staffing

Financial oversight

Communication

Retreat management software

Google Workspace

QuickBooks

Slack

DEI commitment

Tools

Retreat Guru

Google Workspace

QuickBooks

Slack

Job description

Big Bear Retreat Center seeks an inspiring General Manager to lead the strategic and operational success of the organization in a serene mountain setting near Big Bear Lake. You will drive guest experiences, financial sustainability, and mission-aligned programming while collaborating with co-founders and the leadership team.

The role requires extensive hospitality leadership, great communication, and a passion for mindfulness-based retreat work in a small, mission-driven nonprofit environment.