Executive Director

Seven Pillars House of Wisdom offers deeper ways of knowing and serving life through the application of the wisdom of the natural world, humanity's sacred heritage, the inner life, and beauty in action. To learn more, please visit Seven Pillars House of Wisdom.

Seven Pillars House of Wisdom is seeking an Executive Director to help move this young nonprofit organization into its next stage of growth. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and managing a modern day “house of wisdom” that provides an open and diverse community ways to discover wisdom through in depth exploration of themes drawn from our main areas of concern: cosmology, revelation, mysticism and chivalry.

Seven Pillars is dedicated to both mining wisdom from our rich human heritage, and advancing new paradigms that enable individuals and society to respond to the cry of humanity and the Earth. We apply principles of heartful conversation, a sense of place, and creative imagination in our various activities, which include intimate salons, retreats, and other gatherings, as well as multimedia projects. Seven Pillars also has a growing online presence via its website.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director will work with the Board of Directors and a respected advisory group called Guiding Voices to develop a vital, healthy and relevant nonprofit organization. Our headquarters are at the Abode of the Message in New Lebanon, New York, with activities held throughout the United States and online.

Objectives:

• Advance an organization that seeds wisdom in human culture to deepen responses to the challenges of our time.
• Give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization's strategic plan in a manner consistent with the organization’s vision, mission and values.
• Use Seven Pillars’ approaches and materials as tools for exploring and applying collective wisdom.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Responsibilities: 

• Program Development: Work with a Wisdom Council and Guiding Voices to oversee the design and content of in-person and online programs.
• Product Design and Service Delivery: Oversee marketing, promotion and delivery of quality programs, products and services in accordance with established objectives and timelines.
• Community and Public Relations: Assure that the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented with a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders.
• Financial, Tax, Risk and Facilities Management: Recommend yearly budget for Board approval, prudently manage organization's resources within budget guidelines, and file all tax and legal documents according to current laws and regulations.
• Resource/Fund Development: Conduct fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals, and administrating fundraising records and documentation.
• Human Resource Management: Effectively manage the human resources of the organization. Recruit, hire, evaluate, and release staff and volunteers. Maintain a climate that attracts, motivates, and retains a diverse staff and volunteer corps of dedicated people.
• Board Administration and Support: Support the Board by advising and informing Board members, interfacing between Board and staff, providing regular reports and updates, and responding to the Board's requests.

Qualifications: 

• Strong management and supervisory skills and experience, preferably as an Executive Director in the nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated leadership skills. Comfortable with collaborative decision- making.
• Experienced in program development, event management, outreach, and publicity. Skills in multimedia and online presentation a plus.
• Effectiveness and proficiency in financial management and fund development, including cultivation of high-end donors and foundation support.
• Ability to expand Seven Pillars’ visibility and community through successful marketing, including social networking and web-based technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Alignment with Seven Pillars’ values; commitment to Seven Pillars’ vision and mission; familiarity with contemplative and mystical practice.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or above preferred.

Compensation: The position is full-time, with a salary range of $45,000-$50,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Generous benefits include full healthcare and dental, and paid time off.

To apply:

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume by Wednesday, August 8, 2012 to Seven Pillars’ Board Chair via the link on this website, or via email to Deborah Povich.

We would appreciate no calls, emails, chats or texts inquiring about the position. We will respond via email to all applications confirming receipt, contact qualified candidates for interviews, and make a final decision on or before November 1, 2012.

There is an open starting date between September 15, 2012 and January 1, 2013.