RING LAKE RANCH INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
About Ring Lake Ranch: Our mission is to provide Renewal in Sacred Wilderness. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ecumenical retreat center nestled in the Wind River Valley of western Wyoming, near the small "cowboy" town of Dubois. The stunning and rugged beauty of the geography is complimented by the presence (within Ranch property) of a remarkable collection of ancient petroglyphs (rock drawings), believed to have been created by the ancestors of modern indigenous peoples of the area.
While many of our guests hold religious affiliations, the ranch is not affiliated with any organization or denomination. The ranch is owned and managed by the Board of Directors. Guests come for a variety of reasons: hiking, horseback riding, fishing, programs given by renowned speakers, the community formed each week with other guests and our staff, the beautiful surroundings and the chance to renew their spirits. Speaking programs are exclusively held in the evenings, giving guests all day to explore the natural beauty of the area in whatever ways they choose. With a herd of 24 horses, rides for a range of comfort/experience levels are offered daily.
Programs are held from late May through early September. There are a total of 15 cabins, with a combination of private and shared bathrooms. The Ranch has space for a maximum of 38 guests, so groups are small and intimate compared to many facilities. Guests are encouraged to share in the daily task of meal cleanup and dishwashing — a time considered by many as "the best way to get to know each other." Ring Lake Ranch is primarily for adults and adults bringing families. We do not run a summer program specifically for children. We have a newly renovated Dining Hall and Kitchen, as well as two large meeting spaces (one recently-built) to meet the needs of our guests and speakers.
Job Description: The Interim Executive Director is a full-time year-round employee under the authority and supervision of the Board of Directors. This employee provides leadership and is responsible for the overall operation and function of the Ranch in carrying out all Board-approved policies. The Director shoulders the central responsibility for the spiritual, religious, and interpersonal domain, as these are seen to affect the mission of the Ranch. The Director is the public face of the Ranch. They provide leadership in the spiritual and religious aspects of the Ranch, programming, hospitality and guest relations, and embodies the spirit of the Ranch.
The Director supervises a full-time year-round staff which includes an Associate Director, a Business Manager, and a Facilities Manager, as well as a part-time year-around Social Media Manager. The Facilities Manager is the only staff member living year-round in on-site housing. Full-time summer staff include a Head Horse Wrangler, 2-3 Assistant Wranglers, a Hike Leader/laundry/ cabin supervisor, Head Cook, 2-3 Assistant Cooks, and (varies by week) 3-4 junior staff assistants (volunteers) who help with meals, hikes, and other program and facility management.
This job requires an individual with integrity, listening skills, administrative and operational skills, a gift for hospitality, and an ability to work collaboratively with the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is accountable for ensuring that all Board-approved policies are consistently upheld in the daily operation of the Ranch.
In an Interim capacity, in cooperation with other full-time staff and the Board of Directors, this leader will also help evaluate current facilities, programs, and operating procedures, considering all in light of "best practices" within the camp, conference and retreat center world, as well as offering input regarding long-term strategic plans. The Interim Executive Director reports to and will maintain regular and open communication with the Board. Together with the Board Chair, they will be responsible for the orientation of new Board members. Ring Lake Ranch is working with a consultant to create an Operations Assessment during the interim season, and the Interim Executive Director will work with that consultant giving input to the final report to the Board of Directors.
Housing is provided for the Director during the summer season (in a cabin/house) adjacent to guest housing. The Director is expected to be on site for six days a week from mid-May through the first week of September. Outside of this time, the Director will live in a location/housing of their own choosing, working remotely with full-time staff and the Board of Directors to assess and plan programming and facilities needs. Ordinarily the recruitment of speakers should be done two or more years in advance, given availability challenges for some presenters.
Salary: Depending on experience, the salary range is $65,000-70,000 per year.
Desired Timeline: Ideally the Interim Executive Director would overlap with the outgoing Executive Director for a period of time (as much as three months), but at the latest would begin May 1, 2026. This position is expected to last for up to one year, and it is anticipated that the Interim Director will not be a candidate for a permanent position.
Specific Responsibilities:
Spiritual and Community Leadership
• Prepare or otherwise plan for 30-minute morning prayer gatherings each morning
• Organize and coordinate "Sharing Sessions" (brief opportunities for guests to share special knowledge, etc.) before dinner each evening
• Solicit guests to lead prayers before meals
• Assist with other worship services, prayer or group activities as requested by guests
• Ensure quiet time for reflection, reading, prayer, rest, and personal time for guests
Hospitality
• Invite, greet, and welcome guests and visitors and maintain an atmosphere of hospitality throughout their stay.
• Conduct the opening orientation session for each program to enable guests to feel at home and become acclimated to the Ranch experience.
• Communicate daily with guests (usually at meals) regarding Ranch activities and opportunities; respond to questions.
• Coordinate and share "on-call" responsibilities with staff for emergencies (at night, etc.)
Programming
• Develop the calendar for summer and plan season programs two years in advance
• Summer programs
• Determine topics and types of programs in conjunction with Board to solicit leaders for programs
• Communicate with leaders regarding program, description, advertising, Ranch expectations, needs, travel plans, evaluation, etc.
• Attend and facilitate programs; provide equipment as requested
• Work with all groups regarding needs, advertising, and Ranch policy/protocol.
• Review requests from outside groups for accommodations and/or programs separate from RLR seminars.
• Create with staff, supervise, and evaluate programs of horseback riding, hiking, boating.
• Ensures that all hikes, boating expeditions, and rides are carried out in a safe and environmentally sound manner
• Participate in programs as requested and appropriate
Recruiting & Supervision
• Supervise full-time staff/department heads: Associate Director, Business Manager, Facilities Manager, and Social Media Manager/Head Wrangler; meet at least monthly with the whole staff (conference calls), and do weekly phone check-ins with each outside of the summer season. Each department head is responsible for supervising summer staff within their areas of responsibility.
• Interview and hire seasonal staff — Summer staff will be hired prior to the start of the Interim term, unless a time of overlap is possible, in which case the Interim will join in the interview/hiring process.
• Recruit and orient volunteers and staff assistants (junior staff)
• Schedule work hours/days off
• Organize and hold regular staff meetings (at least weekly) during the summer season to promote coordination, information sharing and staff morale
• Coordinate and approve staff guests and special accommodation requests from staff.
• Responsible for safety and appropriateness of staff assistants (junior staff) activities, including granting permission for trips off the Ranch
• Respond appropriately to any guest concerns/complaints and makes sure appropriate actions are taken
• Write up terms of employment letters for summer staff acknowledging agreement with staff manual
• Review and periodically update Ranch Operations Manual
• Report any on-the-job injuries to Wyoming Department of Employment
• Handle any corrective or disciplinary actions. It is the duty of each Department Head to supervise their employees. Department Heads should inform the Interim ED of their disciplinary actions and the Interim gives them support and guidance in taking those actions.
• Respond appropriately to employee grievances
• Ensure a harassment-free workplace
• Respond appropriately to any guest concerns/complaints and makes sure appropriate actions are taken
• Works to maintain a healthy, happy work environment for all staff and guests
Outreach
• Create Ring Lake Ranch publications, including Carillon and e-newsletters
• Arrange for Ranch advertising
• Solicit donations, grants, and other sources of funding in coordination with the Board.
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment, orientation to the Ranch and service schedule when at the Ranch.
Work Specific to the Interim Role
• Bring a "curious mindset" to the work, including asking all kinds of "wondering" questions about any aspect of the Ranch's mission, purpose, or program
• Introduce new information/ideas from current industry "best practices"
• Evaluate facilities with an eye on both current and possible future needs
• Facilitate creation of Staff Handbook with policies for all staff as developed by the Board
• Work with our consultant, the Board, and with full time staff to review and revise job descriptions (as needed), including the Executive Director's job description
NOTE: The list of particular responsibilities of the Interim Executive Director outlines the works that are the special domain of the Director. However, a Director at Ring Lake Ranch needs to be willing and able to help out in all aspects of Ranch life when necessary -- feeding horses, taking a turn at mopping the kitchen floor, cleaning toilets, checking cabins at the end of sessions, doing dishes, picking up guests at the airport, or bringing the laundry to town. The staff is small, so each one must be willing to take on many tasks. As a leader, the Director should not expect any less of herself/himself than is expected of the staff.
For more information or to apply, see our website at www.ringlake.org or contact Jessica Holland at JLHollandDVM@gmail.com
Website: Ring Lake Ranch