General Manager

General Information

Title: General Manager

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports To: Founders

Compensation: $125,000-$165,000, depending on experience and qualifications

Location: Big Bear, California
Position Summary

Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC) is seeking an inspiring and experienced General Manager to lead the strategic and operational success of the organization. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring excellence across all areas of the retreat center-delivering transformative guest experiences, maintaining financial sustainability, and fostering a thriving, mission-aligned organization.

Working closely with the co-founders and leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing BBRC's vision of accessibility, healing, and transformation. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to shape the future of a renowned retreat center nestled in the serene beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Key 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 24/7 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.
Qualifications
Required

• 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 the power of 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.

Preferred

• 8+ years of senior leadership experience in hospitality, wellness, retreat, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience leading strategic planning, business development, and organizational operations.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Experience using technology to improve operations and organizational reach.
• Ability to successfully lead organizations through growth and change.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite leadership position based in Big Bear, California. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed is required.
Flexibility

BBRC functions best when all staff work toward our shared mission. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties may change or new responsibilities may be assigned at any time based on organizational needs.
Physical Requirements

This position requires the physical abilities typically associated with general office work.
Benefits

• Consideration of subsidized employee housing
• 14 days of paid time off during the first year
• 10 days of paid sick leave annually
• Healthcare reimbursement account
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly technology stipend
• Annual retreat participation