Position Profile Executive Director The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation Washington, DC The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation seeks a deeply contemplative, seasoned, and visionary leader to serve as their next Executive Director. This position offers the opportunity to build on the existing strengths of this highly respected nonprofit organization. Shalem s mission is to nurture contemplative living and leadership. It is an organization dedicated to developing and supporting contemplative leaders and building a continuing awareness of the importance of contemplative practice in our daily lives. Shalem seeks to deepen the practices of the Christian contemplative tradition while honoring and drawing from other contemplative spiritual traditions. Shalem's vision is: Grounded in our understanding of God s desire for peace, wholeness and well-being, Shalem envisions a world transformed by contemplative living and leadership in which all people honor one another and creation, recognize their unity and interconnectedness, and courageously seek to live out of this reality. The Organization The Shalem Institute provides in-depth support for contemplative living and leadership a way of being in the world that is prayerfully attentive and responsive to God's presence and guidance. We offer a wide variety of programs and resources for clergy, spiritual directors, lay leaders and individuals who desire to open themselves more fully to God in their daily lives and work. Shalem was founded over 40 years ago by Tilden Edwards, an Episcopal priest, who felt called to share contemplative practices that supported one's desire to live moment-by-moment with God. Joined in the early years by Gerald May and Rose Mary Dougherty, these pioneers helped to bring contemplative prayer and practice out of the purview of the monastery and to make it available to all seekers. Shalem serves those who seek spiritual deepening in all of life. We welcome individuals wherever they are on the path of spiritual discovery. Shalem's programs center on contemplative teaching and practices that open the mind and awaken the heart to the living Spirit. Shalem is grounded in the Christian contemplative tradition, yet draws on the wisdom of many religious traditions. We provide opportunities for spiritual exploration individually and within a community of seekers. Shalem is one of the most respected centers for spiritual deepening in the US and globally. For 40 years, we have been privileged to have many of the world's foremost spiritual speakers and writers on staff and in our programs. Participants come from many different denominations and faith traditions all seeking connection, nurture and support. Over the years, thousands of men and women, nationally and internationally, Position Profile: Shalem Institute Executive Director 1
have immersed themselves in the long-term extension programs and been refreshed through the many shorter programs. Often participants find their lives and ministries renewed or transformed. Shalem is based in the diverse and rapidly expanding Brookland neighborhood in northeast Washington, DC. The organization is governed by an 18-member board of directors and is guided by a 12-person staff, including the Executive Director. In addition, Shalem programs are led by 37 adjunct staff members whose level of involvement with Shalem varies each year. The organization s current operating budget is $1M. For more information, please visit: www.shalem.org. The incoming Executive Director will succeed Leah Rampy, a long-time Shalem participant who became Executive Director in 2009 and is now retiring. Leah s skills and presence during her tenure made a difference in many ways. She raised funds for new initiatives, developed new programs with staff to reach young leaders, added online programs, and supervised the development of a new website. Her leadership has been greatly appreciated and highly valued. Shalem Programs Shalem programs are uniquely experiential in approach and are grounded in an understanding of classic Christian contemplative wisdom. All offer a rich variety of practices, teachings and leadership styles. Program leaders use leadership style and program design to create a sense of sacred space that fosters authentic spiritual community and spiritual growth. All of Shalem s programs: Share a contemplative orientation an open willingness to be present to God in the moment; Offer resources for listening and responding authentically to God; Encourage the personal spiritual practices to which individuals are called; and Provide various forms of ecumenical spiritual formation experiences. Spiritual Guidance: Nurturing the Call for those in the ministry of one-to-one spiritual direction; Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats: Transforming Community for those leading prayer groups and retreats in churches or other settings; Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership: Going Deeper for clergy in congregational settings seeking to nurture their spiritual heart and leadership; Personal Spiritual Deepening Program--for those wishing to integrate a contemplative orientation into the changing circumstances of daily life; and YALLI (Young Adult Life and Leadership Initiative) for young adults, ages 25-40, seeking to deepen their spiritual life and develop their gifts for contemplative leadership. These programs are designed for people who desire in-depth support for their lives and ministries and vary between 3 months and 18 months in length. All graduates of these programs may then join the Shalem Society for Contemplative Leadership, a vowed community that offers fellowship and further opportunities for growth in contemplative living and leadership. An Annual Gathering provides a time for silent retreat together, teachings around a specific theme related to contemplative living, and multiple ways to learn from each other s' lives and ministries. Society members often form local Shalem Circles that meet regularly for fellowship and ongoing discernment around invitations for contemplative leadership in their communities. Shalem has an online curriculum that includes the Online School of Contemplative Prayer, Living from the Spiritual Heart, quiet days, and seminars on contemplative leadership. Shalem also offers day-long and weekend events, as well as groups that meet regularly for spiritual renewal, deepening, Position Profile: Shalem Institute Executive Director 2
and sharing in mutual spiritual community. Shalem also offers directed pilgrimages that are significant opportunities for spiritual deepening. Recent pilgrimages have included the Holy Isle of Iona, Cuba and Paris. Each spring Shalem hosts the Gerald May Seminar featuring talks by prominent teachers of contemplative spirituality. This spring James Finley will present. In addition, Shalem honors leading contemplative teachers through the Contemplative Voices Awards. Recipients of this honor include John Philip Newell, Margaret Guenther, Richard Rohr and Cynthia Bourgeault, most of whom have also presented at the Gerald May Seminar. Shalem has a large virtual presence including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and a weekly blog. We also publish enews, which reaches over 8,500 people, and an annual journal of articles. Our website includes resources and other offerings to support a spiritual journey. The Position and Key Responsibilities Reporting to the Shalem Institute board of directors, the Executive Director provides direction and leadership for the organization s mission and strategic direction, represents and speaks for the organization and its work, and oversees the day to day operations. The Executive Director s primary responsibilities are: providing strategic vision and leadership; resource development; relationship management and community relations; administration, including fiscal management; and oversight of program development and management. Strategic Vision and Leadership Provide inspirational leadership and direction Ensure that the budget, staff, programs and priorities are aligned with the mission Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the board and assist with building a diverse, inclusive, and highly engaged board Resource Development Provide overall leadership and responsibility for developing and managing all resource development and related fundraising efforts Attend to donor relationships and attracting new donors Assure adequate operating funds annually Relationship Management and Community Relations Oversee the formation and execution of marketing and communications plans and strategies Cultivate, maintain, and maximize relationships with program participants, alumni, graduates, and other organizations with similar missions Administration Supervise staff with a strong commitment to professional development Ensure that Shalem s fiscal, operations, fundraising, marketing, human resources, administration, technology, and programmatic strategies are effectively implemented Create and promote collaboration and a positive, multicultural work environment Oversee the financial status of the organization and development of annual budgets Program Development and Management Regularly assess program quality and impact, and update as needed Position Profile: Shalem Institute Executive Director 3
Provide overall direction and support for programs and program development Near-Term Priorities The Executive Director plays a variety of leadership roles both inside and outside the organization. Toward these ends, the Executive Director will focus on the following priorities for the first 12 to 18 months of his/her tenure: Listen and discern where Shalem is as an organization and develop a firm understanding of its values and operating principles in order to better understand opportunities for its future; Maintain and build on the positive relationships that have been established with staff, board and an extensive array of program participants and alumni, donors, collaborating partners, and other contemplative leaders; Establish him/herself as the face and leader of the Shalem Community in the spirit of servant leadership; Seek new, innovative funding opportunities that align with Shalem s expanded reach; maintain current funding strengths and initiatives; Participate with the staff in an appreciative inquiry method of reviewing programs; Understand the culture of the organization, which includes living a set of values in a collaborative and prayerful atmosphere; Collaborate with the board and staff to develop and implement a strategic planning process in a manner that is grounded in contemplation and discernment; and Develop a firm understanding of the financial and operational side of the organization. Experience and Attributes The ideal candidate for this position will view their application as a response to discerning a call to this ministry and will share a commitment to, and enthusiasm for, Shalem s mission and vision. The candidate will bring a variety of experiences and attributes to Shalem, including: Ability to provide visionary and strategic leadership based in a contemplative stance, and translate that vision into measurable strategies and actions that advance the mission; Proven networking ability, exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent Shalem to various constituencies; Well-honed collaborative servant leadership skills and style, including openness to where the organization is being called; humility, integrity, flexibility, courage, and a sense of humor; Enjoys collaborative management, teamwork, and delegation; A pastoral and calm presence; prophetic, with a generous spirit; Well-developed written and oral communications skills; Deep listening with a strong appreciation for experiential learning, an openness and sensitivity to other spiritual traditions, and an ecumenical spirit; A broad knowledge of and deep appreciation for the Christian contemplative tradition, and a personal contemplative spiritual practice; Experience with or understanding of curriculum development, online learning, and strategies for online outreach; Openness to possibilities, inclination toward a both/and framework; Passion for developing and maintaining relationships with individual donors; Position Profile: Shalem Institute Executive Director 4
Sufficiently experienced and motivated to lead and grow Shalem s development planning and fundraising implementation including individual donor development, online giving, annual appeals, etc.; Proven experience with fiscal management, budgeting, and operations, including responsibility for developing and managing at least a $1M budget; Past success supporting a board of directors in its governance role, fostering its ongoing development, and keeping it informed about internal conditions and external developments; Significant professional experience of progressive leadership and management responsibility, preferably in a spiritually based or nonprofit organization; Proficiency in and/or appreciation for technology and social media; and An advanced degree preferred. Application Process Salary is competitive for organizations of similar mission and size. Shalem offers a desirable and unique working environment. Interested candidates should email a cover letter detailing your fit with Shalem s mission and the position s requirements, a resume, and salary requirements to: Shalem@raffa.com. Please direct all inquiries to Raffa, which is conducting the search. Contact: David Erickson-Pearson: epdavid@earthlink.net. The Shalem Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Position Profile: Shalem Institute Executive Director 5