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Job Opportunities

Opened in 2012, The Art of Living Retreat Center is the newest outgrowth of the Art of Living Foundation’s 40+ year global commitment to health, happiness, and Ayurveda.

Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the Center offers immersive wellness experiences inspired by authentic traditions of yoga and Ayurveda. From signature workshops in the life-transforming power of breath and meditation to cleanses that have been practiced for thousands of years, the experiences at the center and its Shankara Ayurveda Wellness provide timeless tools that help guests tap into their potential for lasting health and happiness.

The community is built around a spiritual and wellness focus. While this is not necessary in an applicant’s background, you should be able to deeply understand and appreciate this approach to life. For those who are inclined towards this lifestyle, there are plenty of opportunities for personal growth.

Below is a listing of our current job openings; click on the title to learn more. 

  • On-site housing opportunities
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Subsidized meal plans
  • Complimentary meditation and yoga classes
  • Complimentary participation in our Signature Happiness and Silence Retreats

Full-time positions only also include

  • Subsidized Health/Dental Insurance available after 90 days 
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time available after 90 days
  • Generous 401k contribution/match after one year

All of our positions include opportunities for advancement within the organization, monthly employee appreciation events, and the opportunity to engage in a wholesome lifestyle of self-sufficiency, meaningful work, inner development, and accomplishment.

Must pass a background screening. Please include the following when submitting your application:

  • Include the position title in the email subject line
  • CV with contactable references
  • Minimum of one recent letter of reference
  • Copies of any related certificates

Resumes may be submitted via email to [email protected].

Open Positions

Dining & Kitchen

Three times a day, we prepare whole-food meals with the freshest seasonal ingredients we can find. Our priority is to provide our guests with vegetarian nourishment designed to energize and nourish all body types in a stellar dining experience. Meals are served buffet-style.

This position is responsible for washing dishes, pots, and pans during prep periods and service, as well as performing any kitchen prep as directed by the supervisor. May also put away deliveries and organize storage.

Requirements

  • Some kitchen experience is preferred, but not required
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Mental and emotional stability
  • Outstanding people skills; comfortable interacting with diverse populations
  • Positive outlook and abundant optimism

APPLY

We are seeking passionate people to become an integral part of our Dining Team. In our buffet-style Dining Hall, guests self-serve their food and clear their dishes. Our server’s responsibilities include maintaining the buffet, making sure all stations are stocked and clean, prepping salad bar items, and helping in any other capacity to ensure a smooth and professional dining experience. This position also communicates with the Kitchen any front-of-house needs and engages with the guests professionally and politely.
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Attributes for Success

  • Some experience working in high-volume restaurants is preferred but not required
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Outstanding communication skills and attention to detail
  • Able to stand for extended periods
  • Able to interact with guests to ensure a positive dining experience
  • Positive outlook and abundant optimism
  • Customer service attitude
  • Must be able to work weekends/holidays as part of a regular schedule.

APPLY

Gift Shop

We are looking for an experienced retail shop associate interested in strengthening and growing their already abundant retail skills. Guest service is our priority and in providing that you will be constantly gathering and conveying information about our always-changing product lines. Seeking solutions for our guests while maintaining a relaxed, professional attitude is key. Growing in retail management skills and responsibilities will be a daily task and offer challenges and develop useful skills across the employment spectrum.

What You’ll Do Here

Apply all principles of excellent retail guest service, including

  • Greeting and directing customers as needed
  • Completing sales and returns
  • Preparing products for travel
  • Providing specific and general information regarding our various vendors and products
  • Multi-tasking through both the retail shop portion and the café portion of the business
  • Maintaining visual merchandise displays by cleaning, restocking from backstock, noting and reporting depleted stock levels, and completing standard shop upkeep as needed
  • Working closely with shop management to receive merchandise, and reconcile orders and invoices
  • Properly tag and label products, and prepare them for sale
  • Be constantly learning: new products, new vendors, new modalities of health and happiness
  • Having fun and being creative! The space is one of creativity and joy, the right associate will embrace it as it embraces them.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Must have proven positive experience as a retail sales associate.
  • Computer literacy is a must, as are basic math skills.
  • Shopify experience is a plus.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Desire to learn and convey information for holistic, natural, inspirational, and life-expanding products.
  • Flexibility in scheduling.
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and then shift easily into quiet, task-focused work.

APPLY

Hospitality

We are seeking a dedicated and friendly individual to join our team as a Front Desk Agent.

This position plays a pivotal role in providing exceptional guest service and ensuring smooth operations at the retreat center. It is the first point of contact for guests and is responsible for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, addressing guest inquiries, and assisting with their needs throughout their stay.

This vital position requires excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively.

Guest Services Responsibilities

  • Greet guests in a friendly and professional manner, creating a positive first impression.
  • Provide information about our Center, available rooms, rates, and amenities.
  • Assist guests with online and phone reservations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
  • Assist guests with check-in and checkout procedures, ensuring a seamless experience.
  • Handle guest inquiries, requests, and complaints promptly and professionally.
  • Provide personalized recommendations and assistance to enhance guests’ overall experience.
  • Liaise with Housekeeping to ensure all rooms are clean and tidy, and that guests’ needs are accommodated.
  • Confirm group reservations and arrange personalized services for attendees.
  • Maintain updated records of bookings, signed waivers, and payments.

Reservations and Administrative Responsibilities

  • Manage guest reservations using the retreat center’s booking system, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
  • Answer phone calls and emails promptly, providing excellent customer service.
  • Assist in the coordination and scheduling of guest activities, workshops, and events.
  • Process payments, issue invoices, and maintain accurate records of financial transactions.
  • Provide detailed notes of guest requests and accommodations for other departments and staff in the guests’ reservation files.
  • Maintain the front desk area, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and a welcoming ambiance.
  • Prepare and distribute daily reports, including occupancy, arrivals, and departures.
    Making hotel keys.

Other Responsibilities 

  • Collaborate with other departments, such as housekeeping and maintenance, to ensure smooth operations.
  • Communicate guest preferences, special requests, and feedback to relevant team members.
  • Act as a liaison between guests and internal staff, ensuring effective communication.
  • Foster positive relationships with guests, creating a warm and hospitable environment.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent; additional education in hospitality or related fields is a plus.
  • Proven experience in a customer service role, preferably in the hospitality industry.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in computer systems and software, including MS Office, Google Suite, and reservation systems.
  • Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Knowledge of the Art of Living Foundation and its programs is an advantage.

APPLY

We’re looking for Shuttle Drivers to help our guests navigate their way around our property so they can focus on their retreat. If you like meeting new people and enjoy driving, this opportunity may be for you. Full-time or part-time positions are available.

  • Clean, valid driver’s license
  • Customer service attitude
  • Able to take independent responsibility for work tasks
  • Mental and emotional stability
  • Outstanding people skills
  • Self-motivated and adventure-seekers
  • Positive outlook and abundant optimism
  • Must be able to work weekends/holidays as part of a regular schedule.

APPLY

Operations

No open positions at this time.

Sales & Marketing

No open positions at this time.

Application Requirements

Must pass a background screening. Please include the following when submitting your application:

  • Include the position title in the email subject line
  • CV with contactable references
  • Minimum of one recent letter of reference
  • Copies of any related certificates

Resumes may be submitted via email to [email protected].

Contact Form

Group Inquiry Request

Group Inquiry Request