Lake Doniphan Conference & Retreat Center seeks a skilled, detail-oriented Executive Director to manage its 300-acre facility near Kansas City, Missouri, overseeing personnel, operations, guest satisfaction, and adherence to safety standards.

Position Description

Open until filled

Employer

Lake Doniphan Conference & Retreat Center

Location

Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA

Remote Eligibility

Not eligible

Required Language

English required, Spanish preferred

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management, Business Administration, or a related field

Experience Required/Desired

Minimum of two to five years successful and progressive management experience in a camp, resort or retreat center environment, or an institution (school, health care facility, etc.)

Immediate Supervisor

President of the Board of Directors

Employment Status

40+ hours/week

Summary of Position

Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center is looking for a talented, motivated, and detail-oriented individual for a pivotal leadership role responsible for the comprehensive oversight and strategic management of our 300-acre facility located at the northeast edge of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area in northwest Missouri. This ACA accredited facility offers full-service housing, dining, and recreational services for more than 13,000 user days each year.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to, ensuring efficient operation, financial performance, marketing, fundraising, public relations, and supporting operations (administrative, food service, hospitality, and facilities and grounds maintenance) up to and exceeding the satisfaction of the guests. This position will be responsible for managing the overall operations of Lake Doniphan Conference & Retreat Center—in accordance with Community of Christ requirements and applicable safety, health and accreditation standards—in order to serve the needs of patrons and guests.

We have a no marijuana/tobacco/alcohol/drug/weapons possession policy for all Community of Christ properties and facilities, and the successful candidate is expected to uphold this policy to all users and employees of the grounds. Residence on the grounds may be an option but is not required; residence within 20 minutes of the campground is expected.

Must have a flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed, and the ability to fill in for other staff roles in their absence.

Essential Functions

Financial Management:

• Manages and monitors the annual budget, focusing on revenue generation and cost control to enhance the organization’s financial outlook.
• Manages quotes, invoicing, expense tracking, and provides documentation for our external accounting group.
• Approves expenditures and manages inventory for supplies and services.

Sales & Marketing:

• Develops and executes sales and marketing strategies to attract new guests and retain existing groups, focusing on achieving occupancy and revenue goals.
• Oversees the creation and distribution of marketing materials, website content, and social media presence.
• Acts as phone contact for booking inquiries, guest needs assessment, quote development, scheduling facilities usage, booking follow-up, and collecting payment.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the sponsors (the Central Mission Center and the Midlands Mission Center of Community of Christ), guest groups, various non-profits, and community groups.
• Periodically analyzes retreat center trends to adjust strategies as needed.
• Assists with fundraising efforts.

Operational Management:

• Ensures all day-to-day operations are met across facilities and grounds maintenance, housekeeping, food service, and administrative responsibilities, offering to support in training, supervision, and filling in to complete tasks as needed.

• Oversees operational policies and procedures to optimize guest satisfaction.
• Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Maintains American Camp Association accreditation.
• Monitors and enforces employee compliance with the registered youth worker program and other training required by Community of Christ.
• Provides updates and coordinates business plans with the board of directors.
• Works with various board committees on projects and planning.
• Coordinates and leads campground-sponsored programming.

Human Resources & Team Leadership:

• Coordinates with the Operations Director in the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of team members.
• Oversees performance reviews, provides constructive feedback, and facilitates professional development opportunities.
• Manages staff scheduling, coordinates payroll, and ensures adherence to HR policies.
• Measures and promotes a culture of exceptional guest service and teamwork.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies/Skills

• A commitment to Community of Christ and Lake Doniphan missions, philosophies and values.
• Skilled with Microsoft Suite, especially Outlook, Excel and Word. Able to learn new software quickly and independently.
• Excellent business management and analysis skills for a dynamic and complex organization including organizational and follow-through skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and monitor a team-oriented environment; to provide staff leadership to fulfill organizational goals and objectives.
• Excellent communication skills: verbal, written and listening; provide front-line leadership for public relations initiatives and marketing efforts; possess excellent grammar, punctuation, and proof-reading skills with command of the English language.
• Understanding of the camping and hospitality industries with some experience in building maintenance and food preparation.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes

Other Duties

Please note that this job description in not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned when necessary.

Required Trainings

Registered Youth Worker/Anti-harassment Training: New employees are required to be a registered youth worker with Community of Christ or be able to register within 30 days of hire date. Anti-harassment training is also required within 30 days of hire and then required annually.

Ministerial Status

No

Overtime Status

Exempt

Application Instructions

Please send a letter of interest and resume to Nathan Twombly.