| 

THE GARRISON INSTITUTE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Garrison Institute, based in Putnam County, NY, is seeking an innovative and inspiring Executive Director.

Organizational Overview

Founded in 2003 and located on the Hudson River north of New York City, Garrison Institute applies the transformative power of contemplative methods to solve pervasive social and environmental challenges in order to create a more compassionate and resilient world. Working in collaboration with individuals, other institutions, and communities of interest, Garrison Institute aspires to bring about significant changes in society. Einstein said that we cannot solve problems with the state of mind that created them. Contemplation--the practice of reflecting deeply--transforms one’s state of mind, thereby changing perceptions and opening fresh possibilities for action. The Garrison Institute believes that contemplative methods will come to be broadly used as an effective and wise force for cultivating the essential human qualities of insight, caring, altruism, ethical behavior, and courage. By giving rise to new vision and wisdom, contemplation will lead to fundamental and much-needed value shifts in society.

The Garrison Institute believes there is a non-linear and mutually-reinforcing dynamic of co-evolution between deep change in complex societal systems and profound ethical and behavioral shifts in individuals. Therefore, Garrison Institute intentionally pursues a two-tiered strategy, seeking leverage points for social and environmental change at both the systems and individual levels. At the systems level, Garrison Institute seeks to identify and nurture the emerging field of applied contemplative practices by mapping current work in specific sectors, undertaking quantitative and qualitative research, convening scientists and practitioners for in-depth dialogue, supporting the growth of communities of practice, and disseminating important findings. At the individual level, Garrison Institute provides leaders and front-line professionals with three offerings: contemplative retreats for renewal and personal transformation led by outstanding teachers, professional trainings that cultivate awareness and concentration to strengthen resiliency and sense of purpose in one’s vocation, and evidence-based contemplative tools for direct application in specific vocational contexts.

Garrison Institute currently engages in three program Initiatives—Contemplation and Education, Transforming Trauma, and Transformational Ecology—and plans to pursue additional Initiatives over time. The Institute also hosts contemplative residential retreats offered by visiting teachers and groups of many different traditions that bring together spiritual leaders and practitioners, activists and social service providers, policy makers, scientists and scholars. As a result of its work in these areas, Garrison Institute expects practice in the fields it addresses to undergo qualitative changes that contribute to systems transformation.

As a result of strategic planning launched in 2006, the Garrison Institute has chosen to advance its mission and vision by engaging in the following four areas:

• Supporting communities of contemplative practice and the development of contemplative applications within existing and emerging fields;

• Cultivating knowledge networks by collecting knowledge to inform the evolution of Garrison Institute’s Initiatives and disseminating knowledge generated by them;

• Enhancing Garrison Institute as an organization;

• Achieving ongoing financial sustainability.

Over the next three to five years, Garrison Institute will pursue twelve strategic goals that align with these four areas, as described below:

1) Support communities of contemplative practice and the development of contemplative applications within existing and emerging fields

• Develop a body of anchor retreat programs featuring great teachers and/or organizations with programs closely aligned with Garrison Institute’s mission

• Focus on serving change agents, especially direct service providers, front-line professionals, and leaders and future leaders

• Develop logistically and economically viable training models for replication and dissemination

• Develop the capability to provide contemplative methods to help organizations do strategic and transformative work

2) Cultivate knowledge networks by collecting knowledge to inform the evolution of Garrison Institute’s Initiatives and disseminating knowledge generated by them

• Expand and deepen the knowledge, wisdom, and capacity of Garrison Institute

• Build a strong means for Garrison Institute’s internal and external communication

3) Enhance Garrison Institute as an organization

• Develop a strong, engaged Board and Group of Advisors

• Build the management capacity and human infrastructure of Garrison Institute

• Steward and enhance Garrison Institute’s natural, built, and social environment

4) Achieve ongoing financial sustainability

• Achieve full financial sustainability of Garrison Institute’s Initiatives

• Obtain financial sustainability of operations through revenue from program events at Garrison Institute

The Garrison Institute applies the transformative power of contemplative methods to solve pervasive social and environmental challenges in order to create a more compassionate and resilient world. As an organization, the Institute is poised to take an important step forward as an innovator, catalyst and visionary organization in addressing society’s most complex issues. The Executive Director will join an organization which has a deep sense of commitment to its core values and purpose.

For more information on The Garrison Institute please review their website at www.garrisoninstitute.org.

Executive Director

The Executive Director should be a person who thrives on working with individual leaders who bring passion and a unique interest to apply the transformative power of contemplation to today’s pressing social, educational, economic and environmental concerns. The Executive Director must be able to bridge the inspired thinking found in the Institute with a pragmatic ability to implement and stay grounded in actions which support the sustainability of the organization. If the Institute is to become the “engine of realization” the Executive Director will need to ensure the programs, fundraising activities, and Board operate at their maximum capacity. Moreover, the Executive Director will engage in helping to build an organization during a period of institutional change. Diana Rose, as one of the founders and a key donor, will continue to serve as President but will begin to shift away from her day-to-day functions. Over time Diana will move entirely from internal leadership to an important role on the Board. The Executive Director will need to be comfortable with this changing dynamic and will work with an organizational coach and facilitator to make sure the transition with Diana is smoothly and thoughtfully executed. The Executive Director will be based in Garrison, New York.

The broad goals and objectives facing the Executive Director include:

• To serve as a champion for the mission, direction and activities of the Institute – building, strengthening and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, donors, partners and critical constituencies;

• To provide organizational leadership for Institute, including the implementation of established program priorities and fostering a culture which recruits and retains top level professional staff;

• To support the development of a vibrant future by continuing to cultivate, expand and make best use of the Institute’s Board of Directors, Advisors, and partners; and

Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes

Beyond these objectives, the Executive Director should ideally possess the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

• A passionate commitment to the mission and values of Institute.

• A leadership record of success in raising significant funds from a range of sources such as private and family foundations, corporate foundations and corporate sponsorships, international development agencies, non-US government sources, individual donors and other revenue-generating activities.

• A demonstrated track record of success as leader and manager of a multifaceted organization with staff and Board development oversight. An ability to attract, retain and develop professional staff who expand the capacity for Institute to make a difference.

• A leadership style and experience creating broad-based partnerships that cross ethnic, cultural and sector lines – experience working with community-based organizations and grassroots leaders, in bridging sectors and effecting change.

Personal Attributes

• A capacity to listen and to work with others – a deep commitment to the spirit and practice of contemplative reflection on a personal and organizational basis.

• An ability to inspire trust, a proven ability to lead and facilitate with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to move from ideas to action.

• An ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse range of people from different environments, sectors, and society.

• An ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, approachability, and openness to input from all levels of staff.

• An ability to be stay grounded, trustworthy, an ability to give credit and recognition to others and personal style of acting with humility and grace – in sum a superb professional and personal presence.

Compensation

The compensation for this opportunity has been designed to attract a person of significant accomplishment.

The Institute offers the opportunity to work in a beautiful, contemplative setting with a thoughtful community of like-minded people.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter explaining how your skills and background fit this position and a resume to resumes@explorecompany.com.

Daniel Sherman
President
Explore Company
1054 31st Street NW
Suite 330
Washington, DC 20007
202-333-3475 fax

The Garrison Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Download This Job Posting

Web site by Marc Nathan and Simply Computers Plus