DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow’s psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities”, the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.   Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world. OVERVIEW

The Esalen Institute is seeking a  Director of Education, who will be responsible for developing and overseeing Esalen’s educational strategy, ensuring alignment with Esalen’s mission while fostering innovative and impactful learning experiences. This role provides strategic leadership for all educational programming, leveraging data-driven decision-making for program evaluation and administration. 

Working closely with the Programs Committee of the Board of Trustees, the educational team, and Esalen leadership. The Director of Education ensures that Esalen’s programs not only meet but lead evolving trends, uphold educational excellence, and optimize revenue and engagement. This position is ideal for a leader with experience in curriculum design, experiential learning, and program strategy, who is passionate about human potential and personal, spiritual, and social transformation. 

This is a remote position requiring on-site visits to Big Sur, CA every three months for 4-7 days (travel, lodging, and food provided).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Educational Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute Esalen’s long-term educational strategy in collaboration with our Programs Committee, educational team, and Esalen leadership, ensuring alignment with mission and values.

Oversee all Esalen programs, including public workshops, SGE (self-guided experience), educational initiatives,, and fellowships/residences. .

Stay ahead of emerging trends in experiential education. 

Research and Development Strategy

Discern cutting-edge educational opportunities, drawing on relevant social, spiritual, and intellectual traditions.

Data, Metrics & Performance Analysis Oversight

Translate Board-level strategy into actionable key performance indicators (KPIs) that are quantifiable.

 Incorporate enrollment trends, retention rates, and learner feedback to refine and optimize strategy and mitigate risk.

Utilize data-driven insights to inform content strategy, faculty selection, and curriculum adjustments, in close conversation with intellectual discernment. 

Oversight of Workshop and Educational Programming

Lead and manage the educational team. 

Oversee the educational master calendars and forecasting tools to ensure optimal scheduling, occupancy, and revenue performance.

Act as a point of collaboration for the educational team in the selection of faculty, workshops, and other programs, ensuring a balance between new and returning faculty.

Collaboration with Marketing & Outreach

Work closely with the future Director of Marketing to develop targeted outreach that increases participation and engagement in all educational offerings..

Track and flag underperforming and new programming initiatives in need of marketing support. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Substantial, relevant experience in educational program development, experiential learning, and/or curriculum design.

Master's Degree or higher (or equivalent) preferred

Highly collaborative, adaptable, and skilled in cross-functional leadership.

Proficiency in Google Suite, Excel, and organizational tools and platforms.

FLEXIBILITY

Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to sit for long periods of time, occasionally carry and lift up to 25 pounds and be able to perform daily repetitive hand motions as it pertains to computer mouse and keyboard.

COMPENSATION

This role offers a generous benefits package including competitive pay commensurate with experience, medical and dental insurance, and paid time off. In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of  personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.