Operational Director

Hiring for position: Operational Director

Location: Remote (USA based) + In-Person Attendance at annual retreat in January in CA

Position Type: Part Time; Starting at 20 hours/week with the flexibility to grow to 30 hours/week within the first six months.

Reports to: Strategic Director

Salary: Starting at $32/ hour with opportunities for growth

Application Deadline: Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@lostborders.org by September 30th, 2025

About the School of Lost Borders

For over 40 years, the School of Lost Borders has been offering nature-based ceremonies and rites of passage that cultivate self-trust, responsibility, and a deep understanding of our unique place within society and the natural world. Founded by Meredith Little and Steven Foster in 1981, the School provides transformative programs such as vision fasts, guide trainings, and Living & Dying ceremonies. These programs are designed to support individuals in marking significant life transitions and integrating ceremony and nature-based practices into everyday life.

Originally based in Payahuunadü (Owens Valley, Big Pine, California), the School now operates across diverse landscapes, including New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and California. Our work is committed to fostering regenerative relationships with people and place. We believe in accessibility and inclusivity and through the use of scholarships and other support we strive to ensure that all who are called to our programs can participate.

The School’s organizational model incorporates guides, administration, and board perspectives in its decision-making, reflecting our commitment to a collaborative and evolving vision. We invite you to join us in this meaningful work, supporting individuals on their journeys of transformation and connection.

About the Role

The School of Lost Borders is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Operational Director to support the day-to-day administration and logistics of our organization. This role is central to ensuring that our internal systems run smoothly and in alignment with our mission. Working closely with the Strategic Director and Relational Director, the Operational Director helps build the infrastructure that supports our programs and overall organizational health.

This position not only ensures operational excellence, but also plays a key role in refining and redesigning systems to improve long-term efficiency, scalability, and compliance. It is a business focused role with an emphasis on systems and best practice and would suit someone with considerable experience developing systems in the non profit field. We are currently planning to update our programming and donor database and this position will fulfill a key role in supporting that transition as well as maintaining this system moving forward. We are looking for someone who is excited to jump in and help us create better, more efficient processes

Key Responsibilities

Administrative and Program Support

• Maintain and refine administrative systems for the organization
• Oversee program accounting and tuition payment tracking
• Accounts Payable

Database and Records Management

• Support the implementation and maintenance of a new program and systems database
• Update and organize internal files, forms, and documentation

Legal and Compliance Oversight

• Work with the administration team to remain in full legal and regulatory compliance with Federal, State, and local permitting agencies.

Organizational Participation

• Attend staff meetings and the organization’s annual gathering

Candidate Qualifications

Required:

• We are seeking a self-motivated person who will thrive in a small, dynamic organization. This person will need to work independently and remain flexible and adaptable to evolving needs.
• Proven experience in operational, administrative, or program management roles
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and improve systems and workflows
• Proficiency in using databases (e.g., Linseed, Little Green Light or similar CRM tools)
• Basic accounting knowledge related to program finances (Quickbooks experience preferred)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working with legal documents, permits, and compliance protocols
• Technologically proficient; comfortable using Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and digital file management system.
• Consistent weekly availability and work schedule
• Supportive of the vision, mission and work of the School of Lost Borders

Preferred:

• Experience helping an organization shift to a new database and/or system processes
• Experience working in a non-profit, educational, or mission-driven organization
• Familiarity with federal permitting processes and insurance coordination
• Knowledge of risk management practices in an outdoor/wilderness setting
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams or leadership
• Capacity to think systemically and implement sustainable, scalable processes
• Experience with supporting systemic change in long established organizations

Personal Attributes:

• Self-starter with a proactive mindset
• Precision-oriented and thorough in task execution
• Adaptable and open to process improvement and change
• Mission-aligned and values-driven
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Brings emotional and relational intelligence to the workplace

Additional Information

This is a dynamic and evolving role. Additional responsibilities may be added as systems develop and organizational needs shift. The ideal candidate will not only sustain but help elevate the School of Lost Borders’ operational backbone. We are currently in a time of transition and movement and we are looking for someone who feels able to grow, move, and change, alongside us.

Compensation and Benefits

• Generous monthly health care contribution
• 3 weeks PTO
• Compassionate leave
• One SOLB Course Tuition Paid per Year

Application Deadline: Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@lostborders.org by September 30th, 2025

• Generous monthly health care contribution
• 3 weeks PTO
• Compassionate leave
• One SOLB Course Tuition Paid per Year

A high level of written and spoken English is required. A high level of emotional intelligence is also required.