Executive Director — Mirror Lake Retreat Center (Metro NY District)

Executive Director
Mirror Lake Retreat Center
Metro New York District – Church of the Nazarene
Full-Time Position

Position Summary
The Executive Director of Mirror Lake Retreat Center provides visionary, spiritual, operational, and administrative leadership for the retreat center as a ministry of the Metro New York District Church of the Nazarene.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management, direction, and growth of the retreat center, ensuring that all programs, facilities, staff, and resources advance the mission of the Church of the Nazarene and serve the district’s churches and broader community organizations, schools, and non-profit groups.

The Executive Director reports directly to the District Superintendent and works in collaboration with the designated Camp/Retreat Center Boards (Programming and Development).

Mission Alignment
Mirror Lake Retreat Center exists to:
Facilitate life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ
Provide sacred space for spiritual formation, discipleship, and renewal
Serve the churches of the Metro New York District and the broader body of Christ
Model holiness, hospitality, stewardship, and integrity in all operations

The Executive Director must affirm and actively support:
The Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene
The mission of making Christlike disciples in the nations
The polity and authority structures of the Church of the Nazarene

Primary Responsibilities

1. Spiritual Leadership
Provide Christ-centered leadership that reflects the holiness tradition of the Church of the Nazarene
Cultivate a culture of prayer, integrity, hospitality, and servant leadership
Ensure all programs and activities align with district mission and denominational values

2. Operational Leadership
Oversee all day-to-day operations of the retreat center
Supervise full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff
Develop staff through training, performance evaluation, and spiritual encouragement
Ensure excellent guest experience and ministry effectiveness
Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations

3. Financial Stewardship
Develop and manage the annual operating budget
Ensure responsible stewardship of all retreat center funds
Provide regular financial reporting to the District Superintendent and appropriate boards
Collaborate with the Retreat Board for Development to encourage fundraising initiatives, donor development, and grant opportunities

4. Property & Facilities Oversight
Oversee maintenance and improvement of all buildings, grounds, and equipment
Implement long-range capital improvement planning
Ensure safe, clean, and welcoming facilities
Maintain risk management and insurance compliance

5. Program Development & Guest Services
Collaborate with district ministries (NYI, SDMI, NMI, clergy development, etc.) to coordinate district camps, retreats, and events.
Cultivate relationships with churches and external ministry partners
Promote utilization of the retreat center year-round

6. Strategic Vision & Growth
Collaborate with the District Superintendent to establish long-range ministry vision
Develop marketing strategies consistent with district values
Strengthen the retreat center’s role within district life

7. Governance & Accountability
Report directly to the District Superintendent
Provide written and verbal reports as requested
Implement district policies and denominational guidelines
Maintain transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership

Qualifications
Spiritual & Personal Qualifications
A committed follower of Jesus Christ
In harmony with the doctrine and practice of the Church of the Nazarene
Demonstrated spiritual maturity and integrity
Strong interpersonal and relational skills
Commitment to holiness, unity, and servant leadership
Professional Qualifications
Leadership experience in camp ministry, retreat centers, nonprofit management, or similar organization
Experience in financial management and budgeting
Strong organizational and administrative skills
Experience supervising staff and volunteers
Fundraising and donor relations experience preferred
Strong communication and public speaking abilities

Key Competencies
Visionary and strategic thinker
Culturally competent
Effective team builder
Financially responsible
Organizationally strong
Relationally intelligent
Ministry-minded and mission-focused
Adaptable and resilient

Work Expectations
Full-time, year-round position
On-site residency required
Evening and weekend availability required during camp and retreat seasons
Active participation in district events and leadership gatherings

Compensation & Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience and district guidelines
Housing on-site
Other Benefits as applicable

Evaluation
The Executive Director will receive annual performance review conducted by the District Superintendent, with input from designated district leadership.

Application Process
Applicants must:
Submit résumé and cover letter
Provide a personal testimony and statement of faith
Affirm agreement with the Church of the Nazarene’s Articles of Faith
Provide references, including pastoral reference
Send application materials to Rev. Dr. Jeffrey T. Barker, District Superintendent (jeff@mnynaz.com)