Dean of Administration and Strategy

Kripalu Center is the largest yoga and wellness retreat center in the US. Kripalu is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to serving people and communities in realizing their full potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of Yoga. Rooted in yoga, mindfulness and holistic wellness, Kripalu creates pathways for personal and collective transformation through experiential learning. Kripalu’s campus is in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

Kripalu offers a wide range of experiences for guests, ranging from day passes to multi day programs and including signature programming and training developed by Kripalu, online programs, multi-day group events, and programming delivered by visiting talent (thought leaders, presenters, and luminaries).

Kripalu is committed to being an employer and community that prioritizes creating a sense of belonging for all employees, presenters, and guests. We seek employees eager to join us as we evolve as a team that embodies timeless yogic principles and present day practices of leadership and accountability.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

Kripalu Schools develops and delivers transformational professional certification trainings, live and online, to hundreds of students each year and holds significant responsibility for mission impact and financial sustainability of the organization. The Department includes the Kripalu Schools of Yoga, Integrative Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, and Mindful Outdoor Leadership.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dean is a full-time, salaried position responsible for overseeing the strategic business direction of all four Kripalu Schools and ensuring operational and personnel stability. The position plays a leading role in supporting School Directors in developing a synthesized marketing strategy for Kripalu Schools, and supporting each Kripalu School to refine its audience, sharpen its market position, strengthen its brand, grow financial performance, and adapt to industry trends to maintain its field leadership.

The Dean reports to the Chief Learning Officer of Kripalu and directly supervises the Directors of each of Kripalu’s four schools, School of Yoga, Ayurveda, Mindful Outdoor Leadership, and Integrative Yoga Therapy and the Kripalu Schools Manager, who all in turn are responsible for supervising a team of 5 staff and approximately 20 faculty members.

The ideal candidate should be an accomplished business leader, adept at leading teams responsible for planning and delivering holistic education-related programming. A proven track record for streamlining complex workflows and interdepartmental systems, demonstrated budget and personnel management acumen, and proven problem-solving skills with the ability to operate at both a detailed and systems levels in a fast-paced environment required. Experience maintaining positive and effective relationships across a wide range of faculty and staff, managing complex student issues, and deep experience (and a passion for) working in the field of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, Ayurveda, and wellbeing is preferred.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Define the strategic direction for Kripalu Schools and cultivate a cohesive, high-performing team.
• Lead cost/price modeling by school and training; build sustainable delivery and faculty compensation models; select program mix; and approve the annual calendar (40 to 45 trainings). Oversee budgeting process and monthly financial reporting and reconciliations for Kripalu Schools.
• Lead Directors and Manager to departmental goals/KPIs: manage to revenue and enrollment targets: adjust marketing/revenue/cost/format levers; and make go/no-go decisions on low-enrolled programs.
• Track industry, market, and global trends; evolve business models, formats, and curriculum options to keep each School best-in-class.
• Partner with Marketing, CLO, and Programs to clearly communicate methodology and offerings; elevate Faculty as field leaders and brand ambassadors across channels.
• Manage complex personnel matters; ensure fair/consistent contracts and compensation; and maintain strong faculty relationships.
• Set delivery and student-experience standards; support Directors/Manager and staff to meet expectations; consult on student concerns
• Align Schools with org-wide processes/policies; partner with IT/Marketing to enhance student-tracking and admissions analytics; Partner across departments to streamline trajectories and processes
• Attend regular revenue and leadership meetings.
• Create and execute plans to build, grow, and deepen connections with the Kripalu alumni community in partnership with other depts that engage this constituency
• Hire, supervise, and develop Schools Directors and Manager; and uphold culture and performance expectations across the full team.
• Lead with a commitment to equity in decision-making that also balances overall organizational and departmental performance
• Demonstrate integrity and alignment with Kripalu’s values while building strong, trust-based relationships and delivering practical, collaborative solutions.
• Show adaptability and a growth mindset, contributing across the organization and taking ownership of continuous learning and development.
• Other duties as needed to advance Kripalu Schools’ mission and results.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS  

• Successful track record with business development and marketing/communications/branding planning and management.  

• Minimum 8 years of leadership experience in business development, education, training, non-profit management or other related field.  

• Experienced supervisor with strong team leadership skills. 

• Extensive professional experience in the fields of yoga, mindfulness, and Ayurveda.  

• Excellent presenter, public speaker, and communicator.  

• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.  

• Demonstrated administrative organization-wide systems management and complex project implementation.   

• Proficient computer skills including advanced Excel and data tracking/management.   

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred. 

Additional Information

Work Location Requirement

This position is a fully onsite role based at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health's main campus, located at 57 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge, MA 01262. The successful candidate is expected to perform their duties on campus during their scheduled work hours. This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements.

Please note that Kripalu does not provide employee housing or relocation housing for this position. Candidates should ensure they are able to meet the onsite work requirement prior to applying.

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter. The cover letter should describe your interest in the role and highlight how your experience aligns with the position.

Applications submitted without a cover letter will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed or considered for employment.

Kripalu is deeply committed to diversity in all forms; we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.