July 16, 2025
Executive Director - Job Posting
What We’re Looking For
Mountain Stream Meditation is looking to hire an Executive Director who is a dedicated Buddhadharma practitioner to co-lead the organization and grow the community with the Guiding Teacher and the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate will be a self-driven and managing, organized leader with excellent people skills, focused on stewarding Mountain Stream Meditation (MSM).
Admin Team: Heart of the Day-to-Day
The mission of MSM is to offer the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma), support the spiritual community (Sangha), and promote skillful means as a path to awakening.
Rooted in Buddhist Insight Meditation, our vision is to provide a welcoming, contemplative space of refuge and practice. Our aim is to cultivate a community that embodies the Buddha’s teachings of wisdom and compassion and apply those teachings in daily life. The Buddhist ethics of non-harming is the foundation of our values.
Currently, the MSM admin team consists of part-time staff supported intermittently by consultants and volunteers. This structure keeps us nimble and effective, grounded in teamwork, and operating with humor and joy. As we grow, we’re aiming to become even more volunteer-driven, fostering deeper community engagement and shared stewardship.
Our community Dharma center and offices are located within a mile of downtown Nevada City. Staff primarily work in-office with one remote employee.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, encompassing two primary areas of focus:
Administration and Operations (50%): The Executive Director of Mountain Stream Meditation leads the organization’s mission to offer the Buddha’s teachings in an inclusive, supportive environment. This on-site role manages daily operations—including staff, programs, finances, and facilities—and serves as the key liaison between the Board, Guiding Teacher, and sangha. Core responsibilities include overseeing programs, communications, budgeting, and staff, while actively engaging in the life of the community, including supporting hybrid events and daylongs.
Development and Fundraising (50%): Lead and strengthen Mountain Stream's fundraising efforts. This means managing the donor database, collaborating with the Fundraising Committee by providing guidance for its efforts, cultivating and growing the volunteer base and overall community, taking ownership of major donor relationships, identifying new prospects (major donors, businesses, foundations), planning special events, crafting donor communications, and analyzing fundraising data to adjust strategies.
For a complete overview of the role, please visit this page.
Qualifications
A deep commitment to Buddhadharma practice and to Mountain Stream's mission.
Proven organizational and management skills and ability to partner effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Experience with Online QuickBooks for nonprofit bookkeeping and budget management.
Proficient in donor management systems; ability to quickly onboard with DonorSnap.
Ideally, a minimum of 2 years of experience in nonprofit development with a track record of success in major gifts, planned giving, corporate/foundation giving, and special events.
Strong computer and internet skills including use and application of social media.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong leadership and management skills, particularly in a nonprofit setting.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse colleagues, board members, and volunteers.
Bachelor's degree or higher preferred
Compensation and Employment Details
Hours and Location: This is a full-time, in-person position for Mountain Stream Meditation. Our center is located at 710 Zion Street (Nevada City Insight Center) Nevada City, CA.
Annual Salary: $75,000
Health Insurance Stipend: $500/month
Interim Housing: There is a possibility of interim housing.
Flexible Paid Time Off: The Executive Director is expected to coordinate all time away with the Board Chair in advance and ensure appropriate coverage or delegation of duties. The Executive Director will also keep a general record of their time off for organizational planning purposes.
Metrics of Success
Successful relationships and communications with the board, staff, and community.
Sustained operational efficiency that supports the growth of mission-aligned offerings.
Effective implementation of the development model, leading to increased fundraising and volunteerism.
Stewardship and growth of the Mountain Stream community overall.
Invitation to Apply
Mountain Stream Meditation is looking for an ardent Buddhadharma practitioner with a passion for leadership and community development. Please send your resume, cover letter, and brief answers to the following questions to david@mtstream.org.
Please give us a brief description of your meditation practice and study.
Are you familiar with financial reports and comfortable with using them as tools to manage a nonprofit organization?
Please provide a brief description of your past fundraising strategies and efforts.
How do you foster a collaborative and supportive environment within an organization?
Are you available to work full-time and in-person in Nevada City, CA?
Mountain Stream is committed to diversity and encourages qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Mountain Stream Meditation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has supported Buddhist meditation in the Sierra Nevada since the early 1990s, rooted in the Theravada Buddhist Insight and Thai Forest tradition.