Online Course Administrator (part-time, hybrid)

Online Course Administrator (part-time, hybrid)

Are you inspired by the transformative power of mindfulness and want to help make Thay's teachings more accessible to the world? Do you want to use your skills and experience in e-learning and online course administration to support the monastics of Deer Park Monastery? This position is a call to serve, a chance to deeply practice Right Livelihood while honing your skills in the e-learning domain.

About Deer Park Monastery

Deer Park Monastery, part of the International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, is a vibrant mindfulness practice center in Escondido, California. Rooted in the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, the monastery offers a sanctuary for individuals seeking peace, connection, and transformation through mindfulness and meditation. With a spirit of inclusivity, collaboration, and siblinghood, Deer Park Monastery provides a calm and supportive environment for all who arrive at the monastery.

The Position

Deer Park Monastery is seeking a part-time Online Course Administrator to support and coordinate the operations of its virtual course programming. This mindful and compassionate professional will help manage all aspects of the monastery’s online learning platform, serving as the first point of contact for course participants, facilitating live virtual classes, and collaborating with team members to ensure seamless program delivery.

The role is hybrid and based at Deer Park Monastery, requiring regular, weekly in-person attendance. The schedule includes 20-25 hours per week, with coverage from Friday to Monday (full details to be agreed upon with the successful candidate).

The Online Course Administrator will report to the Communications Coordinator.

What you'll be doing

• Coordinate all online course programs, supporting prospective and existing students from registration to course completion.
• Serve as the first point of contact for student inquiries, providing assistance with registration, onboarding, troubleshooting, and communications.
• Offer training and support for course participants on using the LMS platform and troubleshoot technical issues as needed.
• Develop and upload course content to the LMS.
• Manage the logistics of live virtual classes, including scheduling, communications, organizing group exercises, and ensuring technical readiness.
• Ensure “classroom organization,” including sharing links, setting up communication channels, and providing necessary resources to students.
• Create and distribute course surveys to collect and analyze student feedback.
• Collaborate with Deer Park volunteers to develop course content.
• Assist in migrating existing course materials from platforms like YouTube, Teachable, and Thinkific to the new LMS (Circle).
• Generate and share reports on course participation and feedback to support continuous improvement.

Skills and Qualifications

• An established meditation or mindfulness practice, preferably in the Plum Village tradition.
• Alignment with the Five Mindfulness Trainings (5MTs) and a commitment to embodying their principles.
• At least 2 years of experience as an e-learning course administrator.
• Administrator-level expertise with LMS platforms, ideally Circle, Thinkific, or Teachable.
• Experience facilitating or moderating virtual learning environments.
• Familiarity with migrating course content across platforms.
• Proficiency with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other common software.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and independently manage tasks.

Working location requirements

• Hybrid position based at Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, California.
• Regular weekly in-person attendance required.
• Schedule requires weekend coverage from Friday to Monday.
• Flexibility to work occasional extended, compensated hours during course launches or events.

Compensation and Benefits

Deer Park Monastery offers an hourly rate in line with the California minimum wage requirements ($16.50/hour), as well as benefits with details to be discussed in the interview.

Please note: There is the option for housing for employees of Deer Park. Employee may reside in housing nearby the monastery, within range of bike/e-bike or walking. While employed in this role, no rent is required; payment of utilities with others sharing the house is required. Lunch will be provided on work days. Residence in monastery housing requires attendance at Days of Mindfulness on Sunday mornings, and presence for three to four sitting meditation sessions per week.

In the practice of Inclusiveness, we are an equal-opportunity employer and actively work to ensure fair and equal treatment for all, regardless of culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, physical ability, or sexual orientation.

How to Apply

We are looking for caring and exceptional folks who want to practice Right Livelihood, make a positive difference, and help create the right conditions where everyone at Deer Park Monastery can thrive. If this role inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Please send the following materials to jobs@deerparkmonastery.org by May 31, 2025. 

• A cover letter sharing your interest in the position, your practice, and how your experiences align with the role. Please also confirm the schedule needs align with your availability.
• Your resume
• Any projects or work samples that may support your application. 

Please include “Application: Online Course Administrator” in the subject line of your email.