Spiritual Programme Coordinator Role

Land of Joy is a small and peaceful, volunteer-run retreat centre nestled in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. We are an FPMT affiliated centre dedicated to offering a space for solitary and group retreats, supporting people to explore the Buddhadharma in a spirit of generosity. Our small team is warm, collaborative, and grounded in kindness.

We are looking for a part-time Spiritual Programme Coordinator (SPC) to join our SPC team. This role is remote, with optional visits to the centre, and works closely with:

  • Phara Khenchen Rinpoche, Minister of Religion

  • Beth, Center Director

  • Marie, Centre Coordinator

  • Laura G, Bookings Manager

  • Leanna, Communications Coordinator

  • The wider volunteer team and Land of Joy community

This is an special opportunity to be part of a professional and friendly team working in a collaborative environment whilst creating the conditions for those attending retreats to explore their minds and develop the realisations of the path to enlightenment.

About the Role

You will guide and coordinate the operations of the spiritual programme. This will include helping the SPC team support retreatants from their first application through to their farewells, working alongside the Centre Director to develop a balanced programme of retreats and nurturing teacher relationships. The SPC also supports the Bookings Manager assess the eligibility of those applying to attend personal and group retreats.

There will also be an opportunity to work with Phara Khenchen Rinpoche (Tulku-la) to develop a new service supporting those who are dying or have died, as well as continuing our regular pujas and practices.

Our 2026 retreat programme is already in place, so this role begins by supporting its delivery, with programme planning for 2027 starting in March/April 2026

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with Phara Khenchen Rinpoche (Tulku-la): Developing new spiritual initiatives, supporting prayer and practice, activities on Buddhist holy days, project development.

Teacher Liaison: Build warm relationships with visiting teachers, supporting their visits and helping to develop new opportunities for teacher engagement.

Retreat Coordination:
Guide the practical flow of the retreat programme (both group and solitary retreats) and ensure retreatants are well supported at every step of their practical retreat journey from booking online to submitting feedback and making donations.

Team Support: Work with the SPC team (bookings, retreat care, minister of religion) to ensure everyone has the information and training they need. Develop and maintain guidelines, FAQs, and resources.

Programme Development: Collaborate with the Director to diversify and strengthen the retreat programme, bringing in fresh ideas while honouring the traditions of the FPMT.

Retreatant Care: From application through to goodbyes, help retreatants feel welcomed, informed, and cared for, ensuring their retreat experience is meaningful and smooth.

Digital with a Human Touch: Coordinate retreat communications and planning in a “digital-first” way while keeping the warmth of human connection.

Promotion & Communications: Work with the Communications team to ensure retreat programmes are well promoted. Provide input for newsletters, social media, and website content, with a focus on meaningful Dharma communication.

Knowledge Base: Build and maintain a practical knowledge base of retreat and practice (including sutra and tantra) and role specific information, that can serve the whole team.

What we are looking for:

  • Familiarity with FPMT and a deep respect and enthusiasm for Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe’s vision and approach to the Dharma

  • Organisational skills and a collaborative, friendly & supportive working style

  • Ability to coordinate across teams and comfortably multi-task.

  • Great digital skills (google workspace, online tools, collaborative platforms), with an ability & willingness to learn new systems.

  • A balance of structure and flexibility: able to plan ahead, while also flowing with the changing needs of a volunteer-run retreat centre

  • A warm, kind communicator who enjoys supporting people.

  • Minimum commitment: 12 months, ideally longer to ensure continuity.

What we offer:

  • The opportunity to serve Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe’s vision in a meaningful way.

  • The chance to be part of a meaningful project: a retreat centre dedicated to service, generosity, and Dharma practice

  • A supportive and kind volunteer team to work alongside

  • The opportunity to learn more about retreat and ritual practices

  • Flexibility of remote, part-time working

  • An environment where your contribution makes a real difference to people’s retreat experience

  • The opportunity to be involved with community activities from afar, such as our dharma book club and question & answer session with Phara Khenchen Rinpoche.

How to Apply

We follow a careful application process to ensure we find volunteers who are genuinely suited to supporting our community, while also making sure Land of Joy is the right fit for you.

We believe in transparency and open communication throughout this process. If you have any questions or would like an informal chat about volunteering with us, a member of our team would be happy to speak with you by phone or email during your application.

  1. Submit a volunteer application form (via the button below), supplying all information and documentation required.
  2. Our Centre Director will be in touch to discuss your application and organise an interview with you if appropriate.
  3. If you and Land of Joy would like to proceed with the recruitment process following your interview, we will gather your references and let you know whether your application has been successful.
  4. If successful, a start date will be arranged.
  5. After you start there will be a two-week probationary period for both you and Land of Joy to see if it’s a good fit, followed by a three month review.

Please note: DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Checks at Land of Joy

To ensure a safe environment and in line with our safer recruitment policy, Land of Joy requires a Basic DBS checks for those volunteering longer than three months and an Enhanced DBS check with Barred List for those volunteering during family retreats.

All DBS information is handled securely and in compliance with legal guidelines. For more details, contact us.