Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, invites applications and nominations for the Executive Director position. The Executive Director will amplify Spirit in the Desert’s mission as a Lutheran-rooted ministry that welcomes people of all backgrounds to a place of peace, renewal, healing, and spiritual growth.
The retreat center campus includes the Ravenscroft Chapel, the Richard Anderson Dining Commons, the Estrem and Yackel lodging facilities, the Sunset Chapel and Hanson Contemplative Garden, a labyrinth, meditation walks, and multiple conference and meeting rooms. Spirit in the Desert has been the site for churches, multifaith houses of worship, and international guests to host personal and group retreats. The retreat center hosts a mid-week worship respite of meditation and Holy Communion, provides online Daily Devotions, as well as other faith formation opportunities.
A complete search profile, including information about Spirit In The Desert Retreat Center and the desired attributes for the Executive Director, is available on the SITD home page at https:// spiritinthedesert.org/job-openings/.
PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Review of nominations and applications will begin immediately, and nominations and expressions of interest will be welcomed until an appointment is made. The appointee is expected to take office by July 1, 2026.
Applications received by January 15, 2026 will be assured of full consideration. Applications should include a letter of interest demonstrating alignment with SITD’s mission, a resume, and the names of five professional references with email addresses and telephone numbers. All submissions will be treated in confidence and should be sent electronically in PDF format to Melissa Maxwell-Doherty melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com. To nominate a candidate for consideration, please contact Melissa Maxwell-Doherty: melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com with the candidate’s name and contact information.