What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Luminary Programming position at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health?
About Us
Kripalu Center 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 and compassionate leadership.
Our vision is a world united in service towards well-being, justice, and peace. Our core values are the essential principles guiding us in everything we do: Love, Wholeness, Unity, Service and Evolution.
Kripalu is committed to being an employer and community where all belong. We seek employees eager to join us as together we further develop into a workforce and workplace that embodies timeless yogic principles and urgent present-day practices of accountability. Part of this important work includes our team and Board of Trustees partnering with Race and Resilience to shift our understanding, behaviors, policies, and culture to fully embrace the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Summary
The Luminary Programming department curates innovative, mission-aligned workshops, trainings and experiential programs led by world-renowned teachers and thinkers. Our focus is on healing and wholeness, nature and earth-based wisdom, movement, creativity, connection and community — with offerings that reflect the evolving interests of our guests and the broader fields of personal wellness, collective transformation, spirituality and ancient wisdom.
Position Summary
The Director of Luminary Programming is a strategic and visionary leader who guides the development and execution of Luminary Presenter-led programs. This role is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with marquee faculty, overseeing program development and curation, maintaining financial health of the department, and ensuring Kripalu remains at the forefront of the wellness, social impact and mindfulness movements. This position manages a team of core programmers and program administration and works cross-functionally to ensure the seamless planning and delivery of 250-300 programs annually.
Schedule
Kripalu Center 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 and compassionate leadership.
Our vision is a world united in service towards well-being, justice, and peace. Our core values are the essential principles guiding us in everything we do: Love, Wholeness, Unity, Service and Evolution.
Kripalu is committed to being an employer and community where all belong. We seek employees eager to join us as together we further develop into a workforce and workplace that embodies timeless yogic principles and urgent present-day practices of accountability. Part of this important work includes our team and Board of Trustees partnering with Race and Resilience to shift our understanding, behaviors, policies, and culture to fully embrace the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Summary
The Luminary Programming department curates innovative, mission-aligned workshops, trainings and experiential programs led by world-renowned teachers and thinkers. Our focus is on healing and wholeness, nature and earth-based wisdom, movement, creativity, connection and community — with offerings that reflect the evolving interests of our guests and the broader fields of personal wellness, collective transformation, spirituality and ancient wisdom.
Position Summary
The Director of Luminary Programming is a strategic and visionary leader who guides the development and execution of Luminary Presenter-led programs. This role is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with marquee faculty, overseeing program development and curation, maintaining financial health of the department, and ensuring Kripalu remains at the forefront of the wellness, social impact and mindfulness movements. This position manages a team of core programmers and program administration and works cross-functionally to ensure the seamless planning and delivery of 250-300 programs annually.
Schedule
- Full-time position (40 hours/week)
- On-campus presence required regularly (ideally weekly) - providing guidance, support and leadership to Luminary team and for cross-departmental collaboration (e.g. guest services, marketing, finance, production, among other departments)
- Hybrid or remote flexibility, as appropriate for business needs
- Presence during campus-based programming is expected, as well as periodic travel to relevant industry events, faculty/presenter engagements, summits, etc.
- Lead the development of a comprehensive Luminary Program strategy that supports Kripalu’s mission, financial goals, and vision for innovation – working with CPIO on overall creative direction
- Serve as key liaison to marquee faculty, fostering loyalty and collaboration
- Oversee the vetting and booking process for new and returning presenters, ensuring programs align with vision, content mix is curated strategically, revenue goals of the organization are supported and Kripalu is positioned as go-to destination for innovative programs
- Collaborate with Marketing to develop effective promotional strategies leveraging presenter networks and Kripalu platforms
- Provide leadership and mentorship to the Luminary Programming team, fostering a collaborative and creative environment
- Manage sensitive and high-stakes negotiations, legal issues, presenter honoraria/terms, with an eye to profit margin and ensuring sustainability and accessibility
- Continue work to ‘right-size’ department for current times, balancing revenue potential and Kripalu strategic priorities
- Manage departmental annual budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with strategic oversight
- Track performance of department month-to-month in partnership with Program Manager, and recommend adjustments as needed to achieve goals
- Strategic thinker with the ability to forecast trends and align program offerings with organizational goals
- Visionary and inspirational leader who fosters team collaboration and innovation
- Skilled relationship-builder with an equity-centric and solutions-oriented mindset
- Strong organizational and communication skills; able to balance creative vision with operational realities
- Resilient, adaptable, committed to continuous personal and professional growth
- Deep integrity and alignment with Kripalu’s vision and core values
- 7 years of experience in wellness, retreat centers, performing arts, or related industries
- 5 years in a leadership/management role with a demonstrated ability to inspire and lead a high-performing team
- Proven success in program design, innovation, and execution in a mission-driven setting
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools.
- Experience in facilitation or content development / curation
- Familiarity with Kripalu’s programming areas including yoga, Ayurveda, mindfulness, integrative health, spirituality and ancient wisdom traditions
- Background in working with presenters, speakers, facilitators, authors, or thought leaders in wellness and leadership
- Bachelor’s degree or equivaluent
- Understanding of marketing and promotional strategies
- Insight into pricing strategies, scholarship structures, and equitable access / business models
