DIOCESE OF PENSACOLA-TALLAHASSEE
JOB DECRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Operations/Business Manager, Catholic Retreat Camp & Conference Center at Cold Water Gardens
Date: March 2026 FLSA: Exempt
Job Summary
The Operations / Business Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management, financial stewardship, and operational oversight of a Catholic retreat camp situated on 400+ acres with multiple facilities and the capacity to host approximately 100 retreatants at a time. This role ensures that the retreat center operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably while fully supporting its spiritual mission and hospitality ministry.
Working closely with the Executive Director / Retreat Director, clergy, staff, and volunteers, the Operations / Business Manager integrates sound business practices with a deep respect for Catholic values, hospitality, and stewardship.
Job Responsibilities
Operations & Facilities Management:
• Oversee daily operations of a large retreat campus, including lodging, chapels, dining facilities, meeting spaces, offices, and outdoor grounds
• Manage maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements for multiple buildings and extensive acreage
• Coordinate preventative maintenance schedules to ensure safety, compliance, and longevity of facilities
• Oversee vendor relationships (maintenance, utilities, landscaping, waste, security, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, fire, insurance, and local/state regulations
Financial & Business Management:
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets in collaboration with leadership
• Monitor revenues, expenses, and cash flow; prepare regular financial reports
• Oversee purchasing, contracts, and expense controls
• Support retreat pricing, facility rentals, and operational cost analysis
• Assist with long-range financial planning and sustainability initiatives
Staff & Volunteer Oversight:
• Supervise operations staff (maintenance, housekeeping, hospitality, grounds, etc.)
• Coordinate scheduling to support retreats, programs, and events
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management
• Foster a collaborative, respectful workplace rooted in Catholic values
Hospitality & Guest Experience:
• Ensure a welcoming, orderly, and well-maintained environment for retreatants, clergy, religious, and guests
• Coordinate logistics for retreats and events, including room setup, meals, and facility readiness
• Respond promptly and professionally to operational issues affecting guest experience
Strategic & Mission Support:
• Collaborate with leadership to align operations with the retreat center's Catholic mission
• Support stewardship of land and facilities consistent with Church teachings and environmental responsibility
• Assist with planning for growth, special projects, and long-term campus development
Supervision
SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director, St Brendan Center
SUPERVISES: Operations Staff
LEADS/GUIDES: Operations Staff
Job Specifications
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, facilities management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in operations, business management, facilities management, or hospitality leadership
• Proven experience managing budgets and operational systems
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a retreat or hospitality environment
Preferred:
• Understanding of faith-based ministry environments
• Experience working with Catholic organizations, retreat centers, camps, conference centers, or non-profits
• Familiarity with large property or campus management
Personal & Spiritual Qualities
• Practicing Catholic who supports and respects the teachings and mission of the Church
• Commitment to hospitality, stewardship, and service
• Professional demeanor combined with pastoral sensitivity
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, religious, staff, and volunteers
Licenses Certifications and/or Registration: Valid Florida driver's license;
must pass background screening, credit check and all diocesan requirements for employees.
Work Environment:
• On-site position at a 400+ acre retreat campus
• Occasional evenings and weekends required to support retreats and events
• Ability to walk the property, inspect facilities, and respond to operational needs
Physical Demands/Traits: Perceive characteristic of objects through the eyes; express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word; perceive the nature of sounds by the ear; sit for prolonged periods of time; frequent walking and /or standing; able to lift, carry, push or pull 35 lbs maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of 20 lbs.
