POSITION OPENING

Title: Program Co-Host

Compensation: Part-time, seasonal position starting at $28-32 per hour, based on experience.

Location: Onsite, Whidbey Institute, Clinton, WA

Application deadline: Priority submission Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. Position open until filled.

Who Should Apply

You are excited to engage with Whidbey Institute’s program partners and community. You offer a welcoming presence to all who visit the Whidbey Institute and are a natural host who brings curiosity and care to your work. You are responsible for the safety and wellness of groups of all sizes, including any emergency needs of our guests. You are comfortable handling emergent issues and can balance competing commitments. This role requires you to be primarily on-site at Whidbey Institute.

Desired Skills:

  • Calm response in busy situations and emergencies

  • Experience with customer service and hospitality

  • Comfortable using computers and basic office equipment

  • Communicate reliably via phone or email

  • Effective in conflict management and decision-making

  • Background in first aid and emergency response

  • Knowledge of adult and youth development, retreat center operation, or volunteer engagement are a plus.

Key Responsibilities and Roles

The day-to-day work of the Programs Co-Host is varied and busiest when programs are arriving and departing. Work hours may vary, including evenings and weekends. Our facilities include multiple indoor and outdoor meeting spaces as well as lodging and dining areas.

Hosting and Logistics

  • Provides first response for programs, guests and visitors' needs.

  • Coordinates with appropriate roles to understand hosting and logistics details.

  • Welcomes program partners and participants, orienting visitors to Whidbey Institute history, logistics, and culture.

  • Coordinates meeting space setup and breakdown.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

  • Responds to emergent needs and requests of program leaders and participants.

  • Participates in CPR/First Aid training to keep certification up to date.

You may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time:

  • Working outdoors, including frequent exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

  • Sitting, walking, and standing, including walking up and down steep hills and stairways.

  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects up to 40 pounds.

  • Driving a golf cart and van. Must have a valid driver’s license.

About Whidbey Institute

Whidbey Institute is a home for transformational learning and a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit. Our mission is to nurture the conditions for transformational learning, and our purpose is to be a Place for those called by the responsibility and transformative potential of these times.

We partner with a network of program leaders working in the areas of generative leadership, ecosystem vitality, community resilience, and more to offer one-day and multi-day workshops, conferences, and retreats. Our 106-acre conservation forest campus on South Whidbey Island is open to the public and features integrated gardens and a four-mile trail network.

The Whidbey Institute is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

To Apply

Please provide a cover letter, professional resume, and three references, submitted to work@whidbeyinstitute.org. Include a statement about what interests you the most about this position and your related experiences in this role.