Volunteer Opportunities

Nalanda Monastery, Lavaur
Nalanda Monastery is a unique monastery for Western monks located in the South of France. We are a residential home for monks, lay students and residential volunteers. Living with us offers a rare opportunity of living a different way of life, focusing on cultivation of the mind, practicing compassion and wisdom. We emphasize personal engagement and practice, as well as high philosophical studies, since we have long-term study programs running continuously.

We are always in need of volunteers – please visit our website to find out more.

Volunteer Opportunities

Institut Vajra Yogini, Lavaur
Institut Vajra Yogini is a busy Buddhist teachings and retreat center set in beautiful rolling hills, 45 minutes from the city of Toulouse, ten minutes away from sister center Nalanda Monastery. Located in an old and impressive château, the Center offers a friendly and calm environment for people willing to offer service and to deepen their connection with the Dharma. The Institut is home to a resident Tibetan Geshe, ordained Sangha and a dedicated lay community. We offer all year round a wide range of teachings, retreats, universal education courses and other wellbeing programs. “Live in volunteers” and student-residents are welcome all year round to help in the kitchen, for housekeeping, reception, grounds work or small building works for periods ranging from a few days to three months. Student-residents can take part in the center’s activities or/and set up their own individual study program through readings and videos, while usually offering five half-days a week to the center as karma yoga. Main service language is French but language is not an obstacle as many of the center’s staff, volunteers and visitors do speak English. English speaking student-residents staying for a few months can be helped to set up their own study program using Discovering Buddhism or Basic Program. Please visit our website for more information.

Cooks and Builders Needed

Kalachakra Center, Paris
We are seeking friendly and committed cooks or builders with skills and practical experience to work at our retreat facility close to Paris, where we host a range of group and individual retreats all year. Ideally you would be able to come for a period of 1 to 6 months. Food, lodging and allowance will be offered as well as help for your travel expenses. If interested, please contact the center.

Participez à la diffusion du Dharma!

Éditions Mahayana, offre de merveilleuses occasions d’offrir ses services et de participer, de façon concrète, à la diffusion du Dharma dans les pays de langue française en tant que traducteur, relecteur, coordinateur de projet ou en offrant vos talents de mise en page et de graphisme. Lire les annonces détaillées.

Volunteer Cook Needed

Sera IMI House, Sera Je Monastery, Karnataka, India
Sera IMI House, an International Mahayana Institute monastic community at Sera Je Monastery, is seeking a male volunteer who would be interested in cooking and doing other basic tasks for Sera IMI House, in return for the opportunity to spend time living in the monastic community, making use of our extensive library, and attending teachings when they occur.

At the moment, Sera IMI House is at full capacity, but there is no full-time cook, so the monks alternate cooking duties. Having a cook (as we had in the past) would free up to monks to focus on their intensive studies and other aspects of the monastery schedule.

The prospective volunteer could be any of the following:

1. A layperson interested in offering service for part or all of the year.
2. A layperson interested in ordaining who wants to spend time in the monastery and consider their decision.
3. A monk interested in the study program who first wants to live here as a volunteer, before making the decision to enter.
4. A monk who would like to engage in private practice and study here, while offering service to the monks in the full-time study program.

Inquiries can be sent to seraimihouse@gmail.com.

Spiritual Program Coordinator Opportunity

Root Institute, Bodhgaya, India
Root Institute for Wisdom Culture is a beautiful oasis of tranquility located near Bodhgaya in the north Indian state of Bihar. Because of our vicinity to the Mahabodhi Stupa, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, Root Institute is a unique place for practice, contemplation and blessings. In addition to the Dharma activities of the centre during the busy October-March season, Root Institute has grown to encompass a wonderfully beneficial family of socially engaged charitable projects located within or close by: Shakyamuni Buddha Health Care Clinic, Maitreya School and our peaceful retreat space, the Stupa Garden of Compassion.

The board is looking for a confident, dynamic and hands-on Spiritual Program Coordinator who thrives on teamwork to motivate, support and lead the team of staff and volunteers.

• Read about the Spiritual Program Coordinator position, and how to apply.

Director Needed

Choe Khor Sum Ling, Bangalore
The CKSL Board is looking for a suitable new Center Director – ideally a student who will be able to join our team very soon.  If you are interested in offering service in this way, we invite you to read more about the position and the application process.

Administrative Manager Needed

MAITRI Charitable Trust, Bodhgaya
Located in Bodhgaya in Bihar, the place where Buddha reached enlightenment 2,500 years ago, in Bihar, one of the poorest, most depressed and densely populated states in India., MAITRI has been offering service to the local community in many ways since 1989, in particular in the fields of health, education and animal care. MAITRI is now looking for an administrative manager to support its activities. Please read more about this opportunity.

Spiritual Program Coordinator Needed

Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center, Kathmandu
We are located in the heart of Kathmandu. We are looking to recruit a dynamic and organised person as the Manager/Spiritual Program Coordinator (SPC).  There is a weekend teaching program plus weekday meditation classes.  If you are interested in this opportunity, and are able to cover your expenses, we invite you to read more about the position, and how to apply.

Qualified Teachers Needed

Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu
We are looking for qualified, experienced teachers, in English, Science and Math, to help out at the Kopan School and the Nunnery school. A minimum commitment of 3 months is required, and longer commitments are welcome. Please read further information about the positions, which includes how to apply.

Center Director Needed & Live-in Volunteer Opportunities

Mahamudra Centre, Coromandel

Centre Director Position

Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity is situated on 8 acres in the inspirational setting of the Colville Valley, Coromandel Peninsula. Surrounded by meadows, woods and the lovely hills of the Coromandel range, the ambience is conducive to peace, calm and spiritual development. We seek a dynamic, resourceful and visionary Director to drive the Centre forward to the next stage of growth and development. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, and other key team members, the Director will bring great leadership and determination into practice. Initially the role will combine aspects of the Director, SPC, and Manager role, however the position will entail the eventual recruitment of new Centre staff, including onsite volunteers. Because of this unique situation, a couple is very welcome to apply, and could offer their skills and experience working in partnership within the Centre leadership positions. This is a very exciting opportunity for an experienced Centre Director looking to bring their vast centre leadership and expansive vision to a truly beautiful rural Centre which offers so much untapped potential. Learn more and apply » 

Live-In Volunteers

Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity is looking for two live-in volunteer caretakers to offer service in our beautiful Buddhist retreat centre. One position is for Maintenance & Grounds – maintaining lawns, gardens, weed control, co-ordination of volunteers, and basic building maintenance and utilities.  The other position is for Housekeeping – caring for retreat rooms, main house and Gompa, supervising volunteers, and meeting and greeting visitors.  See our flyer and find contact information »

Volunteer Opportunities

Chandrakirti Meditation Center, Nelson
We are a friendly community and rural retreat centre, located in a scenic region of New Zealand. We are looking for volunteers to join our friendly community. We invite volunteers to join our study program and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the center. If you have skills you would like to contribute to our Dharma community we would love to hear from you. Visit our website or email us to find out more!

Various Positions Available, Including Spiritual Program Coordinator

Oseling Retreat Center, near Granada
Oseling is set high in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains near the historic city of Granada in the south of Spain. In the boundaries of a national/natural park, the rustic environment offers an ideal place to meditate and a peaceful place to work.  We are looking for a long term House and Retreat Caretaker; Maintenance; Gardener; Advertising and Reception staff.  Please contact us for more information about each position, and how to apply.

Oseling Retreat Center is also looking for a new Spiritual Program Coordinator. We invite you to read more about the position, and how to apply.

Volunteer Opportunities

Yeshin Norbu, Stockholm
Being an urban center, we are also always looking for an extra pair of hands to help out with a wide array of tasks. Volunteering at Yeshin Norbu is a great way of deepening your practice, offering service to others and being a part of a community that wants to contribute to a more peaceful world. In return, we offer accommodation; a stipend to cover basic food and transportation costs around beautiful Stockholm; all courses, events, pujas at the centre free of charge; and a precious chance to live and work with like-minded people, build community, and deepen your knowledge and experiences of Tibetan Buddhist practices. For more info visit our website.

Head of Operations (Paid Position)

Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London
Jamyang London is a dynamic city centre that hosts a range of Lama visits, education programmes (currently 500+ regular students in person and online), Buddhist and secular meditation courses, the innovative Science & Wisdom Live initiative, social services and other activities. The resident teacher is Geshe Tenzin Namdak and the centre has a particular commitment to environmental responsibility and to equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Our new Head of Operations role is a rare and exciting opportunity for someone with a smart mind and a warm heart to utilise and develop their professional skills while serving the dharma. Taking responsibility for the management of the building, residential volunteer team and everyday operations, we’re looking for someone who is keen to join Jamyang’s leadership team and contribute to the wellbeing and development of the centre.

You can find out more here.

Seeking New Director & Remote Volunteers

Land of Joy, Hexham
In the ten years since its inception, Land of Joy has established itself as a European Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) centre for group and solitary retreat. It offers a range of group retreats, as well as offering opportunity for personal retreat in its beautiful retreat huts and has the unique feature of being run, entirely and successfully, on the generosity model.

Director

Land of Joy is now seeking a flexible and resourceful Director to lead the centre into its next phase of development. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to, or at least sincere respect for, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, familiarity with Buddhism, as well as the FPMT and an awareness of the spiritual purpose of the centre.  The role will combine some aspects of the SPC and Director role and is supported by a team of onsite volunteers (a Centre Manager, resident Minister of Religion, Housekeeper, general volunteers) and offsite volunteers providing assistance with financial management, social media and marketing, spiritual programme development as well as fundraising and special projects. Learn more and apply »

Remote Volunteers

Land of Joy is currently looking for remote volunteers to support: Update and review of the Land of Joy website; social media engagement; copy writing and design; fundraising; help with management of key building projects, including oversight of planning permission applications; support to the development of architect plans; bookkeeping; support to volunteer recruitment. Being a remote volunteer gives you an opportunity to connect in a deeper way with the community of Land of Joy, as well as to learn more about what Land of Joy is offering. More information and the application form for these service opportunities can be found on our website.

Spiritual Programme Coordinator Needed

Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Leeds
Jamyang Leeds is an FPMT centre in the North of England, in Holbeck, a suburb close to Leeds City Centre. We provide good opportunities for students to study and practice the Dharma including FPMT Basic Program and Discovering Buddhism. We also have a strong international practice community online from Morning Prayers to Yamantaka and Kalachakra practice groups.

In this fulfilling role you would be responsible for designing and coordinating a full programme of studies, practices and Dharma events for all the community from total beginners through to Advanced practitioners alongside our new resident teacher Geshe Rinchen, following FPMT guidelines.

This is a part time paid role 25 hours a week. It does require the new SPC to be at the centre at least two days each week, although they could work from home at other times. See further details on the Jamyang Leeds website or contact Chrissie on spc@jamyangleeds.co.uk if you would like to know more.

Seeking SPC, Cook, and Live-in Work-Study

Land of Medicine Buddha, Santa Cruz, California

Spiritual Program Coordinator (SPC)

The SPC is an essential role that develops, plans, and implements the spiritual programming at LMB. The SPC consults with resident and visiting teachers, and collaborates closely with the Executive Director to oversee the program. An ideal candidate would be driven by a deep wish to serve and a dedication to the vision of Lama Yeshe, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, FPMT, and LMB. Learn more and apply.

Part-time Cook (Non-residential)

Non-residential, part-time cook, 10-25 hours per week. $20 per hour. Shifts mainly 3-8 pm with some daytime fill-in shifts as needed. Cooks are responsible for preparing vegetarian meals for retreat groups of 12 to 50 people at LMB. Dinner meals are typically soup, salad, one side dish, and dessert. Learn more and apply.

Work-Study Live-in Volunteer Positions

Our work-study positions require a minimum commitment of one month with a maximum stay of three months (can be extended with approval). We have an initial one-week provisional period to ensure that it is the right fit for you and us.

Work-study participants are generally scheduled in the following departments at the center: Kitchen/Dining Room, General Cleaning, Housekeeping, Grounds/Maintenance. Work-study participants contribute 25 hours per week, generally broken up into five 5-hour days. Work-study participants are offered free room and board. Housing consists of a simple single, private room in the staff quarters with a shared bathroom. Learn more and apply.

Volunteers Needed – Registration System Specialist & AV Technician

Shantideva Center, New York City, New York
Shantideva Center is seeking help for two volunteer positions, one fully online and one onsite at the center:

Registration System Specialist

This is a fully online position. Responsible for the setup and configuration of registration for our events, using the MindBody Client web-based application. Approx 2-8 hours/week (depending on event schedule); must be available on a regular basis with reliability. We will provide training and continuous support. Read more & apply »

AV Technician

Responsible for the setup and operation of audio-video equipment and Zoom application, in-person at Shantideva Center for live programs. Approx 4-8 hours/live event, once every 2-3 months (depending on event schedule). We will provide training and support if necessary. Read more & apply »

Seeking Volunteers – Teacher Tour Coordinator, Website & Social Media Positions

FPMT North America Regional Office

Teacher Tour Coordinator (Remote Volunteer)

FPMT’s North American Regional Office is entering an exciting period of expansion. Our aim is to greatly increase the scope and impact of our support for our region’s 27 centers, projects, services and study groups. We are committed to enhancing the activities we provide and expanding the resources available to our community. We are seeking a dedicated and organized Teacher Tour Coordinator to join our team and contribute to the success of visiting teacher tours across the FPMT North American region. This volunteer role is vital to ensuring that the Dharma teachings and visits from esteemed teachers are coordinated efficiently and effectively, supporting our centers and making high-quality Dharma accessible to students. Learn more and apply »

Web Developer & Web Designer (Temporary Remote Volunteer)

FPMT’s North American Regional Office is seeking an experienced WordPress Web Developer and an experienced WordPress Web Designer to spearhead a complete overhaul of our current website’s appearance, functionality, and content into a modern, high-performing, dynamic website. Depending on experience and qualifications, this position could be held by one or two people. The goal of the website (fpmtna.org) is to serve as 1) an educational resource for diverse audiences including those new to Buddhism and/or FPMT and 2) a hub to connect with nearest FPMT centers and online courses/events. Learn more and apply »

Branding & Digital Content Coordinator (Remote Volunteer)

FPMT’s North American Regional Office is seeking a creative and organized individual to help develop and manage our branding, website and social media content. The goal is for these platforms to serve as 1) educational resources for diverse audiences including those new to Buddhism and/or FPMT and 2) a hub to connect with nearest FPMT centers and online courses/events.

The position is fully online. Initially this role will focus on setting up our branding, extensively redesigning the website (fpmtna.org) and launching an expanded social media presence (currently only on Facebook). Afterwards the role will transition to creating social media content to maintain engagement as well as regular website updates and content management.  Position available to start ASAP.  Learn more and apply »

Opportunity to Offer Service as European Regional Coordinator

We are seeking a new and amazing Regional Coordinator who will help move the region forward. Do you have the drive and enthusiasm for this position or know someone who does?

The European Regional Coordinator supports FPMT affiliates and entities pending affiliation in Europe, in their work to offer the FPMT Five Pillars of Service and fulfill the FPMT Mission statement.  FPMT regional and national coordinators provide support by working as a local link between affiliates and International Office, as part of the FPMT regional strategy.

Please see the Job Description for more information about the position and how to apply!