Conference Retreat Host Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

For nearly 80 years, Sandy Cove Ministries has been a place where millions of people have connected with God and each other.  

We offer year-round signature programs designed to uplift and strengthen individuals and families, including summer vacation packages and a day camp for kids. We also contract with ministries and organizations, helping them create their own impactful retreats and events on our property. 

All of this happens at our breathtaking location on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in North East, Maryland. With 150 guest rooms in our lodge and 220 beautiful acres, we offer guests authentic hospitality and the rest and renewal they crave. 

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Sandy Cove Ministries is seeking a part-time Lead Guest Host to join our team. The typical schedule for this role is Tuesday & Wednesdays 9:00 am-5:00 pm and preferably Fridays 9:00 am-5:00 pm 

Our Mission

The mission of Sandy Cove Ministries is to help people connect with God and each other so they may be transformed into the image of Christ through His Word, His creation, and Christian community.

Position Summary

The Lead Guest Host serves as the front-line leader of the Guest Relations team by modeling exceptional hospitality, providing outstanding guest service, and supporting the daily operations of the Front Desk. This position helps ensure every guest experiences a warm, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment from arrival through departure.

In addition to serving guests, the Lead Guest Host assists with daily workflow coordination, coaches and trains Guest Hosts, maintains operational accuracy within the Property Management System (PMS), and helps ensure consistent execution of departmental standards and the Sandy Cove Guest Experience.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience

• Deliver exceptional, Christ-centered hospitality to every guest, creating a welcoming environment that reflects the mission and values of Sandy Cove Ministries.
• Anticipate guest needs, resolve concerns professionally, and seek opportunities to exceed expectations.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource regarding Sandy Cove programs, facilities, events, policies, and services.
• Process guest arrivals, departures, reservations, payments, and inquiries accurately and efficiently.
• Assist guests in registering for Sandy Cove programs and events.
• Respond to guest concerns with professionalism and escalate issues appropriately when necessary.

Front Desk Operations

• Ensure accurate and timely entry of guest information within the Property Management System.
• Maintain organized workstations and a professional Front Desk environment.
• Balance cash drawers and accurately process financial transactions.
• Follow established operating procedures while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality of guest information and organizational records.

Team Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to Guest Hosts during assigned shifts.
• Assist with onboarding and training new Guest Hosts, ensuring consistency in procedures and service standards.
• Reinforce the Sandy Cove Guest Experience standards and organizational culture through daily coaching and encouragement.
• Assist in assigning and prioritizing work during each shift to ensure smooth Front Desk operations.
• Model professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and servant leadership.

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain effective communication within the Guest Relations team and across departments.
• Utilize department communication tools, including email, Front Desk resources, communication boards, and shift notes.
• Communicate guest feedback, operational concerns, and training opportunities to management.
• Partner with other departments to ensure seamless guest experiences across campus.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and team effectiveness.
• Participate in department meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a lifestyle consistent with the mission and values of Sandy Cove Ministries.
• Commitment to Sandy Cove's Mission, Vision, Cultural Commitments, and Identity Statement.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one year of customer service, hospitality, retail, or guest services experience.
• Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous leadership, shift lead, or training experience.
• Experience in hospitality, hotels, conference centers, camps, or retreat ministries.
• Experience using a Property Management System (PMS) or reservation software.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Outstanding interpersonal and guest service skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional telephone etiquette.
• Ability to lead by example and positively influence team members.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain calm and solution-focused under pressure.
• Basic mathematical skills for cash handling and payment processing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel) and the ability to quickly learn department-specific software.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while maintaining confidentiality.

Core Competencies

• Hospitality & Service Excellence
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Communication
• Initiative
• Adaptability
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Accountability
• Dependability
• Christ-Centered Servant Leadership

Work Relationships

Works closely with:

• Guest Relations team
• Housekeeping
• Food Service
• Facilities
• Event Services
• Program Team
• Guests and Groups

Provides day-to-day leadership to Guest Hosts but does not have formal supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position regularly requires the employee to:

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently use hands for computer and telephone work.
• Communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally bend, reach, stoop, or climb stairs.

Work Environment

• Professional office and hospitality environment.
• Moderate noise level.
• Frequent interaction with guests and staff.
• Requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business needs require.

Employee Acknowledgement

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Sandy Cove Ministries reserves the right to modify this job description at any time to meet organizational needs.

Employees are expected to comply with all Sandy Cove Ministries policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.

Compensation: Minimum: $16.85/hr. | Maximum: $19.83/hr.

Part Time Employee Benefits: Part Time MD Sick, 401(k) with employer match, service awards, meal privileges, tuition reimbursement, attend Sandy cove events free and discounted lodging for staff and immediate family.    

 Learn more about Sandy Cove by visiting www.sandycove.org.