Live-In Innkeeper (Couples Welcome) – Retreat Center

 Job Description

Live-In Innkeeping Couple

Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Employment Type: Exempt Full-time, Live-In
Reports To: Executive Leadership/ CEO

Position Overview

OM Sanctuary, a holistic wellness and retreat center in Asheville, NC, is seeking an experienced, service-oriented Live-In Innkeeping Couple to jointly manage daily operations, retreat services, and property oversight. This is a full-time, on-site position for two individuals applying together as a couple. 

The ideal candidates are a hospitality-focused couple who enjoy hands-on work in a nature-based and wellness-centered environment, are comfortable supporting a retreat center actively rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, and thrive in a dynamic setting that requires flexibility, teamwork, and adaptability. As central, on-site leaders, the Innkeepers will ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional guest satisfaction, and a safe, welcoming, and peaceful environment that aligns with OM Sanctuary’s mission. The Sanctuary maintains a non-smoking and drug-free workplace.

Responsibilities

Guest Experience and Operations

• Provide exceptional, personalized service to all guests from arrival to departure
• Manage reservations, check-ins/check-outs, billing, and guest communications
• Maintain a calm, professional, and welcoming retreat environment
• Conduct post-stay guest follow-ups to ensure satisfaction and encourage return visits
• Uphold OM Sanctuary policies and ensure guests adhere to property guidelines

Campus and Facility Care

• Supervise and participate in housekeeping, laundry, and light maintenance
• Conduct daily inspections of guest rooms, common areas, and grounds
• Coordinate repairs and maintenance with vendors and the Maintenance & Engineering Manager
• Assist with light grounds care and property readiness as needed
• Ensure cleanliness, safety, and readiness across the property

Administrative and Financial

• Maintain accurate guest records, invoices, and operational reports
• Reconcile daily transactions and support QuickBooks data entry
• Manage inventory, supplies, and assist in some vendor relationships within approved budgets
• Prepare operational reports and insights for leadership review

Sales, Marketing, and Community Outreach

• Represent OM Sanctuary in the local hospitality and wellness community
• Support tours and partner collaborations
• May assist with promotion of retreats, special events, and packages
• Support digital marketing through content capture, listings, and social media updates, as needed
• Track inquiries, leads, and conversions in collaboration with leadership

Leadership and Staff Coordination

• Oversee part-time staff, contractors, and volunteers as needed
• Support onboarding, training, and scheduling in coordination with leadership
• Maintain positive morale and professionalism consistent with Sanctuary values
• Address on-site issues and escalate concerns appropriately

Safety and Risk Management

• Conduct and document regular safety inspections and drills
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, fire, and local health codes
• Maintain emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and safety logs
• Serve as on-site emergency contact for weather, fire, or health-related incidents
• Document and report accidents or incidents promptly

Technology and Systems

• Proficient with ResNexus and other property management systems
• Basic QuickBooks accounting and reconciliation
• Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
• Digital calendars and cloud-based communication tools
• Basic WordPress, website updates, and online review management (preferred)

Schedule / Requirements

• Typical hours per person: 35–60 hours per week, depending on operational needs
• Daily work: 8–12 hours per day with assured coverage between both innkeepers
• Core guest service hours:
  • Weekdays 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Weekends 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Earlier hours, when meals resume
• On-call rotation for emergencies outside scheduled hours 
• Extended hours during retreats, special events, and high-occupancy periods
• Quiet hours: 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–4 years of combined experience in hospitality, innkeeping, or retreat center management
• Experience managing both guest-facing and operational responsibilities
• Strong organizational, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
• Comfortable with light maintenance, housekeeping oversight, vendor coordination, and administrative tasks
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Tourism, Business Administration, or related field (preferred)
• ServSafe Manager Certification (preferred)
• Must live on-site full-time and represent OM Sanctuary with professionalism and discretion

Ideal Couple Profile

• Strong teamwork, shared accountability, and complementary skills
• One partner may focus on guest services and administration while the other supports facilities and housekeeping, with both fully cross-trained
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and aligned with OM Sanctuary’s values of presence, peace, and purposeful hospitality

Compensation and Benefits

Two days off per week, unless coverage isn’t available confidentiality regarding guests, operations, and
property matters.

Salary: $30,000 – $38,000 per person (DOE), with growth opportunities

Housing: Furnished on-site apartment suite within the OM Sanctuary Pavilion

Housing amenities: utilities, Wi-Fi, trash service, two parking spaces, laundry access, access to nature trails

Estimated annual value of housing and amenities: $36,000

Paid Time Off: 10 ea/20 combined days annually, accrued monthly and requested in advance according to Employee Handbook.