Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, is now accepting applications and nominations for its next Executive Director. Lutheran-rooted and welcoming to people of all backgrounds, SITD is seeking a mission-driven leader to guide the center’s staff, operations, financial health, donor relationships, and community partnerships into a new era of expanded ministry. 

Applications received by January 15, 2026 will be assured of full consideration. Candidates should submit (in PDF format) a letter of interest demonstrating alignment with SITD’s mission, a resume, and five professional references (with email addresses and phone numbers). Submissions will be treated in confidence and should be sent electronically to Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com. 

About the role

The Executive Director is responsible for both strategic leadership and hands-on management—administering financial reporting, budget preparation, and accountability processes that orient SITD toward long-term sustainability, while also modeling servant leadership across hospitality, operations, ministry support, and philanthropy. On any given day, this role may include welcoming guests, responding to facilities needs, collaborating with partners, and meeting with donors. 

SITD is clear about the kind of leadership it’s seeking: a mission-driven servant leader rooted in Christ-centered faith, committed to biblical hospitality, and able to lead with integrity, warmth, and resilience. The ideal candidate will bring operational competence (hospitality, lodging, food service, facilities), strategic and financial skills (budgeting, forecasting, financial management), and strong relationship-building capacity with donors, churches, partners, and guests. 

Lutheran identity and a wide welcome

Spirit in the Desert’s identity is grounded in Lutheran theology—love of God and neighbor—emphasizing grace, hospitality, and spiritual openness. The center welcomes guests across traditions, including those who are Christian, interfaith, or not connected to a religious tradition, offering a place of refuge, respect, and renewal. 

Learn more and share the opportunity

SITD invites nominations as well as applications. To nominate someone for consideration, contact Melissa Maxwell-Doherty with the candidate’s name and contact information. 

To learn more, view the posting here, where you’ll also find the full job description PDF.