What are the responsibilities and job description for the Discussion Group Leader and Meditation Instructor (DGL/MI) – Foundatio position at Naropa University?
Position Title: Discussion Group Leader and Meditation Instructor (DGL/MI) – Foundations of Mindfulness
# of Positions to Fill: Multiple
Department/Program: MTC 12040
Remote Work Authorization: 100% On-Site
Campus Location: Nalanda Campus
Reports to: Course faculty of record or Program Chair
FLSA Classification: Exempt/Salaried
FTE: 5% (2 hrs/week)
Compensation: $315/credit hour – Paid by Course agreement (stipend)
Application Deadline: 8/11 or until filled
Job Summary
The Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling department seeks several Discussion Group Leader/Meditation Instructors (DGL/MI) to support CNST-622 Foundations of Mindfulness in the residential concentration.
This is a one-semester appointment assigned to a specific course.
Logistics of this specific position – Dates and Details
This is a 2-credit course offered in the Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling concentration, to be taught in-person from August 25, 2025 – December 12, 2025 at one or several of the following days/times:
Tuesdays 9:00-11:20AM
Thursdays 9:00-11:20AM
Thursdays 11:45-2:35PM
Fridays 9-11:20AM
Course Description
CNST-622 Foundations of Meditation (2 Credits)
Mindfulness, the ability to be fully present with interest and acceptance, is essential for the skillful counselor. This course presents basic mindfulness meditation practices with additional techniques for practicing with emotions, somatic sensations, and thoughts to support the cultivation of counselor presence. Buddhist roots, evidence-based secular mindfulness, and applications of mindfulness to self-knowledge are emphasized.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide individual 30-minute sessions of meditation instruction for about 7 (i.e., 6-to-8) students 2 times during semester.
- Attend class meetings.
- Facilitate 30-45 minute –long discussion group meetings for about 7 students during class meetings.
- Facilitate and provide feedback on 7 students’ participation in Warrior Exchange (training available at Naropa).
- Read about 7 students' papers (for understanding students' experience, without evaluation).
- As appropriate, work with the course instructor to manage and/or mediate student issues and educational obstacles.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Have authorization to teach mindfulness meditation as evidenced by:
b.) Individual training in teaching mindfulness meditation with an authorized teacher from a recognized contemplative tradition (minimum three years), and a letter of recommendation speaking to person’s experience and understanding of meditation practice and readiness to teach mindfulness meditation.
- Extensive understanding of and experience with mindfulness meditation (minimum 3 years, with retreats)
- Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
- Ability to create and maintain a positive team environment and behave professionally with everyone encountered in the course and scope of the job duties.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a close team, working collaboratively with course instructor and students.
- High degree of emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and communication skills.
- All job candidates must hold a commitment to co-create a diverse and inclusive community and actively participate in related JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) professional development regarding the dynamics of privilege and oppression and the impact these have in the workplace.
- All job candidates must demonstrate their level of understanding of the dynamics of privilege and oppression, and the impact these have on equity, access, and opportunity.
- All job candidates must demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of and appreciation for the values of Naropa University and the capacity to demonstrate an integration and embodiment of these values as evidenced in work, communication, collaboration styles, and other general workplace behaviors.
- Familiarity with Naropa’s Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Psychology Counseling concentration.
- Prior experience with direct clinical work in counseling, psychology, or related field.
Academic Support positions consist primarily of engaging and interacting with students through class participation, ongoing class assessment, as well as providing feedback to both students and the faculty of record for this course. This may also include:
- Reading academic texts and materials, student papers, etc.
- Operating personal computer and audio-visual equipment.
- Standing or sitting for hours at a time.
- Moving around campus for classes and meetings.
Naropa recognizes the following holidays throughout the year: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Fall Break, 4th Thursday and Friday in November, and Winter Break, the last two weeks in December encompassing the Christmas holiday as well as New Year’s.
Naropa’s health and welfare benefits include the following: medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment, an employer-sponsored pre-tax retirement savings plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching, and a variety of voluntary, employee-paid supplemental insurance plans.
A comprehensive benefits package is available to full-time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours each week. Employees who work 20 – 29 hours each week are eligible for only the employer-paid short-term & long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance & accidental death and dismemberment, and the retirement plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.
Employees who work fewer than 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in Naropa’s retirement plan only, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.
All regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, including student workers, accrue sick leave benefits. Full-time and part-time staff positions accrue vacation and personal time. All leave accrual rates vary based on the position, hours worked, and years of service.
The University recognizes the importance of including its employees in its organizational mission and values and welcomes employees into the classroom to “touch the magic.” Specifically, regular employees are provided generous tuition remission opportunities for themselves and their family members.
Naropa University participates in the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP). CIC-TEP is a network of CIC colleges and universities willing to accept, tuition-free, students from families of full-time employees of other CIC participating institutions (full-time as designated by the employer/institution). Additional information can be found here: https://www.cic.edu/member-services/tuition-exchange-program.
Naropa University is an equal opportunity, non-discriminatory employer and Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual and relationship violence. This law applies to all students, faculty, and staff.
Salary : $315
