About Us » Employment

Employment Opportunities

Each of us has a sense of untapped potential, skills and capabilities not yet developed, personal goals not yet accomplished... or perhaps never attempted. At The Option Institute we offer you a work experience where we help you scale the heights of your personal professional summit.

WHO WE ARE

We are an organization that breaks the mold, dares to do what others hesitate doing and, as a result, help people deal with life's challenges in powerful and loving ways. Join a group of dedicated, passionately-involved and caring people who want to give all they've got... and want to maximize their current skills, expand their capabilities and contribute big time through their work.

Our pastoral 100-acre campus provides a perfect setting for not only our students who come to the Institute from over 78 countries but also for the staff. The site provides an exceptional oasis for working, living and learning. Come live and work in SW Massachusetts. – (2 1/2 hrs from NYC, 3 Hrs. from Boston.) Leave the hustle/bustle -- and live your life in heaven -- cosmopolitan (great sushi, great lattes) yet rural (beautiful country roads and quaint story book towns.) We have been serving the world on our Sheffield, Massachusetts campus for over 25 years.

Current Openings

Sales Manager

Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Overview
Join an organization that inspires personal growth and supports families and children with autism reach their full potential. We are looking for an energetic, passionate, professional Sales Manager, who wants to make a difference in peoples’ lives. Supervise a diverse team who conduct in depth telephone communications with clients, written responses to web inquiries and various individual client services. Use your managerial, motivational and interpersonal skills to build and train a highly effective group of sales specialists and sales support professionals in this nurturing environment.

Duties

• Will provide strong leadership and vision to a unique sales department
• Will hire and develop a strong sales team
• Will work with multiple departments to increase sales and facilitate client support
• Will manage all sales representatives and sales support supervisor
• Will oversee various projects and compose department manuals
• Will manage the collection, analysis and use of sales data
• Will lead continuous improvement initiatives for the department

Requirements

• Proven experience leading a high performing sales team
• Clear communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask
• Ability to analyze sales data and improve department performance

Email resume to hr@option.org or fax to 413-229-8931

Sales Assistant

Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Sales Manager

Position Overview
The Sales Assistant will assist the Senior Program Counselor. Specifically, h/she will be a meticulously organized individual with excellent computer skills and an un-yielding eye for details. This position requires a dynamic team member, one that is adaptable and ready to hit the ground running. H/she will be expected to help cultivate and maintain long lasting relationships with the institute’s participants and work to insure that their stay with us is enjoyable.

Ideal candidates will have an eloquent manner, impeccable organizational skills and the willingness to learn. Previous sales support and marketing experience in admissions, publishing or hospitality is required. This position requires exceptional computer skills and expertise with Microsoft office programs such as Outlook, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint.

Duties

• Provide ongoing sales and marketing support such as filing, copying, scheduling appointments, handling mail and data entry into our contact management system
• Manage Excel spreadsheets for off-campus funded programs
• Research, create and maintain critical statistics and data as required such as housing requests and status of funding applications
• Successfully participate in the Institute’s adult enrichment programs
• Conduct telephone as well as face to face meetings with potential program participants
• Ability and desire to interface effectively with senior staff, board members, instructors, volunteers, program counselors and large donors
• The willingness to be “hands on” and a consummate team player in an exciting, fast paced yet intimate environment
• Occasionally generates reports, creates correspondence and takes part in meetings

Requirements

• Exceptional computer skills and expertise with Microsoft office programs such as Outlook, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint
• Self-starter who can multi-task when needed, work at a fast pace and willingly accept constructive feedback and act on it
• Clear and concise written, interpersonal and telephone communication skills
• Prior administrative and marketing support experience in a sales or admissions environment
• Meticulously detailed and organized
• Strong proof reading and copy editing skills

Email resume to hr@option.org or fax to 413-229-8931

Employment Benefits

• Computer Discount Purchase Program: The Option Institute and CDW Computer Centers offer an Employee Purchase Program (EPP) for personal computing purchases. CDW extends the Institute's volume pricing for personal purchases on any products CDW.com has to offer.
• Free Banking: Staff are eligible for a complete package of FREE banking services including free Internet banking at Berkshire Bank
• Gym and Other Services: The Option Institute has a Nautilus equipped gym which staff may use. Staff may also use the masseuse's services.
• Health Insurance: The Option Institute offers full time staff three health insurance selections provided by Health New England (and an MVP-HMO for New York State residents.) The choices include two HMOs and a PPO. The Institute pays for half of the individual's monthly premium for the basic plan. A staff member may buy up to the more expensive plans. The basic plan is an HMO.
• Meal Plan: As we have a full time kitchen, staff are offered the opportunity to buy a discounted monthly three meal or lunch plan.

Paid Time Off

• Accrual: Vacation and Sick time begin to accrue on the employees first day of employment, and may be taken after 6 months of employment
• Vacation Benefits:Full-time employees receive paid vacation and the option to take additional unpaid personal time off according to the following schedule:
  • 1st and 2nd calendar year: 10 paid vacation days
  • 3rd calendar year: 10 paid vacation days and 5 unpaid personal days.
  • 4th through 6th calendar year: 15 paid vacation days and 5 unpaid personal days.
  • 7th through 9th calendar year: 25 paid vacation days.
  • 10th through 14th calendar year: 30 paid vacation days.
  • 15th calendar year and beyond: 35 paid vacation days.
  • Carry-Over of Unused Vacation: Employees may carry over up to five paid vacation days from one calendar year to the next.
• Floating Holidays: In addition to the 4 standard paid holidays that the Institute provides, (Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day) staff receive 2 floating holidays per calendar year.
• Sick Leave Policy: Full-time employees accrue five days of paid Sick Leave per year. Unused Sick days may be carried over into the next calendar year. In addition to illness, an employee may use Sick Leave to handle a family emergency, such as the illness of a family member, to schedule doctor visits for them self or a family member or for absence due to inclement weather.

Other time off policies

• Christmas Break: To provide staff with an opportunity to travel or be with family without using earned vacation time both Christmas week and Thanksgiving week can be taken as unpaid time off.
• We also have: Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, and Family/Maternity/ Paternity Leave policies, etc.
• Pension Plan: After one year of service, staff members are enrolled in The Option Institute Pension Plan. Contributions are made to this plan by The Option Institute.
• Program Attendance: Employees may attend our adult weeklong or weekend programs with no tuition charge after six months of employment.
• Staff Classes and Observing Programs: All staff are offered the opportunity to attend staff classes, to observe portions of our Adult Programs, and to observe the Son-Rise Program play room on a regular basis.

Staff Testimonials

Administration/Office

Before I came to work for The Option Institute, I worked as an administrative assistant to the president of an architectural firm. It was fun and I enjoyed it, but I knew there was something missing in the job, and I just wasn't sure what it was that I felt was missing. When I came to The Institute, I didn't feel that my job was missing anything. I instantly felt that there was a bigger picture to why I was here; and that my being here at The Institute was really making a difference in people's lives all over the world. Not only did I feel that I was making a difference in the world, but every person that I work with, feels the same as well. The work environment is so different from other work environments that I have experienced. I believe this is because each person that I work with, not only chooses to be here, but they really LOVE their work.

Kristin Eclevia, Outreach Coordinator

Get ready for a life-changing experience. Working at The Option Institute is not only fun, rewarding, and gratifying, it is also an opportunity to learn and grow, and find a whole new outlook on life.

Vince Sandull , Program Registrar

I came to Option Institute looking for a job; I found so much more - family, friends, love and the opportunity to learn and make an amazing difference not only in my life but all those I come in contact with. I am truly blessed to a part of such a wonderful place and to work side by side with such loving and caring people. I do not view The Option Institute as my job; it is just another sweet part of my daily living.

Christine Bushaw , Accounts Receivable

If you want to service people in the deepest way, and live your life being authentic while striving for excellence, this is the place to work. There is nothing like The Option Institute where the quality of what you want in your personal life - respect and honoring relationships with like-minded people - is the quality of your working life. Not a day goes by that I am not deeply inspired because I am helping people - I feel so useful!

Zoe Zappa , Programs Counselor

If you want to work at a place with lots of opportunities, if you want to work in an exciting and encouraging environment, if you want to be challenged, and if you want to support people living happier lives, then work here!”

Molly Burke, Publications

This organization showed me the way to recovery for my son from Autism, others told me he would never speak again, never dress or bath himself, they told me my son would need lifelong care, today he has no diagnosis, he is in mainstream school, on the academic honor role, and well on his way to a blackbelt in Karate. Working here is my way to give back to an organization that gave me so much more than thank you could ever cover, and the best part is I'm having the time of my life.

Brian Nelson, Family Counselor

Here is the best place to work!”

Nancy Murillo, Registration

Working at The Option Institute is such an amazing experience! Everyday we have the great privilege of observing people from all over the world grow and become happier, more loving individuals. I have never worked in such a warm environment, one in which every staff member truly cares about the other. I am so grateful to be part of a great team!

Kristina J. Simonds, Professional Training Assistant

If I could choose just one reason out of the many countless reasons why working at The Option Institute is such a special experience, it would be the unique marriage of a typical workday combined with all the abundant opportunities available for personal transformation and empowerment. I love how every day here offers these new exciting opportunities for growth.

Christopher Treciokas, Adjunct Volunteer Recruiter and Coordinator

It is a fun and loving work environment. I love to work here because I want to be a part of supporting people to live happier lives. I am also excited about working here because I get an opportunity to explore myself and to change myself in order to be more loving and accepting. I am grateful to be a part of this amazing place.

Murtuza Nayani, Computer Department

I was a Controller for a Consulting Firm in my last job. After commuting to New York City for seven years, coming to work here at this beautiful place is a great blessing for me. I feel like I've found a home populated by a wonderful, eclectic, unique and loving family. Whenever my friends or family come to visit, I always find a reason to take them to the Institute and show them how fortunate I am. The reaction is always the same, "You work here?!" I just smile.

Don Mousted, Accounting Department

It is an absolute pleasure to work at The Institute. The people are all creative, supportive and fun to work with! Yesterday, someone said to me, "Oh man, I have to go to work tomorrow." and I looked at them and said, "Wow, this is the first job I have ever had where I have never said that, and actually every morning wake up excited to be doing what I am doing with the people I am doing it with!

Abby Rappaport, Family Counselor

Guest Services/ Property/Kitchen/Mail Room

I love the professional atmosphere and friendless of all the staff and when there is a problem the cooperation you get to come to a solution.

Charlene Kimberley, Mailroom Assistant

If you enjoy working in a loving, caring environment...Go for it!!!

Kevin Curtis, Administrative Support Specialist

The kind and loving people that I work with are always willing to pitch in wherever needed. It is good to know that you can count on people that appreciate where they work -- and they stay here because they enjoy it.

Richard Plunkett, Property Assistant

This is a lovely place to work. Everyone is very friendly. Being here gives me the chance to learn more about working with autistic children and their parents.

Jerry Dykstra, Guest Services

Managers & Supervisors

I wake up every morning full of energy and ready to go to work! The Option Institute is the place I have been looking for my whole professional career. The combination of the property, the people, and the mission creates a work environment that is powerful, challenging, and transforming; not only for the participants, but for the staff, and everyone that comes to live or work here. It is a dream come true!

John Sullivan, Director of Marketing

Working here is incredibly satisfying, rich, and rewarding. You become a part of this amazing and wonderful endeavor - and you grow tremendously in the process.

Clyde Haberman, Seminar Facilitator/Mentor

For years, I was successful as a Corporate Sales Executive. I enjoyed the challenges and opportunities afforded me in that role. Secretly, somewhere deep inside of me, I wanted more. I wanted to help create positive change in our world, not just talk about it but to help do something about it. "Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy.” - Mahatma Gandhi

So, I took a leap of faith, left my mid-town office and headed for the hills, really, I work amid lushness and pastoral beauty of the Berkshire Mountains in Sheffield Mass.

Today, my primary objective is to utilize my talents in the service of others while integrating and managing the skills of those around me. I am at my best in a creative, free flowing organization where great ideas actually become achievable actions, which is why I am blessed to work where I work and with those that I work with. . We help families change their lives in extraordinary ways each and every day.

Scott Paul Goldman, Director Of Sales & Business Development

I am fortunate, to be working here. I am challenged, educated and counted on everyday. I came to The Option Institute with a specific skill set. I have used it and I'm learning another while here. My job is "never" the same day twice and I enjoy that.

Don Kettles, Operations Manager

The work environment here at The Option Institute is very supportive and loving. There are endless occasions for me to stretch my wings and reach for my highest potential. The friendly office atmosphere allows for me to feel comfortable and productive. I encounter exciting challenges and endless opportunities for growth and change every day.

Sayulita Robinsong, PR Supervisor

The things that I like best about working here are: the variety, the open and honest way we communicate, the people coming from all over the world, the challenge of delivering excellence, the love and appreciation that everyone receives here. This is a wonderful work environment! It is THE place for developing the best qualities in yourself.

Mecki Augustin, Housekeeping Manager

What I really enjoy here is that the Institute is so responsive to change, and new ideas can be implemented immediately.

Betty Dunbar, Programs Delivery Manager

Not only do I like my job - I love my job - and I love working with all of the people here who have made such a huge commitment to our work. When I first started working here I was totally amazed by the programs and how the staff work with the children and their families. - IT BLOWS ME AWAY!

Dane Griffith, Director of Administrative Services

I was a receptionist in a dental office before I came here, and this is like heaven compared to that. The vibe is much more positive here.

Lisa Burell, Front Office Manager

Teachers & Service Providers

Working at the institute is like no other working experience you may have had. You will be asked to deliver 110% - to use yourself so fully - to participate. You will also work in an environment that is supportive and very loving. I love working here.

William Hogan, Teacher/Counselor

Working at the Option Institute has allowed me to make the best use of my life. Through helping others I have learned to help and grow myself in ways that I could never have imagined. In addition, I work with the absolutely best staff of people who are kind, industrious, and basically wonderful people. A great place to work.

Beverly Haberman, Group Facilitator/Mentor

I LOVE working here. I love the environment, I love the staff, I love the people that come here and I specially love my job. It is the most rewarding job I've ever had, because I have so much fun while at the same time I help children and their families reach for their dreams. When I hold the hands of a child and help them speak or play with me, I feel I am doing something more then just a job I am contributing to a better world. It is not just the best job in the world for me, but it is the best way to be in the world for me: loving children and their families.

Camila Titone, Child Facilitator

Working here is incredibly satisfying, rich, and rewarding. You become a part of this amazing and wonderful endeavor to help the world become happier - and you can grow tremendously in the process for you become a more capable person.

Clyde Haberman, Seminar Facilitator/Mentor

If you want your work life to include being part of an excited, motivated team who are not only very friendly and supportive but who take responsibility for their actions - this is the place for you! If you want your work to be helping to change people's lives - this is the place for you.

Suzanne Pruss, Instructor/Child Facilitator

Not only am I doing what I always have wanted to do, working with autistic children, but I am surrounded by people who are dedicated to living a more loving life, supporting me to do the same. I have, with the help of so many here, become more than I ever expected I would be, daring now to teach in front of so many people, and managing to be useful to them!

Kate Wilde, Teacher

The best thing about working at The Option Institute is the common level of caring, honesty, and excellence that each staff member holds. As a staff team, we have created and adopted a visionary set of standards for ourselves. These include 'respect and loving service to our guests and staff,' 'deliver excellence with accountability', and 'be honest'. Wow! And it's true! Our staff tries in the daily activities and routines of working to uphold these standards. The feeling I get each morning on the way to work at the Institute is an excitement in my stomach to spend yet another day with like-minded people wanting the best no only for those families and individuals that we serve but also for me and for each other. It is this kind of work environment that is unique and perhaps more valuable than any other 'perks' that a job could offer.

Jonathan Alderson, Teacher