Managing Director | The Shenandoah Nature Resort | Star Tannery, VA

We’re seeking a hands-on, strategic, and values-driven Managing Director for The Shenandoah Nature Resort—a wellness destination like no other, where Nature meets Nurture and Vacation meets Transformation. This role leads all aspects of property performance and day-to-day operations while bringing the resort’s mission to life through an elevated, intentional, and deeply guest-centered experience.The Managing Director will play a critical leadership role in pre-opening planning and execution, the buildout of operating standards, and the successful launch and ramp-up of the 120-room resort.This is a full-time, on-site, exempt position that reports to the Executive VP | Operations and works in close partnership with development, wellness/programming leadership, and ownership. The salary range for this position is $220,000-$260,000.The Shenandoah Nature ResortThe Shenandoah Nature Resort is a revolutionary wellness destination located on 640 majestic acres in Star Tannery, Virginia, just ninety minutes from Washington, DC. Our guest itinerary is simple: Relax, Release, Connect, Love.We exist to provide transformational experiences that blend ancient and modern wellness wisdom, harmonize nature and nurture, and promote individual and professional expansion in a way that serves the greater good—by activating human and environmental connections. Shenandoah is grounded in regenerative principles and a deep respect for the land—treating the land as a partner, not an asset.Shenandoah’s brand promise is inseparable from its culture. We believe that how our leaders live, lead, and relate establishes an “energetic baseline” that shapes how guests and teammates experience the property from day one. We are building more than a resort—we are stewarding a long-term platform rooted in purpose, sustainability, and meaningful human connection.The Shenandoah Nature Resort is currently under construction with an anticipated opening of Winter 2027/2028.Who We ArePassionate about hospitality, the outdoors, and creating meaningful guest experiences.Culture-driven, committed to respect, teamwork, accountability, and entrepreneurial spirit.Unique in our approach—encouraging individuality, authenticity, and creativity.Innovators, constantly evolving to enhance experiential programming and guest engagement.A growing team seeking leaders who recognize the importance of associate engagement and guest connection.Proud to promote from within and build diverse, inclusive teams that thrive.We believe leadership presence matters. Our leaders are culture-setters who influence the emotional, operational, and relational tone of the organization.We are committed to whole-person well-being—supporting our team members’ professional growth, personal health, family life, and sense of purpose.We seek leaders who view this role not simply as a position, but as a long-term partnership in building something meaningful and enduring.What You Will Be DoingPre-Opening & Launch LeadershipLead all operational planning for the opening of Shenandoah, including staffing strategy, training design, operational workflows, and the guest service model.Support the transition from development to operations by partnering with ownership and project leaders to ensure readiness across facilities, systems, vendors, and people.Build and implement operating standards that reflect a luxury wellness resort experience aligned with Shenandoah’s mission.Operational ExcellenceOversee all property operations including lodging, wellness/programming, guest services, housekeeping, maintenance/grounds, food & beverage, recreation/outdoor experiences, retail, and events as applicable.Ensure the resort runs efficiently and safely while maintaining exceptional quality and a consistent guest experience.Establish operational rhythms and accountability systems that drive results (service standards, departmental goals, guest recovery processes, etc.).Guest Experience & Wellness-Centered ServiceChampion a guest journey that is intentionally designed, emotionally resonant, and aligned to the resort’s guiding experience: Relax, Release, Connect, Love.Lead a culture of hospitality that is both elevated and deeply human—balancing luxury standards with authenticity and purpose.Ensure proactive service recovery, guest satisfaction, and experience refinement based on feedback and performance insights.Leadership & CultureRecruit, hire, coach, and develop a high-performing leadership team and associate base grounded in accountability, empathy, and excellence.Create an environment where associates feel valued, supported, and aligned to Shenandoah’s mission and values.Foster a culture that reflects Shenandoah’s ethos: transformative, conscious, regenerative, local, and living.Performance & Strategic VisionOwn the financial success of the property, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and performance strategy.Identify and execute opportunities to drive revenue, optimize cost structures, and maximize profitability without sacrificing guest experience.Partner with ownership on long-range planning, business development opportunities, and seasonal demand strategies.Regenerative & Community CommitmentOperate with a land-first mindset and ensure the property’s practices reflect regenerative hospitality principles.Build and maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders and local partners to strengthen the resort’s commitment to place.Ensure vendor partnerships and operational choices align with Shenandoah’s sustainability and mission-driven standards.Cross-Functional CollaborationMaintain strong alignment with People & Culture, Marketing, Revenue, Finance, and Operations.Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations (including labor, safety, health department, and licensing standards).Oversee emergency procedures, safety programs, workplace compliance, and guest/associate risk mitigation.Experience & QualificationsWhat You Bring to the TableMinimum 5–10 years of experience in senior hospitality leadership (Hotel Manager or General Manager preferred), including at least 3 years as a General Manager in luxury properties.5+ years of leadership in boutique resorts, nature retreats, adventure lodges, or experiential properties.Demonstrated success leading complex, full-service operations with group, conference, and event-driven business.Experience leading operations with multiple verticals (lodging, F&B, activities, retail, wellness, and/or events).A track record of achieving and maintaining superior results across all areas of hospitality operations and can articulate the underlying strategies that led to your achievements.Strong financial acumen with a proven record of delivering performance and balancing operational needs with guest delight.Robust experience with hospitality technology platforms—including PMS, POS, accounting systems, scheduling tools, and guest-engagement technology—and a demonstrated ability to implement new tech that improves operational efficiency and enhances the guest experience.A proactive mindset around technology adoption: not only executing on ownership’s recommended systems but also identifying new digital tools that streamline operations or elevate the GX (Guest Experience).Knowledge of environmental stewardship, sustainability practices, OSHA standards, and food safety strongly preferred.Comfortable working in outdoor environments with variable weather, terrain, and logistics.Ability to speak Spanish or other languages is a plus.Leadership & BehaviorsPurpose-Driven Leadership: Leads with clarity, intention, and alignment to Shenandoah’s guiding experience—Relax, Release, Connect, Love—ensuring the team understands why we do what we do, not just what we do.Presence & Service Mindset: Visible, engaged, and guest-focused; creates a hospitality culture rooted in warmth, professionalism, and genuine connection.People-First Operator: Builds trust through consistency, fairness, and follow-through; prioritizes associate engagement, development, and accountability.High Standards & Ownership: Sets clear expectations and holds self and others accountable to elevated service and operational excellence; takes ownership of outcomes and resolves issues quickly and thoughtfully.Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: Demonstrates strong judgment, discretion, and composure; navigates complex situations with empathy, respect, and professionalism.Team Builder & Coach: Hires and develops strong leaders, delegates effectively, and creates a culture of continuous learning and performance improvement.Adaptive & Resilient: Operates effectively in fast-paced and evolving environments; remains solutions-oriented and calm during ambiguity, change, or high-demand periods.Collaborative & Community-Minded: Builds strong partnerships across stakeholders, vendors, and local community; leads with a mindset of regeneration, stewardship, and mutual benefit.Strategic Thinker with Operational Discipline: Balances big-picture planning with detailed execution; uses data, feedback, and financial insights to improve outcomes and elevate the guest experience.What’s In It For YouCompetitive compensation package, including quarterly incentive plan.Generous health, dental and vision insurance, plus 401K.Comprehensive onboarding and training plan to set you up for success.Coaching, feedback, and mentorship to develop yourself and your team.Personalized development plan to fit your individual role and career goals.Leadership courses to improve your personal and interpersonal effectiveness.Monthly fitness and transportation credits.Unlimited PTO and 9 paid holidays.Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities.Paid Parental Leave.Tuition reimbursement opportunities – when you grow, we grow!Clear pathways to future leadership opportunities, including advancement to GM roles at additional Nightsky locations or above-property executive positions.Long-term growth opportunities within the Simply Resorts & Retreats platform, including potential participation in future incentive or partnership programs aligned with performance and tenure, subject to formal plan adoption.A leadership environment designed for sustainability—where success is not expected to come at the expense of your health, family, or sense of purpose.Supportive executive partnership and ownership engagement focused on long-term success, professional fulfillment, and shared accountability.Supportive executive partnership and ownership engagement focused on long-term success, professional fulfillment, and shared accountability.Non-Negotiables (Our Core Values)SERVE OTHERS.LIVE 360.BUILD A POSITIVE TEAM.COMMUNICATE.BE WILDLY PASSIONATE.TAKE OWNERSHIP.LEARN + INNOVATE.EMBRACE CHANGE.As part of an organizational culture that embraces change and progress, this job description does not seek to limit the tasks and responsibilities of the position. Rather, it acts as a springboard for future career and personal development within the property team and entire Modus Hotels’ community.We are an equal opportunity employer. We actively respect the right of any qualified individual who performs to Modus standards to work. Discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic not related to performance, ability or attitude protected by state or federal law, is disrespectful, bad business and won’t be tolerated. It’s also illegal.Modus by PM Hotel Group will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.This description is subject to change, at the sole discretion of the Company, and in no way creates an employment contract, implied or otherwise; each associate remains, at all times, an “at will” associate.While this is a salaried position, be prepared to accommodate varying schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required. This position will require moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments. The position may require moving greater than 50% of the time.