POSITION DESCRIPTION

PLAYA is looking for a Residency Manager who will live on location and oversee coordination and planning of the residency experience including pre-application communications, managing logistics of on-site residencies, and supporting Playa’s external programming.

PLAYA’s Mission

On the edge of the Great Basin, PLAYA offers creative individuals the space, the solitude and the community to reflect and to engage their work through its residency program. PLAYA supports innovative thinking through work in the arts, literature, natural sciences and other fields of creative inquiry and encourages dialogue between disciplines to bring positive change to the environment and the world.

PLAYA, in south central Oregon, is a retreat for creative individuals who are committed and passionate about their work and who will benefit from time spent in a remote location. PLAYA offers seclusion and quiet in a natural environment and the opportunity for interaction, if desired, with a cohort of residents and the local rural community. A residency provides the time and space to create substantive work or to research and reflect upon one’s creative or scientific processes. www.playasummerlake.org

The Residency Manager’s primary responsibility will be oversight of the residency program and to help create an unpressured and hospitable experience of solitude and creative interaction for residents. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Residency Manager will develop new programming that will enhance the residency experience as well as connecting with the local community and beyond.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a professional working artist or scientist with strong interpersonal communication skills and administrative experience, particularly within a non-profit. In addition the candidate should be organized, flexible, detail-oriented, and a self-motivated problem solver. Applicant must be committed to a multidisciplinary approach to change.

Applicant must have a minimum of 2 years experience working with diverse arts organizations (or equivalent) and possess strong knowledge and experience of careers in creative fields. The applicant should have experience with a variety of software including Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, social media and others. Experience in design, donor relations, program development or fundraising is helpful but not required. Send resume and cover letter to deborahford@playasummerlake.org.

Applicant must be comfortable living in an isolated rural community.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Managing Residency Program

• Refine and update necessary documents for residency program, including but not limited to guidelines, applications, evaluations, website content, schedules and more.
•  Organize and manage application process and selection committee
• Manage “submittable” information
• Maintain files on applicants
• Update residency schedules, studio spaces and more with spread sheets
• Communicate with applicants about pre-residency information and selection process
• Update and maintain database, mailing lists, alumni and donor contacts
• Assist with arrivals and departures, orientations and weekly dinner presence.
• Administer and collect check out sheets and evaluations.

Support communications and administration:
The Residency Manager will collaborate with the Executive Director to:

• Develop a strategic vision for integrating the arts and sciences and expanding recognition of Playa’s programs.
• Increase communications and programs within the local community
• Create and disseminate newsletters and media-releases, both online and print
• Maintain social media and web presence.
• Help identify and cultivate relevant new programming, emerging artists and scientists
• Assist with purchasing, bookkeeping and basic banking.
• Work with ED on building strong donor base, networking, advocacy and interaction with other nonprofits, corporations and partnerships locally and nationally.
• Communicate with, and some oversight of, Playa site assistant(s) and seasonal help.
• Maintain documentation about procedures and operations.

Hours: 40 hours per week with flexible scheduling. Some weekends and evenings required.
Compensation: $40,000-45,000 depending upon qualifications and experience.
How to apply: Send cover letter and resume with three references to:

deborahford@playasummerlake.org

Position start date: Open until filled.

PLAYA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, sex, religion, marital status or national origin.