RESIDENCY MANAGER

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 
or science organizations 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 
[email protected]. 

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:

[email protected]

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.
Deborah Ford
Executive Director

Playa
47531 Highway 31
Summer Lake, OR 97640
541-943-3983

www.playasummerlake.org



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 is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt organization and all contributions are 
tax-deductible
to the full extent allowed by law. 

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