Hewnoaks' Executive Director

About Hewnoaks

Situated on the eastern shore of Kezar Lake in Lovell, Maine, Hewnoaks Artist Residency offers an extraordinary setting of inspiration and beauty. Each summer, Hewnoaks welcomes artists, writers, performers, and cultural workers for one- to two-week residencies and retreats in rustic cabins with simple kitchens and workspaces. The residency provides time, space, and community for creative practitioners to reflect, collaborate, and advance their work.

Founded in 1901 by artists Douglas and Marion Volk and established as a nonprofit in 2012, Hewnoaks has become a vital resource for artists across Maine and beyond. We are entering our next chapter with excitement and ambition, seeking a leader who will build on our legacy while bringing fresh vision, sustainability, and growth. Learn more at www.hewnoaks.org.

Overview

Hewnoaks Artist Residency seeks a dynamic and thoughtful Executive Director to guide the organization into its second decade of nonprofit life. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be responsible for advancing Hewnoaks’ mission, strengthening community partnerships, cultivating resources, and ensuring sound management of staff, finances, and facilities.

The ideal candidate is both visionary and practical: someone who can inspire donors and artists while confidently setting goals, making decisions, and ensuring follow-through. This is a role where a motivated leader can bring together past experiences, grow new skills, and make a meaningful mark in the arts and nonprofit sector.

Responsibilities

Fundraising & External Relations

• Serve as the face, voice, and heart of the organization.
• Act as a visible ambassador for Hewnoaks within cultural, nonprofit, and artist residency networks.
• Lead fundraising strategies across major donors, grants, campaigns, and events.
• Build and sustain relationships with funders, partners, and community stakeholders.

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Support and guide staff and volunteers with a collaborative, caring leadership style.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to set and implement strategic direction.
• Maintain clear and open communication between staff, board, and external partners.

Operations & Finance

• Manage financials, budgeting, and planning with accuracy and accountability, ensuring sustainability.
• Direct Human Resources with support from a fractional HR consultant.
• Ensure nonprofit compliance and reporting requirements are met.
• Oversee safe and effective operations of Hewnoaks’ campus and facilities, coordinating with staff, contractors, and volunteers.

Vision & Culture

• Nurture an inclusive, welcoming, and equitable culture across the organization.
• Champion Hewnoaks’ commitment to supporting diverse artistic practices.
• Advance long-term planning by activating the master plan and moving strategic priorities forward with enthusiasm.

Requirements

Essential Skills & Experience The successful candidate will bring both dedication and joy to the role—committing to Hewnoaks’ health and future through actions both large and small. Just as artists find meaning in temporary yet transformative moments, this leader will find fulfillment in building the foundations that secure Hewnoaks’ future.

• Fundraising experience, including major gifts, grants, or donor stewardship.
• Strong relationship-building skills with artists, donors, staff, and board members.
• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of nonprofit leadership, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams with confidence, care, and joy.
• Ability to articulate the importance of inclusive and equitable environments.
• Experience managing financials and budgets with accuracy and accountability.
• Capacity to boldly and publicly articulate vision and inspire others.
• Self-starter mentality: nimble, independent, and goal-driven.

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following experiences and skills would be especially valuable:

• Proven success in fundraising, including major gifts, grants, and donor stewardship.
• Background in nonprofit arts administration or prior service as a nonprofit Executive Director.
• Direct involvement in the arts or cultural sector.
• Experience with grant writing and planning fundraising events.
• Established networks in arts, culture, Maine, artist residencies, philanthropy, writing, or film.
• Familiarity with working alongside or supporting a nonprofit board of directors and committees.
• Confidence using nonprofit tools and systems such as QuickBooks, Salesforce, Gusto, PayPal, Submittable, Microsoft Suite, Dropbox, Canva, Zoom, Google Workspace, Asana, and grant application or online payment platforms.

Location, Schedule, & Compensation

The Executive Director will have flexibility in how and where they work, balancing remote time with on-site presence in Lovell, Maine. Because the role is closely tied to Hewnoaks’ community and campus, on-site availability may occasionally be needed at short notice. To support this, the Executive Director should live within approximately two hours’ driving distance, allowing same-day presence when required. During the summer residency season, weekly on-site time is expected, along with additional presence for events, networking, fundraising, and community engagement. Housing may be available during periods of higher on-site activity.

• Hours: 35–40 per week
• Classification: Full-time, exempt
• Compensation: $70,000–$75,000 annual salary plus benefits
• Flexible schedule under consideration, including the potential for a four-day work week during the off-season

At Hewnoaks Artist Residency, we hold equity among our core values and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via this link. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a strong preference for submissions received by October 10, 2025. Hewnoaks is partnering with Talent Alchemist, LLC, a talent consulting firm, to support this search process. All applications will be treated confidentially and reviewed with care.