Founded in 1907 by composer Edward MacDowell and pianist Marian MacDowell, MacDowell is the nation’s first artist residency program. It was established to nurture the arts by providing exceptional creative individuals with an inspiring environment to produce enduring works of the imagination. Honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1997, MacDowell hosts 300 artists annually—including architects, composers, filmmakers, interdisciplinary artists, theatre artists, visual artists, and writers—from across the U.S. and around the world. Over the past 119 years, more than 16,500 residencies have been awarded to distinguished artists such as James Baldwin, Charlie Kaufman, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Louise Erdrich, Suzan-Lori Parks, Ayad Akhtar, Laura Poitras, Faith Ringgold, Meredith Monk, Osvaldo Golijov, Sam Grabiner, Ersela Kripa, Alyson Shotz, Maya Ciarrocchi, and jaamil olawale kosoko.
Peterborough, NH
United States
Please email your resume and short cover note to Jenni Wu, Chief of Staff, at employment@macdowell.org by May 1, 2026. We will begin reviewing applications in April and hope to fill the position for a May 2026 start date. Qualified applicants may be asked to participate in up to 3 virtual or in-person interviews.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
MacDowell is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
The Opportunity
MacDowell, the nation's oldest multidisciplinary artist residency program, seeks a dependable Maintenance Assistant (MA) to help sustain ideal working and living conditions for ~30 artists in residence. We are looking for a hard-working team player who will center care for artists in their stewardship of studios and common spaces. Since 1907, MacDowell has supported more than 9,500 artists at all stages of career development. Roughly 300 annual Fellowships lasting up to six weeks are awarded with no strings attached—artists arriving with their own projects are provided one of 31 studios on the 450-acre campus. Our next MA will join a friendly, supportive, and active team to provide care for MacDowell's buildings and natural environment in Peterborough, NH. Reporting to the Maintenance Foreman (MF), the MA will work 7:30a-3:30p, M-F with occasional evening and weekend work.
Duties vary by season, but include:
- Stewardship of grounds and buildings, including lawns and wooded areas
- Road grading and repair
- Studio upkeep, including painting, roof repair, light construction and maintenance of heating, plumbing and electrical systems
- Respond to artist requests related to facility needs; serve as a backup point of contact for after-hour emergencies
- Snow plowing, shoveling, ice control, and road sanding
- Assist the Maintenance Foreman in directing sub-contractors and vendors
- Some heavy shovel work and heavy lifting
- Maintain familiarity with all facilities, machinery, and artist equipment
- Attend All Staff meetings as directed
Qualifications:
- 1-3 years related job experience
- Experience with chainsaws and power tools and knowledge of plumbing, light carpentry, or electrical experience are strong pluses
- Desire and ability to work harmoniously with a team of professionals dedicated to sustaining ideal working conditions for creative artists
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
- Basic proficiency with digital communication and office technology
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to regularly commute to Peterborough, NH
- Ability to regularly lift and transport materials weighing 40 lbs. and occasionally up to 60 lbs.
- Prolonged periods of standing and walking
- Ability to climb ladders, bend, reach, and crawl
- Valid driver’s license required
- Some evening and weekend work may be required
- Available to work at a public event on the weekend of June 28th (will receive overtime pay)
MacDowell’s Culture
Our staff is our greatest asset, and we strive towards a kind, equitable, and respectful work culture that values a diversity of perspectives and lived experiences.
Compensation
Compensation for this non-exempt full-time position starts at $22.00/hour with an overtime pay rate of $33.00/hour. Benefits include regular staff meals; prorated cell phone reimbursement; health and dental insurance; life and short-term disability insurance; medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; employer contributions to a 403(b)-retirement account; paid family leave; and generous paid time off.