Situated on the eastern shore of Kezar Lake in Lovell, Maine, Hewnoaks offers an extraordinary setting of inspiration and beauty. Each year, Hewnoaks invites participants for one-to two-week sessions from June until early October and offers self-catered accommodation in rustic cabins complete with basic kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. We encourage applications from emerging and mid-career artists and curators in all disciplines. Maine artists are given preference, but anyone is welcome to apply.
Lovell, ME
United States
To apply for the Summer Residency Manager position, please email your cover letter and resume to info@hewnoaks.org, with the subject line: 2026 Summer Residency Manager.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a preferred deadline of 3/2/2026.
2026 Summer Residency Manager
- Location: onsite in Lovell, Maine (hewnoaks.org).
- Hours: 20-25 hours per week.
- Duration: Fixed Term / Seasonal May 21, 2026 – October 8, 2026.
- Classification: Part-time, non-exempt.
- Compensation: $25–$28 per hour, and housing is provided.
- [Note: this position may be split between two people, depending on availability.]
Overview
Hewnoaks Artist Residency seeks an organized, responsible, and creatively inclined individual to manage our summer residency program. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role serves as both hospitality manager and event host, acting as the face of Hewnoaks for our artists-in-residence and participants in workshops and retreats led by external partners.
This position is ideal for a creative practitioner or hospitality professional with experience in artist residencies or similar group retreat environments who can tailor their practice to the residency program’s needs. Situated on the picturesque shores of Kezar Lake, Hewnoaks offers private living space and access to an artist studio within the historic Hewnoaks Lodge.
Responsibilities
- Foster a welcoming community
- Manage check-in and check-out processes for arriving and departing residents.
- Orient new residents to the property, providing essential information to ensure a smooth stay.
- Plan and host weekly social events to build community among residents, board members, and the local community, such as cocktail receptions, potluck dinners, and work shares.
- Food preparation is a key component of this role, especially for workshops and retreats, where more complex cooking may be required. Receptions and potlucks involve lighter cooking or hosting duties.
- Assist the Executive Director and Board with community engagement events, including a flagship event in August (e.g., workshops, open studios, exhibitions, and presentations).
Maintain Safe and Functional Facilities
- Provide clear orientation for cabin and workspace care, fire safety, and other essential guidelines.
- Uphold and enforce community standards, safe space policies, and codes of conduct.
- Coordinate with program staff and volunteers to oversee the residency facility’s seasonal opening and closing, including the de-winterizing and winterizing processes.
- Serve as the first point of escalation for facility issues.
- Coordinate cottage and program space turnovers to prepare for new arrivals, including cleaning, resupplying, and light maintenance tasks in collaboration with contracted housekeeping services (when available).
- Liaise with vendors and contractors responsible for groundskeeping, property maintenance, and custodial duties.
Enhance the Residency’s Impact
- Engage weekly with residents to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
- Collect and share photos and testimonials for social media to highlight the residency experience.
- Engage with the local community and share local resources with the residents (ie, markets, library, hiking. Etc).
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Must live and work onsite at Hewnoaks Lodge for the full period of employment.
- Work approximately 15–25 hours per week and be available to residents for 3 hours per day during “office hours” on all dates with residents on site. Additional hours and duties based on programs, events, and residency schedule, which includes weekends, nights, and Federal holidays as required by the program schedule. (Specific work schedule to be mutually agreed upon with the Executive Director.)
- Exceptional social and group facilitation skills to foster community and engagement among diverse groups of residents.
- Strong cultural competence, including the ability to engage respectfully with individuals of marginalized identities and a sophisticated understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access principles.
- Advanced knowledge of and respect for artistic expression in all forms; Experience with artists and artist residencies is preferred.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Hewnoaks Artist Residency is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be 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.