Executive Director - Write On, Door County

Spano Pratt • Fish Creek, WI

2d • $100,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director serves as Write On, Door County’s chief executive and primary ambassador, stewarding the organization’s mission while guiding its future. This leader brings strategic vision, fundraising strength, and operational fluency to advance financial sustainability, oversee programs and partnerships, and support a small, committed team. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director translates purpose into action, balancing big-picture leadership with hands-on execution. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a beloved literary organization grounded in creativity, education, and community connection. The Executive Director is responsible for cultivating donor relationships, strengthening organizational infrastructure, and ensuring programs remain mission-aligned, financially sound, and responsive to evolving needs. Just as important, the Executive Director serves as a visible presence on campus and in the community, building trust and momentum through authentic engagement. At its core, this position is about stewardship—of people, resources, stories, and place. For a leader who values both artistic expression and organizational excellence, the Executive Director role offers the chance to guide Write On into its next chapter while honoring its origins: inspiring readers and writers, nurturing creativity, and creating spaces where voices are heard and stories take root.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, or mission-focused organizations.
• Proven success in fundraising, including individual giving, grants, sponsorships, and donor stewardship.
• Financial literacy with experience managing organizational budgets (approximately $500,000 operating budget) and working alongside boards on financial oversight and sustainability.
• Experience partnering with and reporting to a Board of Directors; ability to support effective governance and cultivate strong board engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization to diverse stakeholders including donors, community partners, artists, and participants.
• Comfort using financial systems, CRM platforms, marketing analytics, and basic AV tools to support operations and programming.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution in a small-team environment (leading a staff of three).
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities while advancing long-term organizational goals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working closely with a governing board.
• Affinity for literature, writing, publishing, or arts programming (helpful but not required).
• Familiarity with donor database systems and digital marketing tools.

Responsibilities

• Organizational Leadership & Strategy
• Advance Write On’s mission, values, and strategic priorities in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Translate strategic goals into annual plans, operational priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• Track organizational performance and program impact; use data and feedback to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Provide visible leadership across the organization, campus, and community.
• Partner with the Board Chair to support effective governance, planning, and organizational accountability.
• Fundraising & Revenue Development
• Lead all fundraising activities, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and events.
• Personally cultivate and steward donors, foundations, and community partners.
• Serve as staff lead for the annual gala and other fundraising initiatives.
• Prepare grant proposals and required reports.
• Support earned revenue streams, including program fees, conferences, and memberships.
• Financial, Administrative & Campus Operations
• Oversee the organization’s operating budget, cash flow, and financial reporting in collaboration with the bookkeeper/accountant and Board Treasurer.
• Ensure timely payroll, annual filings, insurance, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain basic HR policies and administrative systems.
• Oversee the care and use of organizational facilities, including the Writing Center, Writer’s Residency, and Hike & Write trails.
• Identify organizational risks and develop strategies to ensure long-term sustainability, safety, and operational resilience.
• Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture
• Supervise and support a small team of staff and key volunteers.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Set clear expectations and ensure accountability across roles.
• Program Oversight & Artistic Partnership
• Provide organizational oversight of literary programs, including workshops, readings, conferences, and residencies.
• Partner closely with the Artistic Director to align programming with mission, budget, and audience engagement.
• Ensure programs are financially sustainable, mission-aligned, and responsive to community needs.
• Marketing, Communications & Community Presence
• Oversee branding, messaging, and external communications.
• Serve as the primary organizational spokesperson.
• Guide newsletters, social media, press outreach, and website content (directly or through staff or contractors).
• Build and maintain relationships with writers, educators, cultural organizations, donors, and community leaders.
• Develop strategic partnerships with peer organizations, schools, funders, and community groups to expand reach and impact.
• Support planning and execution of public programs and events.
• Board Relations & Governance Support
• Prepare materials for Board and committee meetings.
• Support Board engagement in fundraising, advocacy, and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain effective communication between staff and Board leadership.

Benefits

• Generous time-off package to support personal well-being and work-life balance.
• Healthcare stipend: $10,000 annually, administered through a third-party benefits provider.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed