General Manager – Campus Operations

Summer Lake, Oregon (On-site)

PLAYA seeks an experienced and reliable General Manager to oversee day-to-day operations on its rural campus and supervise on-site staff. This is a senior, on-site leadership role responsible for coordinating people, facilities, programs, and communications. Reporting to PLAYA’s remote Executive Director, the General Manager will manage campus operations, supervise department managers, lead marketing and communications, and handle routine operational and administrative functions. This role will require comfort with hands-on problem solving, staff supervision, and decision-making in a remote setting. This is a newly created position designed to support PLAYA’s continued growth and increasing operational complexity.

About PLAYA

PLAYA is a nonprofit arts and science residency center located in south-central Oregon. PLAYA hosts residencies, public programs, workshops, and retreats for artists, writers, scientists, and interdisciplinary practitioners. The organization operates a 65-acre campus that includes cabins, studios, shared facilities, and outdoor spaces used year-round by residents, staff, and visitors.

Position Overview

The General Manager will serve as PLAYA’s primary on-site operational leader and will supervise the managers of the following departments:

• Arts & Science Programming
• Site & Facilities
• Hospitality

They will also lead PLAYA’s marketing and communications work and will serve as the Executive Director’s on-site point of contact for routine operational, administrative, and personnel matters.

Key Responsibilities

Campus Operations & Staff Supervision

• Oversee daily operations across the campus
• Supervise department managers and support staff
• Coordinate work across departments and resolve operational issues
• Support planning and execution of residency sessions, public programs, and events
• Participate in shared on-call coverage and respond to emergencies as needed

Marketing & Communications

• Lead marketing and communications strategy and execution
• Write, edit, and approve content for newsletters, website, social media, and print materials
• Manage the communications calendar and publication schedule
• Coordinate with staff, board members, and contractors to gather content
• Maintain organized photo, media, and content archives

Executive Partnership & Administration

• Serve as the primary point of contact between on-site staff and the Executive Director
• Provide regular updates on campus operations, issues, and needs
• Oversee routine administrative tasks, including mail, general inquiries, and merchandise tracking
• Support budgeting and financial oversight in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Assist with HR administration and operational compliance

Qualifications

• Experience managing operations in a campus-based, or hospitality-focused environment (e.g. a retreat center, residency program, or similar facility)
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating multiple functional areas
• Strong writing and editing skills, with experience leading marketing and communications work
• Experience with budgeting and operational oversight
• Ability to work independently in a small organization with limited on-site staff
• Clear, direct communication style and strong organizational skills
• Ability to live and work on site in a remote location
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $60,000–$70,000, depending on experience
• Housing: Furnished on-site housing provided if needed
• Health stipend: $600/month
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Flexible schedule with evenings and weekends required during program sessions

Application Timeline

Applications will be accepted for approximately one month. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, followed by on-campus interviews for finalists. Anticipated start date: April 2026.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Our policies and practices provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals in leadership,

staffing and service, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, gender,

gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, and any status protected by law.