Executive Director - Write On, Door County
Spano Pratt, LLC, Fish Creek, Wisconsin, United States, 54212
Overview
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW Write On, Door County is a nationally recognized nonprofit literary arts organization dedicated to inspiring and engaging readers and writers of all ages, at all stages. Founded in 2013, Write On provides high-quality writing programs, author events, conferences, and residencies that foster creativity, deepen craft, and build meaningful connections through story. Serving both local and national audiences, the organization has become a vital cultural resource within Door County’s vibrant arts ecosystem and beyond. Write On’s programs are rooted in its 59‑acre wooded campus near Fish Creek, Wisconsin, which includes a Writing Center, a year‑round Writers Residency, and 1.5 miles of public trails inviting reflection, exploration, and creative expression. Through workshops, readings, community gatherings, and immersive retreats, Write On creates welcoming spaces where writers and readers come together to learn, share, and grow. With a strong endowment, a dedicated Board, and a small professional team, Write On is entering an exciting next chapter focused on deepening community impact, strengthening financial sustainability, and expanding its reach while honoring the artistic integrity and inclusive spirit at the heart of its mission.
POSITION OVERVIEW
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.
Responsibilities CORE 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.
Qualifications KEY COMPETENCIES
Visionary Leadership with Operational Execution
Sets clear direction
Transforms ideas into action
Establishes executable priorities
Leads organizational change
Balances creativity with discipline
Relationship-Driven Fundraising & Community Engagement
Comfortable asking for money
Externally focused and sociable
Cultivates donors personally
Develops sponsorships
Represents Write On publicly with energy
Builds trust through presence
Organizational & Financial Acumen
Understands budgets and financial reporting
Plans strategically
Builds infrastructure
Aligns programming with revenue
Uses technology effectively
Ensures accountability
People Leadership & Change Management
Comfortable with conflict
Builds strong teams
Sets clear expectations
Holds people accountable with empathy
Encourages collaboration
Entrepreneurial Energy & Presence
Self‑starter
Takes initiative
Energizes othersWilling to wear many hats
Persistent and fearless
Maintains focus on priorities
Mission Alignment & Cultural Stewardship
Passion for storytelling and creativity
Commitment to inclusivity
Belief in community impact
Respects artistic integrity
Creates welcoming environments
Honors origins while building the future
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE The ideal Executive Director brings a blend of strategic leadership, operational strength, and relationship‑building capabilities, along with a passion for mission‑driven work.
Required Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Compensation & Benefits Salary 100,000 – 120,000, commensurate with experience
Full‑time, onsite role requiring visibility and a presence to support programs, campus activities, and community engagement. Flexible schedules with evenings and weekends required for events and monthly Board meetings. 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.
NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCESS To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to: Shelly Beaver, Executive Search Consultant sbeaver@spanopratt.com (262) 685‑8017 –OR- Lindsey Kriete, Practice Director lkriete@spanopratt.com (414) 234‑9033
#J-18808-Ljbffr
POSITION OVERVIEW
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.
Responsibilities CORE 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.
Qualifications KEY COMPETENCIES
Visionary Leadership with Operational Execution
Sets clear direction
Transforms ideas into action
Establishes executable priorities
Leads organizational change
Balances creativity with discipline
Relationship-Driven Fundraising & Community Engagement
Comfortable asking for money
Externally focused and sociable
Cultivates donors personally
Develops sponsorships
Represents Write On publicly with energy
Builds trust through presence
Organizational & Financial Acumen
Understands budgets and financial reporting
Plans strategically
Builds infrastructure
Aligns programming with revenue
Uses technology effectively
Ensures accountability
People Leadership & Change Management
Comfortable with conflict
Builds strong teams
Sets clear expectations
Holds people accountable with empathy
Encourages collaboration
Entrepreneurial Energy & Presence
Self‑starter
Takes initiative
Energizes othersWilling to wear many hats
Persistent and fearless
Maintains focus on priorities
Mission Alignment & Cultural Stewardship
Passion for storytelling and creativity
Commitment to inclusivity
Belief in community impact
Respects artistic integrity
Creates welcoming environments
Honors origins while building the future
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE The ideal Executive Director brings a blend of strategic leadership, operational strength, and relationship‑building capabilities, along with a passion for mission‑driven work.
Required Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Compensation & Benefits Salary 100,000 – 120,000, commensurate with experience
Full‑time, onsite role requiring visibility and a presence to support programs, campus activities, and community engagement. Flexible schedules with evenings and weekends required for events and monthly Board meetings. 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.
NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCESS To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to: Shelly Beaver, Executive Search Consultant sbeaver@spanopratt.com (262) 685‑8017 –OR- Lindsey Kriete, Practice Director lkriete@spanopratt.com (414) 234‑9033
#J-18808-Ljbffr