The Opportunity
Do you believe in the power of vibrant, engaged communities where the arts are woven into daily life? Are you excited to connect with people, build strong systems, and help shape the future of an arts organization on the Oregon Coast? Then you might be a great fit as the next Executive Director for the Hoffman Center for the Arts!
This hands-on leadership role is ideal for someone who deeply believes in the arts’ power to strengthen communities and who enjoys building relationships and long-term sustainability. The Executive Director role at the Hoffman Center is both strategic and operational. The ED serves as the organization’s primary leader while also taking an active, day-to-day role in administration, community engagement, and program support.
Fundraising is an important part of this role. The Executive Director builds and stewards donor relationships, helps shape fundraising strategies, participates in grant writing and supports fundraising events, and works closely with the Board to ensure strong and sustainable philanthropic support.
With 60+ events across literary and visual arts, gallery, horticulture, and clay studio programs, and thousands of visitors to the center each year, an arts administrator with a systems thinking approach who is motivated, imaginative, creative, and flexible will thrive in this role.
About the Organization
The Hoffman Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization founded in 2004, is a vibrant community arts organization on the Oregon Coast. We offer an expanding range of programs, including exhibitions, classes, artist talks, and community events that bring people together through art, creativity, and learning. The Executive Director serves as the organization’s top leader and works in close partnership with an engaged and dedicated Board of Directors to advance the mission, steward resources, and ensure strong operations. The organization is financially stable and has a budget of $450,000.
Programs
Gallery: Hosts monthly exhibitions. Open four days a week year-round, with artwork for sale. Volunteer docents welcome visitors and manage sales.
Clay Studio: A fully equipped ceramic studio open to the community for independent and guided studio use, group classes, and workshops.
Youth: Arts programs across visual and literary arts for youth of all ages. Partnerships with local schools, teachers, and organizations.
Writing: Programs for storytellers, poets, and word-lovers, including. workshops, author readings, publications, and community projects.
Visual Arts: Workshops in a wide range of mediums, from watercolor, fiber arts, drawing, encaustic, and more, led by accomplished artists.
Horticulture Arts (Wonder Garden): A community garden showcasing plants suited to the coastal climate. Maintained by volunteers and designed for accessibility and community
Success Measures for This Position
Increased program attendance, awareness, and participation.
Growth in individual donor contributions and grant revenue.
Improved staff and volunteer satisfaction and retention.
Strengthened community partnerships.
On-time program delivery and budget adherence.
Required Qualifications
A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, community-based, or related organization.
Experience working with a board of directors and an understanding of nonprofit governance.
Experience supporting staff, contractors, and/or volunteers and fostering a collaborative, positive culture.
Expertise with budgeting and financial oversight.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational involvement in a small organization.
Passion for the arts and building community.
Strategic visioning and planning skills and experience.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with flexibility and good judgment.
Excellent written, verbal, and public communication skills.
Commitment to equity and inclusivity.
Understanding of the arts’ role and meaning in the community.
Ability to build relationships across a diverse community, including artists, volunteers, donors, partners, and participants.
Emotional intelligence, humility, and integrity.
Ability to cultivate a creative, fun, and inspiring environment.
Enthusiasm for the organization's mission and the ability to serve as an effective ambassador, building relationships and inspiring engagement throughout the surrounding communities.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in small or rural community settings.
Experience in fundraising, donor relations, and grant development or writing.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred. A combination of education and relevant leadership experience will be considered.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $72k - $76k based on experience; eligible for annual reviews and opportunity for annual performance-based salary increase.
Benefits: 15 days (3 weeks) personal leave annually; accrues monthly (increases to 18 days year two).
Ten paid holidays plus three floating holidays.
$600/month taxable healthcare stipend.
Four free HCA workshops each year underwritten by the Hoffman so that the instructor is paid.
Professional development budget of $1,500 annually to use as you see fit, not part of income.
IRA match up to 3% of salary (excluding healthcare stipend).
Flexible schedule with some remote work possible, in coordination with staff and volunteers.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and chronological resume to our recruitment consultant, Kathy Kniep, at kathy@kathykniep.com, by
November 16, 2026. Note that the process for reviewing applications and scheduling interviews begins immediately. In your cover letter, please include an answer to the following question, supplying a one- or two-paragraph answer:
How do you create welcoming, engaging, and meaningful spaces for people?
An email acknowledgement will be sent to all applicants within three business days. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within that timeframe, please contact Kathy Kniep: kathy@kathykniep.com / 503-309-3433.
All inquiries will be handled confidentially.
The position will remain open until filled.
Not sure if you should apply? Please call Kathy Kniep with questions: 503-309-3433.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The board and staff of HCA believe they can meet the organization’s mission only with diverse board, staff, and
resident council members who actively cultivate a culture of equity.
