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Art Department Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Art Department Internship at Smosh Are you passionate about the world of art and production design ... Manage props on set and assist with set flips on shoot days. * Keep Prop Assets Organized: Support ...

ART College Credit Plus This posting is exclusively used to capture information for College Credit Plus Instructors in the ART department.

Director, Art Department (Productions)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

As Art Director, you'll work closely with editors, writers, photographers, illustrators, designers ... You're comfortable leading creative conversations, managing production workflows, commissioning ...

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We're looking for an experienced manager of people, someone that can inspire others, taking our ... keep our art team fueled and inspired. To excel at this position you must be well versed and ...

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Art Department Manager information

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How much do art department manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for art department manager in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Art Department Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Department Manager, you need expertise in visual arts, project management, and team leadership, often supported by a degree in fine arts or design and relevant managerial experience. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), budgeting tools, and workflow management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, creative problem-solving, and organizational abilities set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure the art department delivers high-quality work on time and within budget, fostering collaboration and innovation.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In the media industry, roles such as Art Department Manager, Creative Director, or Senior Art Director often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience and leadership responsibilities. These positions typically require strong project management skills, industry experience, and proficiency with design and production tools. Salaries can vary based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

What is the highest paying job in an art department?

The highest paying job in an art department is typically the Creative Director or Art Director, who oversees the visual style and artistic vision of a project. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools, and they can earn significantly higher salaries than other art department positions.

What does an Art Department Manager do?

An Art Department Manager oversees the creative and administrative operations of an art department, often within a film, television, advertising, or design company. They coordinate the work of artists, designers, and other creative staff to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet the desired artistic vision. Responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, hiring staff, managing resources, and acting as a liaison between the art department and other departments or clients. Their role is crucial in maintaining the quality and consistency of visual elements throughout a project.

What is the highest paid art job?

The highest paid art jobs typically include roles such as Creative Director, Art Director, or Visual Effects Supervisor, especially in industries like advertising, film, and video game development. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.

How does an Art Department Manager typically collaborate with other departments during large projects?

Art Department Managers play a crucial role in cross-departmental collaboration, especially during large projects such as film productions, advertising campaigns, or product launches. They work closely with directors, producers, marketing teams, and designers to ensure that visual elements align with the overall creative vision and project requirements. Regular meetings, clear communication, and adaptability are essential as the manager coordinates schedules, budgets, and resources while addressing feedback from multiple stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that the final visual output supports the broader goals of the organization or production.

What do art managers do?

An art department manager oversees the creative team and manages the production of visual content in film, television, or advertising projects. They coordinate between artists, designers, and directors, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met while maintaining artistic quality. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite are essential for the role.
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What cities are hiring for Art Department Manager jobs? Cities with the most Art Department Manager job openings:
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Infographic showing various Art Department Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,000 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Art Department Manager

$107K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 hours ago


University Of California Santa Cruz rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

JOB POSTING
The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement. More details will be discussed if selected for an interview.
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.
  • How to Apply
  • Troubleshooting
  • Tips for Applicants
  • FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)
UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .
The IRD for this job is: 05-27-2026
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Art Department currently consists of 13 permanent faculty, 30 visiting lecturers per year, 8 technical and clerical staff, and supports over 3,000 undergraduate students and up to 20 graduate students annually with 50-60 large lecture and small studio courses. Classes are offered all year, including summer, both on campus and online.
The Art Department facilities include a wood machining shop, digital and electronic media lab, metal fabrication shop, photography dark room, painting studios, foundry, print media studio, digital imaging lab, graduate studios, offices and faculty studios. These facilities are located on the main UCSC campus and at the Westside Research Park. Together they provide art department students and faculty access to dedicated space and specialized equipment to enable them to develop robust skills within their chosen disciplines.
More information can be found at: https://art.ucsc.edu/
JOB SUMMARY
The Department Manager is responsible for the management and supervision of the administrative operations of the Art Department, under the direction of the department chair. Administrative services include all or some of the following functions: budget and financial management, curriculum planning and management, facilities, space coordination, staff and academic human resources, graduate and undergraduate programs, and student services. The Department Manager recruits and supervises support, professional, and technical staff.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: $107,000-$117,000/annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits
Schedule Information:
  • Full-time, Fixed
  • Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
  • Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
  • Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment
Job End Date: None
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus & Partial Remote/ Hybrid
Union Representation: Non-Represented
Job Code Classification: ADMIN SUPV 2 (007375) (Grade 23)
Travel: Never or Rarely
JOB DUTIES
60% - Administrative Operations Management
  • Manages, plans, and administers a full range of administrative operations to support the Art Department, including budget and fiscal activities, staff and academic personnel recruitment and supervision, space and facilities coordination, and program curricular planning and implementation.
  • Participates in the creation, maintenance and reporting of operational and budget processes listed above.
  • Provides advice and support to the chair in planning and development for these operational areas.
  • Represents the department on business issues to the institution's community and serves on committees. May manage systems and procedures to protect department assets.

25% - Supervision
  • Recommends hiring of new employees, transfers, promotions, salary actions, terminations, performance management and budget recommendations.
  • Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the function.
  • Manages activities of administrative and technical staff, including the facilities and operations manager, sets priorities and deadlines for staff activities, establishes internal procedures for operations and effective utilization of resources.

15% - Instruction Facilitation
  • Facilitates delivery of instruction for the department, in coordination with the chair, undergraduate advisor, graduate advisor, department assistant, and operations staff; analyzes resource implications and establishes funding priorities based on analysis of data.
  • Serves as contact for department in curricular matters, ensures curricular coordination between various departments and programs and assists in resolving issues and conflicts.
  • Monitors enrollment levels and recommends changes in course offerings, instructor assignments and resource needs.
  • Responsible for general oversight of the hiring of TAs and readers for each quarter. Handles direct assignment of TAs for Summer Session.
  • Oversees the development and implementation of undergraduate program policies, including admissions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
  • Solid knowledge of budget, account and fund management, financial analysis, reporting techniques, accounting, and payroll.
  • Solid knowledge of risk management planning.
  • Solid knowledge of common computer application programs.
  • Solid interpersonal skills including active listening, persuasiveness, advising, and counseling to effectively motivate others.
  • Ability to think critically to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify resolutions.
  • Solid skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify resolutions.
  • Solid verbal communication skills.
  • Solid written communication skills.
  • Solid customer service skills.
  • Solid organizational skills to effectively manage multiple priorities.
  • Solid knowledge of human resources and personnel management within labor contract(s) and personnel policy.
  • Demonstrated skills in employee supervision and HR administration.
  • Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive community that fosters access, openness, and productive engagement for all.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Knowledge of UC and/or UCSC processes, protocols, and procedures and organization-specific computer application programs.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
  • Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
  • Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
  • The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
  • Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
  • Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
  • The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
  • Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .
  • Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
    • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
    • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
    • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT
All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/ .
This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.
EEO/AA
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy .
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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