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Art Program Director Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

WholeTrees

Assistant Sales Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Responsibilities include online administration of CRM programs, support in trade-show logistics and ... Direct Supervision will be managed by the company's Executive Assistant, with goals and KPIs ...

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All JobsArt Program JobsArt Program Director JobsArt Program Director Jobs in Madison, WI

Art Program Director information

See Madison, WI salary details

$44.8K

$122.7K

$147.6K

How much do art program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for art program director in Madison, WI is $122,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an art program director?

Art Program Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing art programs within organizations such as museums, galleries, community centers, or educational institutions. They develop and implement artistic initiatives, coordinate exhibitions or workshops, manage budgets, and foster partnerships with artists and other stakeholders. Their goal is to promote artistic expression and ensure the success and growth of the art program. Art Program Directors often supervise staff, handle administrative duties, and engage with the community to enhance cultural experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by an art program director when coordinating multidisciplinary art initiatives?

Art Program Directors often encounter challenges in balancing the creative visions of diverse artists with organizational goals and logistical constraints. Coordinating multidisciplinary projects requires strong communication skills to align artists, educators, and community partners, while also managing budgets and timelines. Additionally, ensuring equitable access and audience engagement can be demanding, requiring innovative outreach strategies and adaptability. Successful directors are proactive in resolving conflicts and fostering collaboration to create impactful and inclusive art experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an art program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Program Director, you need a background in fine arts or arts administration, experience in program management, and often at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and knowledge of grant writing or arts funding platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, creative vision, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are crucial for successfully planning, implementing, and promoting arts programs that engage communities and meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Art Program Director vs Art Educator?

AspectArt Program DirectorArt Educator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Fine Arts, Arts Administration, or related fieldDegree in Education, Fine Arts, or related field, often with teaching certification
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, galleries, arts organizations, non-profitsSchools, community centers, workshops, educational institutions
Primary FocusOverseeing art programs, managing staff, strategic planningTeaching art skills, curriculum development, student engagement

While both roles involve working with art, the Art Program Director focuses on managing and developing art programs at organizational levels, whereas the Art Educator concentrates on teaching and inspiring students directly. The roles often overlap in arts organizations but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Art Program jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Art Program jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Art Program Director jobs in Madison, WI?

For Art Program Director jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Art Program Director jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Art Program Director jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Art Program Director jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Art Program Director job openings:

Art Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Program Director job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,685 per year, or $59 per hour.

Art Therapist - Mendota Mental Health Institute - $3,000 Sign on Bonus!

State of Wisconsin

Madison, WI • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

State Of Wisconsin rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 50 rated states

Job description

Introduction
The Department of Health Services (DHS) , Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is currently recruiting for an Art Therapist. This position may be filled at the Therapist or Therapist-Senior level based on the selected candidate's qualifications. This is a reannouncement, if you already applied you do not need to reapply.
Work hours will consist of day shifts and occasional evenings.
MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program, specializing in serving patients with complex psychiatric conditions, often combined with certain problem behaviors. A secure setting to meet the legal and behavioral needs of our patients is provided. MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system.
MMHI is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS .
As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package , including:
  • 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time ; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
  • Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
  • Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
  • Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High-Deductible Health Savings.
  • Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
  • A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Position Summary
As an Art Therapist, you will:
  • Design, coordinate, implement and evaluate the Therapeutic Art Program which includes assessing functional abilities and deficits in independent living skills, leisure skills and social skills through collection and analysis of observed and recorded behavioral data to determine appropriate programming needs and develop and implement treatment plans.
  • Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Serve as a member of the Rehabilitation Services Department.
  • Provide program supervision and scheduling of Art Therapy students.

Salary Information
The starting pay for the Therapist is between $29.00 and $32.75 per hour ($60,300 and $68,100 per year), depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/05.
The starting salary for the Senior level is between $34.00 and $41.26 per hour ($70,700 and $85,800 per year), depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/04.
A 12-month probationary period is required for both levels. Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.
$3,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with MMHI in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,500 upon hire and $1,500 after completing probation.
Job Details
All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a Caregiver background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.
All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by the facility or medical personnel directed by the facility within 30 days of the start date.
DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified applicants will have the following:
  • Registration or provisional registration as an Art Therapist (ATR) . If not already registered, you must obtain your ATR by the time you complete your 12-month probation with MMHI. Requirements to become registered:
    • Have at least 2 years of supervision by a Board-Certified Art Therapist AND
    • Have already obtained a degree in Art Therapy.
Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:
  • Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Experience providing art therapy services.
  • Experience working with adolescent or adult patients with behavior issues and/or psychiatric needs.
  • Experience using techniques to analyze and evaluate behavior change and treatment effectiveness.
  • Board Certified as an Art Therapist in the State of Wisconsin.
For tips on developing your resume and what should be included, click here .
How To Apply
Applying is easy! Click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Sign in to your account or click "Register Now" to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Helpful Information:
  • Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click "Save" to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
  • You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
  • Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
  • Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
  • If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs .
  • For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions . For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Rachel Libera in Human Resources at rachel.libera@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.
Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans' hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran's affairs, click here .
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

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