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Arts Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Performing Live Program Manager

Mesa, AZ

$100K - $137K/yr

The Performing Live Program Manager oversees the booking, contracting, management, and settlement of all Performing Live events at the Mesa Arts Center (MAC). This position manages the Performing ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Performing Live Program Manager

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 17208 Department: (H400)Arts and Culture ... The Performing Live Program Manager oversees the booking, contracting, management, and settlement ...

Goldbelt

Culture and Arts Program Coordinator

Juneau, AK

$60K - $75K/yr

SUMMARY The Culture & Arts Program Coordinator plays a key role in supporting the implementation of ... Experience in drafting and managing contracts, MOAs, and MOUs. * Experience in budget tracking ...

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How much do arts program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for arts program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Arts Program Manager, you generally need a background in arts administration, project management, and budget planning, often supported by a relevant degree or significant experience in the arts sector. Familiarity with grant writing software, event management tools, and CRM systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, creative problem-solving, and leadership skills set top candidates apart. These abilities are essential for successfully designing, funding, and delivering impactful arts programs that engage communities and stakeholders.

What does an Arts Program Manager do?

An Arts Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing arts-related programs and events within organizations such as museums, community centers, or arts councils. They manage budgets, collaborate with artists and stakeholders, and ensure programs run smoothly from conception to completion. Their duties often include fundraising, marketing, scheduling, and evaluating program effectiveness. The goal of an Arts Program Manager is to promote and support the arts while engaging the community and achieving organizational objectives.

How does an Arts Program Manager typically collaborate with artists and community partners to develop successful programs?

Arts Program Managers regularly work with artists, educators, and community organizations to design and implement engaging programs. This involves facilitating meetings to understand stakeholders' needs, coordinating logistics, securing resources, and ensuring clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. Successful managers are proactive in building relationships and balancing creative vision with practical considerations, such as budgets and timelines. By fostering open dialogue and aligning goals, they help ensure that programs are both impactful and sustainable.
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Arts Program Manager jobs near you
Arts Program Manager

Arts Program Manager

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Job Description
The Arts Program Manager is a strategic role responsible for assisting the Provost with advancing and operationalizing a vision for a comprehensive, forward-thinking arts strategy across Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt network. This position will serve as the operational lead for Provost-led arts-related initiatives, projects, partnerships, events, and engagement opportunities that helps translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and experiences that elevate Vanderbilt's visibility and impact within the arts ecosystem locally, nationally, and globally.
The Arts Program Manager will serve as the liaison in the Provost's Office for external consultants, artists, arts organizations, curators, and key campus partners in the implementation of the university's emerging arts strategy. This role requires a highly collaborative, entrepreneurial, and relationship oriented team member who can successfully navigate complex stakeholder environments while supporting scalable arts initiatives that align with Vanderbilt's broader academic, cultural, philanthropic, and strategic priorities. The Arts Program Manager will work closely with university leadership, Development & Alumni Relations, Career Center leadership, Vanderbilt network campuses, Marketing & Communications, faculty, museum leadership, and external partners to strengthen Vanderbilt's arts ecosystem and create meaningful experiential opportunities for students and the broader VU community.
The Office of the Provost (OoP) at Vanderbilt University is responsible for the business and management operations to support the work of the Provost in overseeing all faculty, staff, programs, and initiatives for Vanderbilt's 10 schools and colleges, as well as leading the university's research, admissions, student affairs, and residential life. Each team member plays an integral role in executing strategic initiatives and outreach that drives the University forward. The team works alongside the Provost and Vice Provosts in the academic planning and operations of Vanderbilt University and its affiliates, including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Duties and Responsibilities
Program Development & Support
  • Coordinate implementation of the Provost's strategic vision for arts initiatives and programming across Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt network campuses.
  • Support the innovative, scalable arts strategies that position Vanderbilt as a leader in interdisciplinary arts engagement and creative innovation.
  • Manage and coordinate signature arts initiatives, public programming, speaker series, performances, exhibitions, and community engagement experiences.
  • Manage timelines, deliverables, and communications related to arts initiatives

Operational Management & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as the liaison and relationship manager for:
    • arts consultants
    • curators
    • artists
    • cultural institutions
    • key internal and external partners
  • Track high-level budgets, contracts, purchase orders, and expenditures related to arts consultants and initiatives.
  • Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for university leadership.
  • Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and working groups utilizing Microsoft Outlook.
  • Maintain project plans and monitor progress toward arts objectives in partnership with the Project Manager and Director of Operations.
  • Provide relationship management support to internal and external stakeholders that increase Vanderbilt's visibility, engagement opportunities, and strategic positioning in the arts sector.

Event Strategy & Execution
  • Support the planning, coordination, and execution of arts-focused signature events across Nashville, Vanderbilt network campuses, and other strategic markets.
  • Oversee event logistics, vendor coordination, timelines, communications, guest experience, and operational execution in collaboration with other departments.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver high-quality arts programming aligned with Vanderbilt's institutional priorities.
  • Support the development of scalable event models and programming strategies that facilitate long-term growth and program sustainability.

Student & Talent Development
  • Partner closely with Vanderbilt Career Center leadership to support talent development initiatives and connect students with opportunities in the arts and creative industries.
  • Help develop collaborative experiential learning pathways, internships, mentorship opportunities, networking events, and industry engagement opportunities for students pursuing careers in the arts.
  • Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to strengthen interdisciplinary arts engagement and student access to arts-related experiences.

Cross-University Collaboration
  • Collaborate closely with:
    • Development & Alumni Relations
    • Vanderbilt network campus directors
    • Vanderbilt Museum leadership
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Vanderbilt Career Center
    • Faculty and Academic leadership
    • Arts-focused Campus Partners and Staff
  • Support philanthropic strategy and fundraising efforts related to Vanderbilt's arts initiatives.
  • Partner with Development & Alumni Relations to support donor relationships, stewardship activities, and brainstorm new potential funding opportunities.
  • Coordinate across multiple departments and stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful implementation of arts initiatives.
  • Support development of integrated communications, social media campaigns, and
    promotional strategies related to arts programming and events.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Arts Administration, Museum Studies, or comparable advanced degree preferred.
  • 3-5 years of experience in arts administration, creative programming, project management, museum/gallery operations, public programming, arts philanthropy, or related field.
  • Demonstrated professional
  • Strong understanding of contemporary arts landscapes, emerging creative industries, and the evolving intersection of arts and technology.
  • Excellent relationship-building, networking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and executive presence.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in fast-paced, highly collaborative environments.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events and programming.
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce, and project management platforms.
  • Experience in supporting events or public programming preferred.
  • Experience working within higher education, museums, arts organizations, nonprofits, or cultural institutions preferred.

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University 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, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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