Program Manager – Arts Research & Academic Engagement, The Arts Initiative, University of Notre Dame
The Arts Initiative is actively building a collaborative and cross-functional team where each staff member mobilizes specialized expertise to lead projects but also works broadly with diverse academic departments, administrative units, and external collaborators. The Program Manager of Arts Research & Academic Engagement is a critical member of the initiative’s small, highly motivated team and will manage complex, cross-functional projects and programs across all three priority areas of the initiative: research and creative practice; student engagement; and community partnerships.
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Program Manager of Arts Research & Academic Engagement will bring specialized expertise in interdisciplinary arts research, teaching, and academic engagement, preferably with both faculty and students at the university level. This position will also play a pivotal role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Notre Dame Arts Biennial, a six-month collaborative festival grounded in the visual, performing, spatial, and literary arts. The inaugural biennial will run from January to June 2027.
This position is ideal for someone with an advanced degree in an arts discipline who is looking for opportunities to contribute to university and community-wide impact by applying expertise in arts research and practice to the administration of academic arts programming. The successful candidate will be prepared to navigate a startup environment within an established institution and will be motivated by ambitious endeavors that require both compassionate collaboration and energetic innovation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Academic Arts Program Management
- Strategic Storytelling and Reporting
- Cross-Functional Leadership and Administrative Support
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree (4 years), preferably in an arts, humanities, or other related discipline
- A deep commitment to the mission of both the Arts Initiative and the University
- A desire to support the flourishing of South Bend and the region through the arts
- At least 3 years of professional experience in cross-functional project and program management, preferably in either an arts administrative role or within higher education
- Exceptional project and relationship management skills with the ability to juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and collaboration
- Strong written and oral communication skills across a range of platforms and for diverse audiences
- Self-directed, team player with the ability to take initiative and work autonomously as part of a small team while effectively navigating a large university environment
- Comfortable navigating the ambiguity that comes with a startup project and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities as the initiative expands
- Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and Google Workspace
- Ability to learn Notre Dame’s software systems, policies, and procedures (GLez, BuyND, etc.), as well as Asana, an online project management system
- Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends based on event and production schedules
Preferred Qualifications:
- An advanced degree in an arts, humanities, or other related discipline
- Research and/or teaching experience in higher education
- Experience managing projects in a festival or multi-site setting
- Previous professional experience with event planning as well as public relations, marketing, and/or other relevant communications experience
- Experience evaluating and reporting on programmatic impact
Additional Information
Deadline to Apply: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Required Documents: Resume & Cover Letter for full consideration.
Hiring Pay Range: $55,000-65,000, commensurate with experience.
Please note: This is a limited-term position through June 30, 2029, with the possibility of extension.