Program Manager – Exhibitions & Artistic Production, 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 Exhibitions & Artistic Production 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 Exhibitions & Artistic Production will bring specialized expertise in artistic production management such as exhibition planning and installation, gallery management, and/or musical, theatrical, immersive, or other live event production. 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-June 2027.
This position is ideal for someone with industry experience in the visual and/or performing arts who is looking for opportunities to work on innovative projects that span disciplines while directly shaping the next generation of creative leaders. 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
- Gallery, Production, and Event Management
- Facilities Management
- 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 artistic curation, gallery, stage, or production management, and/or event planning, preferably in festival or multi-site settings
- A portfolio demonstrating a proven track record of excellence in gallery management, stage or other production management, or other artistic producing, preferably with visual documentation of final installation or live artistic performance as well as process documentation
- Exceptional project and relationship management skills with the ability to juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and collaboration
- 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
- Analytical problem-solving and strategic thinking skills with the ability to juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and consistency
- 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 schedules
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in relevant creative field (such as theatrical design; stage and production management; artistic producing; curatorial practice; or arts management)
- Technical proficiency with drafting and layout tools (such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or SketchUp)
- Technical proficiency in art handling standards
Additional Information
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter & Portfolio for full consideration of your application.
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.