Arts Program Manager (10008592)

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.

Required Skills

• Accreditation Processes and Standards – VU
• Community
  Building – VU
• Educational Technologies – VU
• Event Management – VU
• Event Planning – VU
• Program
  Development – VU
• Program Evaluation – VU
• Program Management – VU
• Project Management – VU
• Stakeholder
  Communications – VU
• Student Information Systems – VU

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification
  10008592
• Posting Date 07/16/2026, 09:16 AM
• Locations Nashville, TN, United States (On-site)
• Job Schedule
  Full time
• Job Category Academic Affairs
• Job Function Academic Program Management
• Management Level
  Project/Program Management 2

Tagged as: Employment