What are the responsibilities and job description for the Arts Program Manager position at Vanderbilt University?
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.
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.