Arts Program Manager

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. **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 relations…