Program Manager, Exhibitions & Art Production

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame (IN)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 65,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

The University of Notre Dame’s Arts Initiative seeks a Program Manager of Exhibitions & Artistic Production to lead cross‑functional projects spanning research, student engagement, and community partnerships. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will oversee exhibition planning, installation, and live events while navigating a startup atmosphere within a large university.

Ideal candidates bring at least 3 years in artistic production or festival settings, a strong portfolio, and proficiency

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree (4 years), preferably in an arts, humanities, or related discipline.
A deep commitment to the mission of 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 production management, or other artistic producing, ideally with visual documentation of final installation or live artistic performance as well as process documentation
Exceptional project and relationship management skillswith 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, and Asana
Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends based on event schedules

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the managing director and Arts Initiative staff to plan, implement, and adequately staff an annual program of exhibitions, productions, and special events.
Serve as a central cross-departmental and external liaison between internal teams, external artists, and vendors collaborating on artistic production led or supported by the initiative, with particular emphasis on the Notre Dame Arts Biennial.
Build and maintain production schedules, budgets, and project workflows that translate large projects into actionable steps.
Lead the design, installation, and deinstallation processes for each exhibition in the Arts Initiative’s gallery spaces and in select off-site locations as special projects arise.
Source, onboard, and direct external vendors such as production and rental companies, technicians, designers, printers, and fabricators.
Deliver operational excellence in the cross-functional area of finance as it relates to project implementation. Track and manage project budgets and ensure work stays within allocated financial limits. Prepare expense reports and process contracts, purchase orders, invoices, and other payments. Ensure accurate documentation and reconciliation of all financial records.
Mentor student fellows and/or student workers to support exhibition, production, and event planning and implementation.