University Programs Manager

Details

Posted: 2026-06-10

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 278636

You must apply through the U-M Jobs website (umjobs.org). To be considered, your application package must include a resume and cover letter, not to exceed one page, describing how this position fits with and advances your career goals.

(90%) Arts/Academic Integration Program Administration and Development

Relationship Building:

• Effectively build and maintain working relationships and act as a liaison to: U-M faculty, students, and administrators who are key UMS collaborators; Visiting artists who participate in engagement activities on campus; Key community collaborators outside of the U-M community
• Working with U-M faculty, research and identify potential curricular connections between the UMS season and University course offerings
• Host artist visits to classrooms and facilitates interactions with students and faculty
• Actively recruit faculty participation in UMS programs from schools and colleges beyond SMTD and LSA
• Maintain connections with ongoing, annualized courses and programs such as Great Performances and Medical Arts Program
• Promote learning through the arts in the student population

Program Administration and Development:

• Manage and contribute to the development of UMS's university programs. Manage artist participation in the programs, determining availability and/or capacity to participate. Follow industry trends in campus engagement, arts integration techniques, and creative learning, and apply innovative strategies to connect U-M and the campus community with UMS.
• Administer UMS course development grants and facilitate Classroom Tickets program
• Serve as the primary coordinator between UMS, LSA and SMTD in the planning and delivery of masterclasses and other student engagement with artists
• Provide promotional, curricular and administrative support for faculty members teaching the annual "Engaging Performance" course (a collaboration between LSA, SMTD, and UMS)
• Lead application process and provide administrative support for the UMS/UM-Flint Artist in Residence, working with contacts at the Arts & Culture Research Cluster and Riverbank Arts at UM-Flint
• Manage the 21st Century Artist Internship program, liaising with contacts internally and at SMTD; oversee the application process, selection of interns, placement with external companies, and offer guidance and support to interns throughout the process
• With the Vice President of Learning & Engagement, contribute to the development of and evolution of plans for continuing arts integration and campus engagement for the future

Logistics and Implementation:

• Plan and communicate program budgetary needs and variances, deadlines, marketing/promotional needs, staffing and other logistics;
• Manage and track expenses related to UMS's campus engagement programs, including honoraria, course development funds, and fees to faculty and guest content creators, along with all expenses and contracts related to artist participation
• Evaluate and assess campus engagement programs, measuring progress against goals
• Contribute to fundraising proposals and reporting with data collection and tracking, plus qualitative analysis and feedback
• Communicate marketing and promotional requirements to support UMS's campus engagement programs

Lead Production (10% as assigned)

• Serve as a lead producer of select UMS mainstage and Ypsilanti Freighthouse performances and events, taking lead responsibility for the successful implementation of the given event or residency.
• Duties include: Contract, process, and disseminate all legal agreements between UMS and artists; Advance show with road management; Build and manage production schedules and assess all staffing needs; Work with the Vice President of Learning & Engagement to explore and facilitate program activities; Coordinate with the UMS Production Director to plan and implement all technical and production needs for the event or residency.

Required Qualifications

• 1-2 years' experience working in a higher education setting; demonstrated ability in communicating effectively with faculty, administrators, and students in developing content-based events.
• B.A. or B.F.A. in theater, dance, music or the humanities.
• Ability to navigate a variety of University settings (such as faculty meetings, departmental forums, panels, and advisory committees) as a highly visible, public representative and advocate for UMS.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, as well as proficient skills in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• 1-2 years' experience in program development, cultural engagement, and event planning.
• Ability to work weekend and evening hours.
• Ability to work onsite to manage and supervise projects.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with post-secondary teaching and curricular development is a plus (including graduate student teaching).
• Additional applicable years' experience working in a higher education setting.
• Additional applicable years' experience in program development, cultural engagement and event planning.
• Masters degree or higher in theater, dance, music or the humanities.