Arts Education Program Manager

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) Arts Education Program Manager (AEPM) is a collaborative artist, administrator and educator with demonstrated expertise in undergraduate student success and retention frameworks, culturally relevant arts education, student mentorship, program development, and the integration of the three pillars of OMAI: academics, arts and activism. The AEPM facilitates the exploration of student interest in the arts within the context of the University by supporting artistic, academic, and social development of OMAI student interns and First Wave scholars through the development and facilitation of arts-based programming. The AEPM brings a broad skill set in student advising, event coordination, curriculum facilitation and inclusive arts programming (designing, delivering and evaluating). The AEPM is primarily responsible for the development, execution and assessment of OMAI arts education activities, and supports the formation of strategy, policy, and operational protocol for arts-based initiatives. This role oversees major aspects of the First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Scholarship Program (FW), including the development, curriculum, facilitation and supervision of the FW Touring Ensemble (outreach and performance student interns), coordinating student artistic development and securing additional artistic mentors across UW-Madison’s academic departments, managing logistics for performances and academic programming, and collaborating with campus and community partners. The AEPM also serves as a key mentor for students interested in arts-based educational and professional pathways. This position reports to the OMAI/FW Associate Director. This position is full-time, 100% FTE. This position is expected to start August 1, 2026. Ongoing/Renewable This position is expected to be fully on-site.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years professional experience planning and executing educational programming with a focus in Hip Hop, arts, activism, and college readiness
• Proficiency in planning and implementing courses, programs and events
• Experience in youth camps or programming, college advising, or direct student support services
• Experience and familiarity with mentoring practices to create a healthy work environment to achieve strategic priorities
• Experience as a professional artist and teaching artist
• High school diploma (or equivalent degree) required

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching or facilitating small and large group discussions
• Experience working with first-year college students, first generation, low-income and/or underrepresented students
• Knowledge of topics related to first-year student experiences and resources for transitioning to college
• Knowledge and/or experience with Canvas or related instructional technology
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) preferred; in a field of arts, education, or leadership development preferred

Responsibilities

• Serves as the liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups to identify and maintain academic program-related partnerships
• Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revised unit operational policies and procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and academic program objectives
• Holds instructor appointment with an academic department in the arts to facilitate 1st year First Wave Scholars’ artistic development curriculum (First Wave Creative Lab for 1-2 credit(s) in the Fall and Spring semesters)
• Evaluates existing academic program strategy and makes recommendations to unit leadership for program enhancement
• May manage the unit budget and approve unit expenditures
• Assists stakeholders with preparing and/or maintaining documentation, financial management, and/or reporting requirements related to sponsored grants, contracts, or agreements
• Leads the development and implementation of academic program initiatives
• Provides full service advising resources and services, provides information about educational options and academic requirements, and communicates directly with students regarding all aspects of the advising process
• May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees
• Manages degree programs and/or certificates, high impact practice programming and events, and curriculum development and implementation

Benefits

• This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
• Please review the summary of benefits for more information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED