Community & Audience Programs Manager

How to Apply

You must apply through the U-M Jobs website (umjobs.org). In order 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.

What You'll Do

The Community and Audience Programs Manager will be responsible for managing ongoing community and audience engagement programs including building community relationships through arts programming; planning and implementing programs for adult learners and general audiences; contributing to the design of and providing on-site management for artist residencies, facilitating dialogue and interactions with a range of partner organizations; and serving as lead producer for 2-3 of UMS's main stage live performances annually. Candidates must be skilled at sensitively and respectfully developing relationships and building trust with individuals and organizations from communities historically excluded from and underrepresented in traditional performing arts; have a passion for creating meaningful learning and participatory experiences for performing arts audiences; and possess strong administrative and project management skills.

Who We Are

Now in its th season, UMS continues to showcase traditional performing arts alongside contemporary artists and is admired across the country for its boundary-pushing roster of artists and its curious and supportive audiences.

Housed on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, UMS is one of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, committed to connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. With a program steeped in music, dance, and theater, UMS contributes to a vibrant cultural community by presenting approximately 60-75 performances and over free educational activities each season. UMS also commissions new work, sponsors artist residencies, and organizes collaborative projects with local, national, and international partners.

UMS was selected as one of the recipients of the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest public artistic honor, awarded annually by the president of the United States at the White House to those who have demonstrated a lifetime of creative excellence, according to the National Endowment for the Arts, which oversees the selection process. For more information on UMS visit :

Relationship Building

• Establish and maintain working relationships with individuals and organizations in communities across Southeast Michigan, local and regional partners, key collaborators from the University of Michigan, artists, educators and other content creators.
• With VP of Learning & Engagement, establish and maintain an advisory group for UMS?s bi-annual residencies.
• Plan and facilitate public meetings to share information and solicit ideas and feedback for UMS residency programming.

Program Development

ADMINISTRATION AND EVALUATION (25%)

LEAD PRODUCER (5% AS ASSIGNED)

contract, process, and disseminate all legal agreements between UMS and artist; advance show with road management; build and manage production schedule 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

Desired Qualifications

Work Locations

This is a full-time position that regularly requires evening and weekend work, with a core weekday M-F schedule. It is based in Ann Arbor, MI, on the campus of the University of Michigan. Evening and weekend work may be required.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile / remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the