Programming and Engagement Specialist

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

1d•$50,000 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts & Engagement are seeking a Programming & Engagement Specialist to serve as a key connector between Hancher's visiting artists and the University of Iowa's creative campus. This role is central to the planning, coordination, and on-the-ground execution of artist residency engagements, fostering meaningful relationships between visiting artists, faculty, students, and community partners across the university. As Programming & Engagement Specialist, you will bridge Hancher's annual visiting artist program with the rich academic and creative life of the University of Iowa. You will work in close collaboration with colleagues (faculty, staff, students) within Hancher and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement, UI performing arts academic departments (Dance, Music, Theatre Arts), other UI departments and offices, and visiting artist teams to design and deliver engagement experiences that deepen the impact of each residency. This role requires strategic relationship-building skills, aptitude for hands-on coordination, and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting artists and communities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, music, theater, dance, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience (experience equivalency equals an AA degree and 2 years additional experience or 4 additional years of experience)
Minimum 1 year of experience in arts programming, residency coordination, community engagement, or a related role
Extensive proficiency in organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.
Extensive proficiency in written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with various stakeholders including artists, faculty, administrators, and community partners

Nice To Haves

A minimum of 2-4 years of experience in arts programming, residency coordination, community engagement, or a related role
Experience working in a university or higher education environment
Familiarity with performing operations including box office, front of house, production, and marketing
Experience coordinating artist residencies or touring engagements
Existing relationships within the University of Iowa’s academic or creative community

Responsibilities

Planning, coordination, and on-the-ground execution of artist residency engagements.
Fostering meaningful relationships between visiting artists, faculty, students, and community partners across the university.
Bridging Hancher's annual visiting artist program with the rich academic and creative life of the University of Iowa.
Working in close collaboration with colleagues within Hancher and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement, UI performing arts academic departments, other UI departments and offices, and visiting artist teams to design and deliver engagement experiences.
Deepening the impact of each residency through designed engagement experiences.