Program Specialist Jobs in Iowa

INTRODUCTION

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.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Hancher is a 50+ year-old university arts presenter housed in a facility (opened in 2016). Presenting 80+ events annually across dance, music, theater, comedy & multidisciplinary projects, Hancher brings artists to the University of Iowa campus and the wider Eastern Iowa community. Central to Hancher's identity is a robust visiting artist program that places artists in meaningful residency with the university, creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and creative exchange that extend well beyond the stage. Recent artist residencies have included dance pioneers Trisha Brown Dance Company, visual theater company Manual Cinema, classical pianist and writer Jeremy Denk, contemporary bassist & songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello, and classical ensemble Minnesota Orchestra among many others. Hancher reports to the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement within the Office of the Provost. The Office of Performing Arts and Engagement oversees Hancher, stewards collaboration across the UI performing arts campus, and assists with overall development of the UI’s creative campus.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 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

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrates an EXTENSIVE proficiency level in:

• Organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with various stakeholders including artists, faculty, administrators, and community partners

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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

TO APPLY

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must complete BOTH of the following documents and mark them as a “relevant file” to the submission:

• a current resume
• a cover letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the process.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Work Modality: This position is onsite at Hancher Auditorium

Compensation: Anticipated salary will be $50,000 – $55,000 with Competitive Benefits

Reach out to Tracey Pritchard to learn more about benefits, compensation practices, and career development opportunities.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Classification Title: Perf Arts Program Specialist
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

COMPENSATION

• Pay Level: 3A
• Starting Salary Minimum: 50,000

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Organization: Provost
• Contact Name: Tracey Pritchard
• Contact Email: tracey-pritchard@uiowa.edu