May 2, 2023

Eleanor Merritt Fellowship – The Ringling, Sarasota, FL

Eleanor Merritt Fellowship at The Ringling (Job ID 53082)

About The Ringling

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a part of Florida State University. Want to learn more about The Ringling?

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Applications due: May 15, 2023

How to Apply

Apply by using this link: bit.ly/MerrittFellow

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Fellowship Description

The Eleanor Merritt Fellow, on a 9 to 12-month visiting A&P appointment, works under the supervision of the Associate Director of Academic Affairs and Collections to primarily conduct research and complete arts administration and museum operations tasks and/or projects supporting The Ringling’s Strategic and Equity plan.

The first half of the fellowship focuses on projects and tasks spanning multiple Ringling departments supporting The Ringling’s Strategic and Equity Plan; the second half of the fellowship focuses on projects/programs supporting the fellow’s future academic goals and profession development related to The Ringling’s Strategic and Equity Plan.

The fellowship is named to honor Eleanor Merritt (1933-2019), a prolific artist, art educator, and The Ringling’s first African American docent and board member. Merritt explored the interrelatedness of society, spirituality, and gender while using the human figure in a range of styles derived from a wide cultural matrix inclusive of her African and Caribbean roots as well as the Abstract Expressionist education she received at Brooklyn College in the 1950s. Merrit was also an important early advocate within national and regional art organizations such as the Women’s Caucus for Art (WCA) Women of Color Slide Project, the Sarasota Visual Arts Center, as well as the Sarasota Arts in Public Places committee.

Fellowship Responsibilities

ARTS ADMINISTRATION AND MUSEUM OPERATION ROTATIONS:

Review, learn, and perform department-level tasks supporting The Ringling’s Strategic and Equity Plan as directed by respective department heads. Rotate through multiple Ringling departments to include Archives, Collections (Registration and Preparation), Conservation, Development, Education, Library, Marketing, and Visitor Services to gain a broad understanding of arts administration and museum operations.

FELLOWSHIP PROJECTS:

Create, develop, and implement one or more projects and/or public programs supporting The Ringling’s Strategic and Equity Plan. Projects/public programs can also support the fellow’s specific academic goals and professional development. May assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:

Assist and support the Development department in developing partnerships and funding opportunities with local, regional, and national partners related to the Ringling’s Strategic and Equity Plan.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS:

Assist the Associate Director of Academic Affairs and Collections with developing and conducting higher education research, programs, activities, and events related to the Ringling’s Strategic and Equity Plan to include visitor study activities.

SHARING THE FELLOWSHIP:

In coordination with the Executive Director and Deputy Director, develop and conduct a series of lectures/talks (at least one a quarter) for Ringling board members, staff, volunteers, members, visitors, and community organization members related to fellowship activities. Attend and present fellowship activities at least one professional conference.

Qualifications

Please note your application is not complete until you have uploaded the following items:

– Cover letter explaining your interest in the Fellowship and ongoing professional goals.

– Resume listing relevant experience.

– A writing sample demonstrating your communication and critical thinking skills (not to exceed 1,000 words).

– Three reference letters (academic and/or professional).

– Unofficial undergraduate transcripts.

Additional required qualifications include:

– Bachelors and 2 years’ experience or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to six years. (Note: higher education can substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)

– Knowledge of applicable computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite.

– Ability to write and/or proofread and edit written word and/or information in various formats.

– Ability to perform assigned responsibilities with minimal to moderate supervision.

Preferred qualifications include:

– Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, cultural heritage, art history, history, or other arts-related field preferred.

– Minimum of one-year academic, professional, and/or volunteer experience within cultural arts area.

Contact Information

For more information, or for technical assistance, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or employment@ringling.org.

Anticipated Salary Range

The anticipated rate of pay will not exceed $35,705 annually and will be based on the education, skills, and experience of the selected candidate.  

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs. Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Museum employees also receive:

Schedule

Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one hour meal period.

Criminal Background Check

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check, to include fingerprinting. The background check will be conducted as authorized and in accordance with University Policy 4-OP-C-7-B11.

Equity Statement

The Ringling is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. As such, we are always seeking individuals dedicated to innovation and excellence. A successful candidate will work effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive setting. We especially encourage applications by individuals from underrepresented groups, with a demonstrated commitment to a culturally and intellectually diverse workplace.

Should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please email employment@ringling.org or call 941-358-2773.

Learn more about our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Categories: Job Postings