Eleanor Merritt Fellowship (1 Year)

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a department of Florida State University. Learn more about The Ringling at https://www.ringling.org/about-ringling/careers.

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

The first half of the fellowship focuses on:

• Gaining a broad understanding of arts administration and museum operations by working with multiple departments (Archives, Collections - Registration & Preparation, Conservation, Development, Education, Library, Marketing, and Visitor Services).
• Creating and implementing one or more projects and/or public programs
• Assisting with developing and conducting higher education research, programs, activities/events, visitor study activities, and special projects and other duties as assigned.  

The second half of the fellowship focuses on:

• Projects/programs supporting the fellow's future academic goals and profession development.
• Developing and conducting a series of lectures/talks for Ringling board members, staff, volunteers, members, visitors, and community organization members related to fellowship activities.
• Attending and presenting fellowship activities at least one professional conference.
• Assist and support the Development department in developing partnerships and funding opportunities with local, regional, and national partners.

Important skills relevant to this role include:

• Solid time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Problem solving (independently and in a team).
• Ability to work with a wide variety of people and stakeholders with a focus on meaningful partnerships. 

• 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.)
• Minimum of one-year academic, professional, and/or volunteer experience within cultural arts area.
• Valid Driver's license or the ability to obtain

Your application is not completed until you have attached the following items:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the Fellowship and post-fellowship professional goals.
• Resume listing relevant education, skills, and experience.
• Writing sample demonstrating your communication and critical thinking skills (not to exceed 1,000 words).
• Unofficial undergraduate transcripts.
• Email addresses for three professional or academic references

Please note that if selected, for interview a work sample will be administered.

• Bachelor's degree in museum studies, cultural heritage, art history, history, or other arts-related field preferred.
• Project management experience.
• Technological knowledge and skill in systems such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and Zoom.
• 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.

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. Merritt 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. Learn more at https://www.ringling.org/about-ringling/careers/internships-fellowships/.

While helpful, the following are not required for consideration:

• Previous experience in community engagement or outreach 
• Skill in public speaking

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.

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

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.

Rate of Pay: The rate of pay will be $48,000 annually. 

• Should you have any questions or concerns related to housing or the cost of moving if selected for this role please contact academic.affairs@ringling.org. 

We offer a very generous employee benefits package including but not limited to paid vacation and sick leave policy, tuition reimbursement, and more! Find out more about our comprehensive benefits package under the "FSU Total Rewards" section.

Working Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one hour meal period. Please note that evenings or weekends may be required based on the needs of The Ringling.

• We anticipate hiring in early to mid August 2025 but are flexible based on the needs of the selected candidate. 
• This position is based in Sarasota, FL and all work is completed on site.
• This is an A&P position.
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check, to include fingerprinting.

For more information, technical assistance, or should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or employment@ringling.org. 

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer. 

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.