Description

Position Summary
Southern Utah University (SUU) and the College of Performing & Visual Arts (CPVA) invite applications for the position of Director of Curatorial Affairs of the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA).

This position serves a dual role supporting both the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and the Department of Filmmaking, Art, & Design (FAD) at Southern Utah University. Reporting to the Executive Director of SUMA, the position is responsible for the stewardship, interpretation, and activation of the museum’s permanent collection, while also contributing to the academic mission of FAD through teaching and student engagement.

At SUMA, the role determines appropriate storage conditions and standards of care for collection objects; designs and implements systems for documentation, cataloging, and information retrieval; and ensures the long-term preservation, accessibility, and research utility of the collection. The position catalogs new acquisitions, manages collection records, and responds to research and access requests from campus and external stakeholders. In addition, the role contributes to the conceptualization and implementation of exhibitions drawn from permanent and loaned works, supports curated traveling exhibitions, and leads educational tours and public-facing programming. The position also participates in grant writing and fundraising initiatives and provides supervision and support for collections and exhibitions staff. In collaboration with the Chair of the Department of Filmmaking, Art, & Design, the position includes a teaching component aligned with the candidate’s academic credentials and departmental needs.

Date of First consideration: 08/31/2026
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

For additional information, contact Dr. Rebecca Bloom, SUMA Executive Director
Email: rebeccabloom@suu.edu | Phone: 435-586- 5425

Essential Functions
Exhibitions, Curation & Program Strategy

1. Collaborate with the SUMA team to shape the overall direction, master calendar, and program strategy for exhibitions and related activities.
2. Serve as in-house curator, leading the planning and implementation of rotating exhibitions in collaboration with artists and guest curators.
3. Provide subject-matter expertise and oversee interpretive frameworks and scholarly content for exhibitions and collections.
4. Collaborate with the Executive Director to advance acquisitions, exhibitions, and collections initiatives.
5. Coordinate and assist with artwork transport as needed.

Collections Development & Stewardship

1. Develop and implement a long-range collections plan aligned with campus and community needs.
2. Support growth of the collection through strategic acquisitions and external funding.
3. Lead the Collections Committee, including agenda-setting, member education, acquisition strategies, and oversight of deaccessioning decisions.
4. Direct and review scholarly content for publications and digital platforms, including web content for the SUMA website.
5. Contribute to the Campus Collection Program and other collections-related initiatives.

Operations, Leadership & Administration

1. Ensure alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and values.
2. Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and budgets.
3. Support grant development and reporting.
4. Participate in staff hiring, onboarding, training, and supervision.
5. Facilitate effective team communication through meetings and operational planning.

Marketing, Design & Communications Collaboration

1. Partner with the Director of Marketing & Design and graphic designers to develop exhibition-specific visual identities and materials.
2. Provide guidance on design quality, branding consistency, and audience engagement.
3. Advise on marketing strategies for both exhibition-specific and broader museum campaigns.

Engagement, Partnerships & Educational Outreach

1. Build and sustain strategic partnerships to expand access to collections and integrate them into curriculum and public programming.
2. Assist and support volunteer and docent training, facilitate special visits, and engagement opportunities.
3. Contribute to interpretive materials such as gallery guides and visitor response activities related to each exhibition season.
4. Assist with event planning and implementation, particularly for large events such as Community Days and Day of the Dead.
5. Contribute to the planning and execution of major events, (including Community Days, Día de los Muertos), and cross-campus collaborations with SUU partners (e.g., USF, CPVA programs), ensuring alignment with institutional and programmatic goals.

Teaching & Instruction

1. In collaboration with the Chair of the Department of Filmmaking, Art, & Design, the position includes a teaching component of one (1) course per semester (F/SP) aligned with the candidate’s academic credentials and departmental needs. (Overload courses for additional compensation).
2. Instructional responsibilities may include courses in art history, general education, museum studies, or related areas, with an emphasis on classroom learning and potential experiential opportunities for students.
3. Assess learning outcomes and submit grades in accordance with university policy.

Additional Duties

1. Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission SUMA and the College of Performing & Visual Arts.

Requirements

Education & Experience
 Minimum Qualifications

1. Graduate degree – Minimum Master’s Degree
   1. Preferred – Terminal degree (Ph.D. / doctoral degree) in Art History or a related field.
   2. Emphasis on American Art of the Southwest or Native American Art is desired.
2. Demonstrated supervisory skills and experience.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and the ability to communicate effectively in speaking to both individuals and groups is required.
4. Proven organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to work across departments and with colleagues, trustees, volunteers, and community leaders.
5. Ability to maintain a positive, calm disposition in an ever-changing environment and during demanding times.
6. Must hold a valid driver’s license and be eligible to obtain and maintain SUU Motor Pool certification for operation of the SUMA van.
7. Credentials and experience for teaching & instruction:In collaboration with the Chair of the Department of Filmmaking, Art, & Design, the position includes a teaching component of one (1) course per semester (F/SP) aligned with the candidate’s academic credentials and departmental needs. (Overload courses for additional compensation).
8. Instructional responsibilities may include courses in art history, general education, museum studies, or related areas, with an emphasis on classroom learning and potential experiential opportunities for students.
9. Assess learning outcomes and submit grades in accordance with university policy.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with collections management or exhibition planning in comparable institutions such as museums, galleries, other cultural institutions or other similar type institutions.
2. Museum Studies certificate and/or previous museum experience.
3. Experience in museum administration, strategic planning, mentorship, and building collaborative relationships.

Supplemental Information

Application Materials Required

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
2. Letter of Interest / Cover Letter addressing qualifications and alignment with SUMA’s mission
3. Optional Writing Sample (e.g., acquisitions, exhibitions, and collections initiative, etc.)
4. Samples of teaching materials.
5. Unofficial Transcripts.
6. Contact information for at least three professional references.

In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check. 

This position is contingent on funding.

Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States. 

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.

In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.