Director, Curatorial Affairs (Southern Utah Museum of Art)

Southern Utah University•Cedar City, UT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Southern Utah University (SUU) and the College of Performing & Visual Arts (CPVA) are seeking a Director of Curatorial Affairs for the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA). This role supports both SUMA and the Department of Filmmaking, Art, & Design (FAD) by managing the museum's permanent collection, including its stewardship, interpretation, and activation. Responsibilities include ensuring proper storage and care, implementing documentation and cataloging systems, and preserving the collection for accessibility and research. The Director will catalog new acquisitions, manage collection records, and respond to research requests. Additionally, the role involves conceptualizing and implementing exhibitions, supporting traveling exhibitions, leading educational tours, and conducting public programming. Grant writing, fundraising, and supervising staff are also key aspects. The position includes a teaching component of one course per semester in collaboration with the FAD Chair, focusing on areas like art history, museum studies, or general education, with potential for experiential learning opportunities for students.

Requirements

Graduate degree – Minimum Master’s Degree
Demonstrated supervisory skills and experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and the ability to communicate effectively in speaking to both individuals and groups is required.
Proven organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to work across departments and with colleagues, trustees, volunteers, and community leaders.
Ability to maintain a positive, calm disposition in an ever-changing environment and during demanding times.
Must hold a valid driver’s license and be eligible to obtain and maintain SUU Motor Pool certification for operation of the SUMA van.
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.
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.
Assess learning outcomes and submit grades in accordance with university policy.

Nice To Haves

Terminal degree (Ph.D. / doctoral degree) in Art History or a related field.
Emphasis on American Art of the Southwest or Native American Art is desired.
Experience with collections management or exhibition planning in comparable institutions such as museums, galleries, other cultural institutions or other similar type institutions.
Museum Studies certificate and/or previous museum experience.
Experience in museum administration, strategic planning, mentorship, and building collaborative relationships.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the SUMA team to shape the overall direction, master calendar, and program strategy for exhibitions and related activities.
Serve as in-house curator, leading the planning and implementation of rotating exhibitions in collaboration with artists and guest curators.
Provide subject-matter expertise and oversee interpretive frameworks and scholarly content for exhibitions and collections.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to advance acquisitions, exhibitions, and collections initiatives.
Coordinate and assist with artwork transport as needed.
Develop and implement a long-range collections plan aligned with campus and community needs.
Support growth of the collection through strategic acquisitions and external funding.
Lead the Collections Committee, including agenda-setting, member education, acquisition strategies, and oversight of deaccessioning decisions.
Direct and review scholarly content for publications and digital platforms, including web content for the SUMA website.
Contribute to the Campus Collection Program and other collections-related initiatives.
Ensure alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and values.
Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and budgets.
Support grant development and reporting.
Participate in staff hiring, onboarding, training, and supervision.
Facilitate effective team communication through meetings and operational planning.
Partner with the Director of Marketing & Design and graphic designers to develop exhibition-specific visual identities and materials.
Provide guidance on design quality, branding consistency, and audience engagement.
Advise on marketing strategies for both exhibition-specific and broader museum campaigns.
Build and sustain strategic partnerships to expand access to collections and integrate them into curriculum and public programming.
Assist and support volunteer and docent training, facilitate special visits, and engagement opportunities.
Contribute to interpretive materials such as gallery guides and visitor response activities related to each exhibition season.
Assist with event planning and implementation, particularly for large events such as Community Days and Day of the Dead.
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.
Teach one (1) course per semester (F/SP) aligned with the candidate’s academic credentials and departmental needs.
Assess learning outcomes and submit grades in accordance with university policy.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission SUMA and the College of Performing & Visual Arts.