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The David W. and Mary S. Benfer Circus Curatorial Research Fellowship (1 Year)

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
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Department

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.

Responsibilities

This 12-month visiting A&P appointment integrates the David W. and Mary S. Benfer Circus Curatorial Fellow as a member of staff within the Circus & Archives department at The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. In this role, the fellow will participate in the documentation, interpretation, and display of objects related to the circus and its allied arts. The position will report to the Tibbals Curator of Circus and will work closely with the curator, the Chief Archivist, and the Circus Registrar to expand, document, and share knowledge about objects in the museum’s permanent collections.

The 2025-2026 Benfer Circus Curatorial Research Fellow’s projects will primarily be focused on developing exhibition and program plans related to the 2027 centennial of circus in Sarasota, marking the anniversary of John Ringling moving the winter quarters of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows to the area and making Sarasota the home of the American Circus.

The fellow will have the opportunity to curate one or more exhibitions of posters or prints and will work with the Circus Exhibits team on routine rotations of objects in the galleries. As appropriate, the fellow will be encouraged to lead public gallery talks or pursue publishing opportunities related to their work with the Circus collections.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Supports the day-to-day operations of the Circus & Archives department through participation in the planning and implementation of exhibits and updates in the Circus galleries. Assists with the interpretation and display of objects related to the circus and its allied arts. Works with the Circus Exhibits team on routine rotations of objects, posters, and prints in the Circus galleries. May curate one or more exhibitions of posters or prints.
  • Researches and documents the Museum’s collections including posters, prints, costumes, props, and wagons. Provides other curatorial support for future exhibition projects in the Circus Collection. May pursue publishing opportunities related to work with the Circus collections.
  • Performs scholarly research in support of the Archives and Registration departments. Assists in cataloging Circus collections and documents connections between objects across the collections. Facilitates research requests and inquires about the circus and allied arts.
  • Coordinates with the Education department on public facing programming (gallery talks, lectures, or youth and family programs). May lead public gallery talks and/or give public lectures about curatorial work and research findings.
  • Serves as an ambassador for The Ringling and provides outreach to the circus community. Participates in special projects and other duties that support museum operation as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in History, American Culture, Theater, Art History, or a related field
  • Knowledge of:
    • Collection database programs such as TMS
    • Collections development, acquisitions, and cataloguing.
  • Knowledge of and ability to:
    • Apply the processes, procedures and methods used in museum operations in compliance with applicable governing entities such as the American Alliance of Museums.
    • Use applicable computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.

Contact Info

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. 

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

The rate of pay will be up to $50,000 annually and based on the education, skills, and experience of the selected candidate. Find out more about our comprehensive benefits package under the "FSU Total Rewards" section.

FSU Total Rewards

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.

How To Apply

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.

Your application is not complete until you have uploaded:

  • A position-relevant resume and cover letter that includes relevant experience, course work, and skills
  • A writing sample (10 pages or less and may be part of an academic paper)
  • Contact information (phone and/or email) for at least 3 professional references

Considerations

  • This is an A&P position.
  • This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
  • Work Location: Sarasota, FL
  • This position is a one-year visiting fellowship.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.