Museum Assistant Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 Annually
Location : Cedar City, UT
Job Type: Full-time Staff
Job Number: 202600104
Division: Provost's Office
Department: Provost's Office
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
FLSA: Exempt
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: 08/05/2026
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
For additional information, contact Dr. Rebecca Bloom, SUMA Executive Director
Email: | Phone: 435-586- 5425
Essential Functions
1. Exhibitions, Curation & Program Strategy

• 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.

2. Collections Development & Stewardship

• 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.

3. Operations, Leadership & Administration

• 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.

4. Marketing, Design & Communications Collaboration

• 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.

5. Engagement, Partnerships & Educational Outreach

• 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.

6. 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).
• 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.

7. Additional Duties

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

Education & Experience
Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate degree - Minimum Master's Degree
  • Preferred - 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.
• 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. (Overload courses for additional compensation).
  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Supplemental Information
Application Materials Required

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
• Letter of Interest / Cover Letter addressing qualifications and alignment with SUMA's mission
• Optional Writing Sample (e.g., acquisitions, exhibitions, and collections initiative, etc.)
• Samples of teaching materials.
• Unofficial Transcripts.
• 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.
About the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA)
Located on the campus of Southern Utah University, SUMA features the artwork of significant regional artists such as Maynard Dixon, Edith Hamlin, and Jimmie F. Jones, as well as emerging and established artists from across the nation and world. The museum houses a robust print collection, including works by Marc Chagall, James McNeill Whistler, Kawase Hasui, Thomas Hart Benton, and Käthe Kollwitz.
Named "the best-designed museum in Utah" by Architectural Digest, SUMA's award-winning facility-designed by Brooks +Scarpa and inspired by southern Utah's iconic slot canyons-is an architectural landmark in its own right. More information:
About the College of Performing & Visual Arts
CPVA includes the Departments of Filmmaking, Art & Design; Music; and Theatre, Dance & Arts Administration. With approximately 70 faculty/staff and more than 900 students, the College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and maintains accreditation through NASAD, NASM, NAST, and NASD. Our collaborative outreach, including , the at SUU, and our partnership with the positions us as a creative beacon for the campus and community. With hundreds of performances, exhibitions, and events each year, the
Arts at SUU are central to the cultural foundation of our region. More information:
About Southern Utah University and Cedar City
Founded in 1897 as the Branch Normal School and elevated to university status in 1990, Southern Utah University is located in scenic Cedar City, Utah (population ~45,000), a stunning rural setting in the southwest corner of the state. The main campus spans 130 acres and is complemented by a 2,800-acre mountain property and an 800-acre farm. SUU serves more than 16,000 students and is known as The University of the Parks for its proximity to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and more than a 20 national parks, monuments, and recreation areas. The region offers unparalleled outdoor recreation, world-class arts, and convenient access to Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. More information: |
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
In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.
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