Eleanor Merritt Fellowship

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 rotating through 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. 

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Other Information

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/.