Position Summary:

USF’s Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) seeks a visionary leader to serve as the Director & Chief Curator who will steer curatorial vision of the museum while stewarding the permanent collection and integrating programming with the academic and research missions of the University. As a vital component of an AAU university, the Director & Chief Curator will oversee a program that bridges experimental contemporary art with academic rigor. The ideal candidate is a curatorial strategist and community builder capable of navigating the intersection of the international art world and the diverse cultural landscape of the Tampa Bay region. The Director will manage a talented team to build on CAM’s existing strengths and chart a new course for the future. Taking the curatorial lead, the Director will bring an ambitious perspective to defining the museum's scope and direction of exhibitions, programming, education and acquisitions. The individual will be encouraged to champion strategic thinking and approaches to contemporary art, while seizing opportunities to be creative, experimental, and innovative. The Director is a key member of the Dean’s Administrative Council - a collaborative, consultative, innovative and dynamic group of directors, who work closely to advance the mission and goals of the College and the University’s arts district. 

The Director & Chief Curator will be an empathetic and collaborative leader, who understands that an academic museum’s impact is measured by its integration into a university’s academic programs, as well as by attendance numbers. They will develop and execute an ongoing curatorial and programmatic schedule that supports the mission of the College of Design, Art & Performance, captures the interest of the community, and embraces the multidisciplinary vision of USF’s arts district.

Organizational Summary:

The USF Contemporary Art Museum is housed in The College of Design, Art and Performance (CDAP) at the University of South Florida (USF) located on the Tampa campus and reports to the Dean of CDAP. The museum is joined in CDAP by the Schools of Art and Art History, Theatre and Dance, Music and Architecture, in addition to Graphicstudio. CAM researches, organizes, presents, commissions, and travels temporary exhibitions, manages the Public Art Program for USF, and shepherds and develops the permanent art collection. CAM engages students, faculty, and staff, and the broader Tampa Bay community, as well as national and international audiences, with educational programs including lectures, symposia, workshops, and community-based projects designed to promote dialogue, visual literacy, and creative thinking. CAM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

As the creative center of the University of South Florida, the College of Design, Art & Performance provides an enriched, creative, and professional environment for tomorrow’s leaders in architecture, design, art, art history, dance, music, and theatre. The college is home to the university’s arts district, Contemporary Art Museum, Graphicstudio and the Florida Center for Community Design. The college embraces opportunities to embed new and existing arts programming in the rapidly growing regional communities and serves as an integral engine for socioeconomic progress through its research, advocacy, and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Advance an innovative vision for the museum by bringing new philosophies, ideas, and approaches to exhibitions, collection installations, the permanent collection, acquisitions, educational experiences, community and donor engagement, and museum events.
• Develop and plan engaging curatorial initiatives, in collaboration with CAM employees and partners, including the exhibition schedule, educational experiences, publications, and digital resources.
• Foster collaboration and deepen connections with other CDAP units, specifically the School of Art & Art History, the School of Architecture & Community Design, the School of Music, the School of Theatre & Dance, the Florida Center for Community Design & Research, and Graphicstudio.
• With CDAP’s Director of Development, build and maintain an Advisory Board that is highly engaged and assists with leveraging and securing resources.
• Act as spokesperson for the museum to a wide and inclusive base locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Maintain open communication with all constituencies regarding the evaluation of financial, programmatic, and overall impact, comparing performance to stated milestones and goals.
• Work collaboratively with CDAP and USF partners and community stakeholders in the development of a multidisciplinary arts district.
• Maintain consistent adherence to guidelines of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) to ensure continued AAM accreditation.
• Supervise CAM Museum faculty, administrative employees, and staff to include planning, coaching, rewarding, and recognizing. Responsible for appraising performance and ensuring that the training and development needs of employees are met.
• Ensure the security and safety of the museum facility and the collection; oversight for environmental, health and safety procedures for employees, visiting artists, and public visitors.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (MFA or doctoral) in art history, art studio practice, museum studies, arts administration or other related degree, or equivalent experience; demonstrated extensive knowledge of contemporary art.
• Curatorial experience with a record of exhibitions in contemporary art, and of working with established and emerging artists to realize commissioned exhibitions or projects.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to communicate complex concepts about visual art, history, and cultural practice to an audience that ranges from casual museum goers to academics. 
• Ability to collaborate internally and externally and cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, faculty, staff, community, and donors.
• Understand and maintain the highest ethical standards related to organizational responsibilities, public accountability, and university policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum five years' experience in museum management or an arts administration supervisory role.
• Track record in fundraising in tandem with a development officer, with annual giving campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, including the cultivation and recognition of donors.
• Demonstrated success developing strategies and opportunities for innovative revenue enhancement, including proficiency in navigating federal (NEA/NEH) and state-level grants, as well as emerging private sector impact-investing in the arts.
• Experience working at an accredited academic museum and experience with accreditation processes.
• Ability to inspire and build confidence across a broad range of constituencies including but not limited to members of staff, advisory board, University community, and region.
• Experience with managing facilities and fiscal operations.

The College expects to pay a salary between $120,000-$150,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Candidate Instructions for consideration: 

Apply online at https://fa-ewkd-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/USF/job/42608/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

Submit a cover letter and CV/Resume.

Preferred application submission by March 4, 2026. Applications will be reviewed until position is filled.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.