Museum Hue
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art -Executive Director
Museum Hue, Lakeland, Florida, United States, 33809
Overview
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College (FSC) seeks an Executive Director to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction, advancing the Museum’s mission as a distinguished academic and cultural resource for the College and surrounding community. Following a recent 14,000-square-foot expansion, The AGB offers enhanced exhibition galleries and dedicated spaces for education and public programming, positioning it for a new era of growth and innovation guided by the Museum’s strategic plan. FSC has retained a national executive-recruiting firm, Museum Search & Reference, to help guide its search. Responsibilities
Report to the College President and oversee all aspects of the Museum’s operations, including curatorial vision, educational initiatives, community engagement, and collection stewardship. Provide guidance on acquisitions through The AGB’s Acquisitions Committee and work with campus and community partners to integrate the Museum’s resources into the academic life of the College. Expand the Museum’s reach and impact throughout the broader region while sustaining and strengthening long-standing community partnerships with K–12 schools and educators. Lead and develop a dedicated staff of thirteen and manage an annual budget of approximately $2 million. Lead fundraising efforts in collaboration with FSC’s advancement and marketing offices, including donor cultivation and grant activity, with support from The AGB’s Board. About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College is a nationally recognized private college with a liberal arts heritage, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The College features an undergraduate major in Art History and Museum Studies and is home to a prominent collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. FSC is located in Lakeland, Florida, between Orlando and Tampa, and serves approximately 3,300 students with a focus on experiential education and a vibrant campus culture. About The AGB
"The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College is an academic and community museum that engages audiences of all ages with world-class exhibitions, programs, and experiences..." (2025 AGB Mission Statement). The AGB offers rotating exhibitions, classes, workshops, lectures, tours, and concerts, and maintains a permanent collection of over 3,400 works including works by Rembrandt, Picasso, de Creeft, Warhol, Chihuly, and Ringgold. The collection spans modern and contemporary American art, European drawings and prints, Old Master paintings, photography, design, and decorative arts. The AGB earned AAM accreditation in 1983 and joined the Smithsonian Institution alliance in 2010. In 2017, the Museum affiliated with FSC, and a new 14,000-square-foot wing debuted in 2025, expanding to 50,000 square feet of galleries, social spaces, and classrooms with modern educational technologies. The Museum collaborates with multiple FSC academic departments to foster interdisciplinary teaching, learning, and research. Opportunities
Direct the staff and collaborate with College partners to assess organizational strategies and alignments that strengthen the institution. Maintain and expand community relationships and campus collaborations to advance local engagement. Grow and diversify innovative academic opportunities rooted in the Museum’s collection, programming, and expertise. Engage with the School of Architecture and the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitors Center to co-create mutually beneficial initiatives for students, faculty, and visitors. Candidate Profile
While it is unlikely that a candidate will meet 100% of the qualifications, the following attributes represent the ideal candidate. Professional Expertise and Museum Experience: Demonstrated success in museum leadership (3–5 years preferred) in an academic museum; familiarity with professional standards per the American Alliance of Museums and related bodies. Education: Advanced degree in art history, museum studies, arts administration, or related field; Ph.D. preferred but not required. Academic and Creative Vision: Ability to foster interdisciplinary, experiential learning and innovative exhibitions and programs within an academic environment. Leadership and Organizational Development: Strategic, inspirational leadership with a collaborative, growth-oriented culture among staff, interns, volunteers, and stakeholders. Fundraising, Financial Oversight, and Resource Management: Experience with budgeting, long-term planning, and donor cultivation; ability to contribute to fundraising efforts with advancement staff. Collaborative Partnership Development: Skilled in building enduring relationships with faculty, students, alumni, community members, and external partners. Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Engagement: Commitment to inclusive representation across collections, exhibitions, and programs; capacity to amplify underrepresented artists and narratives. Institutional Representation and Public Engagement: Serve as a strong ambassador for the Museum on campus, in the community, and within regional and national networks. How to Apply
To apply in confidence, submit application by November 7, 2025 to: Dana Friis-Hansen, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference. Applications may be submitted via the following link: TheAGBArtMuseum search page. Compensation
$150,000 to $160,000 salary range; competitive college benefits including 403(b) plan, medical and dental insurance, and reciprocal tuition exchange. Florida has no income tax. Nominations and Applications
Please include a cover letter, résumé or C.V., and the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications and nominations are kept confidential; references are contacted only with your permission. Equal Opportunity employer. For more details, visit the open searches page: www.museum-search.com/open-searches. About Lakeland
Lakeland is a vibrant city in Central Florida known for its arts scene and lakes, located an hour from Orlando and Tampa. The city offers a rich cultural life, affordable living, and a growing economy supported by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and a budding startup ecosystem. The area features notable cultural venues, parks, and recreational opportunities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College (FSC) seeks an Executive Director to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction, advancing the Museum’s mission as a distinguished academic and cultural resource for the College and surrounding community. Following a recent 14,000-square-foot expansion, The AGB offers enhanced exhibition galleries and dedicated spaces for education and public programming, positioning it for a new era of growth and innovation guided by the Museum’s strategic plan. FSC has retained a national executive-recruiting firm, Museum Search & Reference, to help guide its search. Responsibilities
Report to the College President and oversee all aspects of the Museum’s operations, including curatorial vision, educational initiatives, community engagement, and collection stewardship. Provide guidance on acquisitions through The AGB’s Acquisitions Committee and work with campus and community partners to integrate the Museum’s resources into the academic life of the College. Expand the Museum’s reach and impact throughout the broader region while sustaining and strengthening long-standing community partnerships with K–12 schools and educators. Lead and develop a dedicated staff of thirteen and manage an annual budget of approximately $2 million. Lead fundraising efforts in collaboration with FSC’s advancement and marketing offices, including donor cultivation and grant activity, with support from The AGB’s Board. About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College is a nationally recognized private college with a liberal arts heritage, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The College features an undergraduate major in Art History and Museum Studies and is home to a prominent collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. FSC is located in Lakeland, Florida, between Orlando and Tampa, and serves approximately 3,300 students with a focus on experiential education and a vibrant campus culture. About The AGB
"The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College is an academic and community museum that engages audiences of all ages with world-class exhibitions, programs, and experiences..." (2025 AGB Mission Statement). The AGB offers rotating exhibitions, classes, workshops, lectures, tours, and concerts, and maintains a permanent collection of over 3,400 works including works by Rembrandt, Picasso, de Creeft, Warhol, Chihuly, and Ringgold. The collection spans modern and contemporary American art, European drawings and prints, Old Master paintings, photography, design, and decorative arts. The AGB earned AAM accreditation in 1983 and joined the Smithsonian Institution alliance in 2010. In 2017, the Museum affiliated with FSC, and a new 14,000-square-foot wing debuted in 2025, expanding to 50,000 square feet of galleries, social spaces, and classrooms with modern educational technologies. The Museum collaborates with multiple FSC academic departments to foster interdisciplinary teaching, learning, and research. Opportunities
Direct the staff and collaborate with College partners to assess organizational strategies and alignments that strengthen the institution. Maintain and expand community relationships and campus collaborations to advance local engagement. Grow and diversify innovative academic opportunities rooted in the Museum’s collection, programming, and expertise. Engage with the School of Architecture and the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitors Center to co-create mutually beneficial initiatives for students, faculty, and visitors. Candidate Profile
While it is unlikely that a candidate will meet 100% of the qualifications, the following attributes represent the ideal candidate. Professional Expertise and Museum Experience: Demonstrated success in museum leadership (3–5 years preferred) in an academic museum; familiarity with professional standards per the American Alliance of Museums and related bodies. Education: Advanced degree in art history, museum studies, arts administration, or related field; Ph.D. preferred but not required. Academic and Creative Vision: Ability to foster interdisciplinary, experiential learning and innovative exhibitions and programs within an academic environment. Leadership and Organizational Development: Strategic, inspirational leadership with a collaborative, growth-oriented culture among staff, interns, volunteers, and stakeholders. Fundraising, Financial Oversight, and Resource Management: Experience with budgeting, long-term planning, and donor cultivation; ability to contribute to fundraising efforts with advancement staff. Collaborative Partnership Development: Skilled in building enduring relationships with faculty, students, alumni, community members, and external partners. Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Engagement: Commitment to inclusive representation across collections, exhibitions, and programs; capacity to amplify underrepresented artists and narratives. Institutional Representation and Public Engagement: Serve as a strong ambassador for the Museum on campus, in the community, and within regional and national networks. How to Apply
To apply in confidence, submit application by November 7, 2025 to: Dana Friis-Hansen, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference. Applications may be submitted via the following link: TheAGBArtMuseum search page. Compensation
$150,000 to $160,000 salary range; competitive college benefits including 403(b) plan, medical and dental insurance, and reciprocal tuition exchange. Florida has no income tax. Nominations and Applications
Please include a cover letter, résumé or C.V., and the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications and nominations are kept confidential; references are contacted only with your permission. Equal Opportunity employer. For more details, visit the open searches page: www.museum-search.com/open-searches. About Lakeland
Lakeland is a vibrant city in Central Florida known for its arts scene and lakes, located an hour from Orlando and Tampa. The city offers a rich cultural life, affordable living, and a growing economy supported by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and a budding startup ecosystem. The area features notable cultural venues, parks, and recreational opportunities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr