Director of the IEAA and Professor

The University of Memphis invites applications for Director of the Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology (IEAA), to be appointed at the rank of Assistant (tenure-track) or Associate (tenured) professor commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

 This full-time position is funded by the Department of Art and Design and the Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology, a Tennessee Center of Excellence. The position reports directly to the Chair of the Department of Art and Design and will work collaboratively with other full-time faculty in both Art History and History, including the curator of the University of Memphis’s collection of Egyptian artifacts. 

Founded in 1984, the IEAA is a component of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, Department of Art and Design. The IEAA is dedicated to the study of the art and culture of ancient Egypt through teaching, research, exhibition, and community education. The IEAA also supports the fieldwork of faculty and students who participate in excavations and/or epigraphic projects in Egypt. 

Responsibilities

• Develop a clear vision for the future direction of the IEAA, including Institute-sponsored events and activities, external institutional fundraising, and coordination with other Egyptological institutes and organizations at the local, national, and international levels. 
• Develop, maintain, and update as needed a strategic plan for the IEAA that aligns with and strengthens strategic plans at the College and University levels. 
• Organize exhibitions, lectures, and collaborative programs that engage audiences, fostering partnerships with academic institutions and community organizations, as well as Memphis’ many and various stakeholders. 
• Cultivate proactive strategies for the expansion of the Institute’s programs. 
• Oversee the operating budget for the Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology, including coordination with other Egyptology faculty and students on the allocation of funds. 
• Coordinate with the Curator of the University of Memphis’ collection of Egyptian antiquities, including collections research, exhibition planning and management, website maintenance, and cooperation with lending institutions. 
• Participate in the organization of collaborative activities involving both students and colleagues in other related areas and/or scholarly fields. 
• Work with University Advancement to develop outside support for the Institute’s mission. 

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Egyptology or a closely related field is required (in hand by Spring 2027). 
• As Director of the IEAA, the successful candidate should be familiar with new and emerging trends in research within Egyptology and have competence in Middle Egyptian. 
• The successful candidate should possess experience teaching at the university level, mentoring and advising students, and applying for grants or other sources of external funding. 
• Prior administrative or institutional fundraising experience is strongly preferred. 

The University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.